Moving towards a new USI information system
Institutional Communication Service
19 February 2021
Work continues on the renewal of the Information System of Università della Svizzera italiana. Following the authorisation of the extraordinary cantonal funding for the period 2021-2024 and the programme's approval, the renewal of the processes aimed to optimise the management tools of USI continues.
The Information System is the set of data, programmes, processes and people that supports the management of Università della Svizzera italiana. On the one hand, USI, as an academic institution, produces knowledge and, on the other hand, bases its management, like all modern organisations, on information and data. There is a need for an information infrastructure that can support the fundamental organisational processes, allowing all employees to efficiently and securely manage data and processes.
In the first 15 months the information system has been developed incrementally involving only small resources. Currently, it is made up of different components that are not always homogeneous among the various Campuses and Faculties and does not allow for the complete integration of different types of data, making it hard to manage processes and strategic planning optimally.
One of the objectives of the renewal of the Information System is precisely to optimise some management tools to avoid duplication while maintaining the differences that define the Faculties and Campuses.
Another aim of the renewal process is to update some technological elements that have become obsolete over time, such as creating more straightforward and intuitive user interfaces that can be used on various devices.
Among the needs that will be met, there will also be the issue of collecting and making available the data needed in the decision-making process at all levels, always taking into account data protection requirements.
Looking to the future
When renewed, the USI Information System will supply vital information for strategic and operational decision-making, allow a reduction and optimisation of management tools, support the rationalisation of processes and guarantee updated management tools.
In practice, 2021 will witness the launch, for example, of a new application for planning and managing study programmes and courses, a business intelligence module on research projects and a new tool for managing student mobility.