UQ has innovative approach to communities

A new business system is being launched within The University of Queensland today to allow researchers and academics better manage their projects with industry and communities.

Mr David Henderson, Managing Director of UniQuest Pty Ltd will officially hand over the Faculty Business System to Mr Bruce Muirhead, Director of UQ’s Community Services and Research Centre at a function at The Ipswich Club, 14 Gray Street, Ipswich this afternoon at 4.30pm.

“This is a new innovation for any University in Australia,” Mr Henderson said. “The Faculty Business System was designed and built upon a proven business model used by UniQuest. It is a simple system applicable to any level within the University from Faculties, Schools and Centres and not only satisfies the University’s rules and policies but also normal commercial business principles”.

Mr Muirhead said the Faculty Business System would be a “boon” to the centre offering academic staff a flexible, quick-to-use commercial business system. A comprehensive database management system, part of the Faculty business system, would also offer a means of tracking projects and provide a platform for continuous improvement to maintain the high standards of the Centre.

The Community Services and Research Centre’s core mission is to integrate research, teaching and learning to improve community well-being and capability. The Centre encourages new and creative initiatives linking The University of Queensland and the community, works collaboratively with stakeholders and to introduce new models of service provision learning experiences and programs, involving collaborative community, government and corporate partnerships.

UniQuest is the technology and consulting company of The University of Queensland specialising in adding value to the outcomes of research at an early stage and fostering links between emerging technologies developed by university researchers and industry. The Consulting and Research unit of UniQuest provides industry, government and commerce with access to the intellectual and technological resources of the University.

“The Faculty Business System is an example of UniQuest’s endeavour to assist academic staff create linkages and partnerships between The University of Queensland and industry and communities,” Mr Henderson said.

Media contact: Gary Heyden, General Manager Consulting & Research, UniQuest Pty Limited, telephone 33653803 or 0410476849. File photos are available on request from Diana Lilley, UQ photographic librarian telephone 07 3365 2753.