Business Planning Program
The business planning program aims to achieve a consistent, whole-of-university approach to operational and financial planning, strategic risk management and workforce planning. Business planning encompasses the three strands of the University’s activities – learning & Teaching, Research & Research Training and Knowledge Transfer – and supports the execution of the University’s Strategic Plan. Business planning is an important part of the University cycle of planning, budgeting and review.
The University’s overarching accountability framework is set out in the document Ensuring Accountability. Divisional business plans are developed within the context of the University’s Growing Esteem Strategic Plan and the annual University Plan. These documents set out Melbourne’s priorities and strategic directions. Subsidiary portfolio plans provide further leadership and guidance in relation to learning and teaching, research and research training and knowledge transfer. All academic and central divisions are required to develop comprehensive business plans, addressing the challenges and opportunities of the following five years. Business Plans are updated annually, with major updates expected from areas of the University undergoing significant change and renewal.
The University Planning Office is responsible for coordinating the overall planning program, and provides on-going support and guidance for planning processes. The Business Planning Reference Group, chaired by the Senior Vice-Principal, provides leadership and high-level guidance for business planning. The University is implementing a revised business service model using a responsible division management approach. A new budget model has been adopted for 2009 and a realignment of enabling services is underway. This will require new roles and responsibilities being defined. See the Responsible Division Management website for the latest developments and timelines.
Divisions need to incorporate changes arising from RDM implementation into their business plans due 6 May 2009. This website contains a standard set of centrally available information and documentation to support the development of business plans. This includes key data-sets, policy documents, business plan templates and links to Financial Operations, Melbourne Research Office, Responsible Division Management Project Office and other relevant sites.
Most Business Planning documents will be available to authorised personnel. Please contact your Faculty or Department General Manager, or our office, for more information.
Key information is set out under the following headings:
- 2009 Business Plans
- 2009 Key dates for the Planning and Budget Cycle
- 2009 Timeline for Financial Forecasting and Budgeting
- 2009 Timeline for Student Load Profiling and SSM
- Specification for Academic Division Business plans
- Specification for Central Division Business plans
- Business plan templates
- Information, Data and Policy
- University official publications
- 2008 Business Plans
For further information or assistance please contact Rebecca Cullen x44597.