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The University accepts that there is still a residual culture in the University which places an over-emphasis on systems of control and these could become an obstacle to implementing some of the features of the Strategic Plan. Indeed the University raised this issue itself in discussion with the Panel and explained how it was seeking to change the culture to promote innovation and new ideas. The University has already had some success in this objective by communicating the goals of the Strategic Plan throughout the Institution and through its various efforts to streamline its existing processes through, for example, the reengineering programme. The University recognises that it must continue its efforts to change the culture and will pursue this as vigorously as possible whilst not losing sight of the need for public accountability.
The University accepts the need both to review regularly the Strategic Plan and to ensure that Operational Plans are developed in line with the objectives and goals articulated in the former. The University also accepts the need to monitor the relative emphasis place on the separate components in the Plan; in particular to ensure the appropriate balance between teaching and research. These objectives will be tackled through a requirement for individual departments to adopt a more formal approach to their own planning cycles and by ensuring the resources allocation system is more closely linked to the objectives of the Strategic Plan.