Following on from our post on ‘why’ institutions should be delving into Academic Program Financial Management, and the previous tips on data requirements and project staffing, this week’s tip provides advice on Model Business Rules and Assumptions. Tip 3 – Model Business Rules and Assumptions (a list of some of most essential ones) Firstly, the […]
READ MOREFollowing on from our post on ‘why’ institutions should be delving into Academic Program Financial Management, and last week’s post on data requirements, this week’s tip provides advice on the level of project support needed to support these models. Tip 2 – Project Staffing (who is needed and why) These types of models often require […]
READ MOREFollowing on from last week’s blog post on ‘why’ institutions should be delving into Academic Program Financial Management, this post provides advice on the types of data needed to support these models. Tip 1 – Data Data extracts are required from multiple siloed systems. These include Financial Management, HR/Payroll, Student Management Systems, Timetabling and sometimes […]
READ MORECan you estimate the cost of new Programs that your institution is considering adding to your curriculum? New Subjects? What is the cost difference to teach different student types (domestic, international, in-state etc.) in each Program? Or Subject? What is the magic ‘breakeven’ student number for each Program? Subject? And how does this change when […]
READ MOREBenchmarking has long been one of the most valuable tools for higher education leaders. By comparing operational and academic performance against peers, institutions can identify strengths, uncover efficiency gaps, and plan for the future with greater confidence. But traditional benchmarking has its limitations. Annual reports are often delivered as static PDFs or spreadsheets, with access […]
READ MOREWhy Understanding the Cost of Teaching Matters More Than Ever Australian universities operate in an environment of constrained public funding, growing demand for diverse delivery modes, and pressure to maintain educational quality. Understanding the cost of teaching is crucial for academic leaders navigating these pressures to ensure sustainable and mission-aligned resource allocation. Collaborative research by […]
READ MOREWhy Evaluating Courses and Forecasting Programs Is Critical As universities navigate increasing complexity and financial pressure, academic leaders are seeking more data-informed ways to evaluate programs and forecast resource needs. In the fifth episode of Pilbara Insights, host Lea Patterson speaks with Fred Reich, Corporate Management Accountant at the University of Wollongong, to unpack this […]
READ MOREWhy Managing University Research Portfolios Matters for Institutional Success Managing a university’s research portfolio is far more than allocating funds, it’s a strategic exercise that shapes an institution’s research identity, academic reputation, and financial sustainability. Universities face increasing complexity due to constrained government funding, competitive grant environments, evolving academic roles, and emerging global research priorities. […]
READ MOREThis article is written for senior leaders in higher education, including vice-chancellors, provosts, deans, chief financial officers, and institutional planners. It assumes an advanced understanding of university operations, strategic planning, and the nuances of higher education finance. Why Budget Models Matter for University Strategy University budget models are more than accounting tools. They are strategic […]
READ MOREHow Leading Universities Balance Mission and Financial Sustainability In today’s higher education environment, where institutions face funding volatility, increased regulatory scrutiny, and shifting learner expectations, program review and optimisation has evolved into core strategic functions. These processes are no longer solely about quality assurance or academic benchmarking; they now serve as vital tools for aligning […]
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