Transcript: Getting down to business

GippsTAFE's vision is to be the best quality provider of flexible learning solutions in Australia. This case study identifies the key organisational factors GippsTAFE has implemented as it strives to achieve its vision, with a particular emphasis on the role of e-learning. This case study is compiled from interviews with GippsTAFE staff, observations from colleagues outside the institute and from the results of an institute-wide survey.

GippsTAFE's CEO, Peter Whitley, has been driving the organisation's flexible learning vision since his appointment. He has earned respect from his staff for his commitment to his vision, through his experience, the directing of resources and the empowerment of staff.

Bradley Beach is the manager of the Innovation and Organisational Development Team, which is a senior position within the institute. He is highly regarded in the institute for his vision, his innovative approach and his realistic appraisal of business opportunities.

The Innovation and Organisational Development Team is a diverse mix of individuals whose task is to meet the institute’s need in flexible learning. Roles within the unit include Organisational Development Coordinator, Curriculum Officer, Pathways Officer, Online Project Officers, Online Content Developer and a TAFE VC Administrator. Three staff have been flexible learning leaders and one worked for five years at TAFE Frontiers. Six of the staff have backgrounds in teaching.

The manager of the Innovation and Organisational Development Team is clear about the role and purpose of innovation, funding and process. It was to build the business. New Practices projects are taken on if there is a clear strategic purpose, not just to secure funding. From its introduction in 1998 the number of online learners at GippsTAFE has grown from 40 in 1999 to over 2 500 in 2006. Innovation is viewed as a progressive investment. Since 2001 staff have been trained in online facilitation skills, a very successful online facilitation program has been available and significant investment has been made in the area of online voice technology.

The Innovation and Organisational Development Team enjoys genuine support from GippsTAFE’s senior management. It allows innovative ideas to develop, opportunities to be exploited and targets to be met.