Princes, Paupers and Progress: a Report on the Parallel Session

IWMW-2000, 7 Sept 2000

Session leader: Miles Banbery, University of KentSession reporter: Malcolm Raggett, School of Oriental and African Studies

Outline of sessionInitial talk by Miles outlining how to:

get more moneyuse that money wellgain user support by providing a professional serviceset up unconventional deals with others

3 groups discussed:professionalismefficiency and productivityfinancial resources

Professionalism

What makes us professional?Ability to communicateValidation against some norm (e.g. qualification or registration)User surveysStandards (e.g. Codes of Practice)measurement

Efficiency and Productivity

Improvements could be achieved byStandardised approaches – processes & proceduresRapid identification of common needs & wantsStandardising offered optionsImproved teamworkImproved project planning and workload management

Financial ResourcesRealistic and consistent re-chargingCentralise Web provision & re-chargeBarterEstablish central funds & allow bidsAccredit students & use them via an “agency”Know the rules and play themKeep an ear to the ground, an eye on the screen and be nosey, to piggyback on others’ funding

Further action

Establish a set of incremental or modular qualifications for Web/e-publishing professionalsIssue guidelines of Good Working Practice for Web/e-publishing professionals and offer training Offer middle-management training in communications, teamwork, customer relations and project managementOffer training in creative ways of getting and using financial resources, including writing bids and proposals, negotiation skills and sources of information about funding.