SAMSON

Shared

Architecture for

eMployer

Student and

Organisational

Networking

• Support data sharing and communication between learners/employees, businesses and HEIs

• By developing and implementing a scalable, modular web services infrastructure

• So that we can:– Improve efficiency and integrate activities around

employer engagement in the region– Create joined-up experiences

• for Nottingham postgraduates on work/project placements

• for employers and employees interacting with universities for CPD

• for HE staff, building relationships with businesses

Aims of SAMSON

Re-using working systems and transforming existing data in real time into open standards, moving via web services. How do we engage the users in the project?

Simple picture – diverse users

• Has HR dept already bought into L&D activities with HEIs keen to enhance processes tp manage these programmes willing to prototype & pilot. Perception: ‘joint research’

• ‘Would like employees to record their progress on course at NTU - or at any uni in the UK - and their managers to see how they are getting on… Would like tutor to discuss with employee where they want to go technically and then the company can provide support.’ HR manager, engineering company

• Feedback from SME suggests possible transfer to analogous situation: smaller companies with apprentices taking NVQs in FE

The large employer

• ‘M’s are the main target in an economic downturn; also groupings

• No interest in the abstract concept – want relevant, cost-saving, simple IT

• Have to be already engaged with the HEI and see benefits to existing processes

• Need placements and training to be matched to specific needs – much to be done here

• Postgraduate placement programmes have real benefits to offer = effective way in to significant number and range of SMEs

SMEs

• Enhanced front end and web services for OPUS, open-source student work placement system

• RSS feed from OPUS into institutional portal

• Employer requirements case studies• Quick start guide for new users of

PebblePad eportfolio, one of the learner portals into the SAMSON system

Products being developed