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Mangosuthu University of Technology Annual Report
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A Social Cohesion workshop was held from 29th to 30th
August 2015 in preparation for the SRC elections.
A farewell function was held on the 17th August 2015 at
Coastlands to acknowledge the contribution and support
of the current SRC in the governance and administration
of the university.
IMPROVING SUCCESS RATES
The Vice-Chancellor informed Council that the University
has a number of initiatives to assist students improve
academic performance, even in the Student Residences.
These included the ‘Masifunde’ campaign where the SRC
plays a major role in encouraging a learning culture on
campus.
Student Leadership and Cultural Immersion visit to Tanzania
– A delegation, led by the Dean of Students visited Tanzania
from 26th September 2015 to 6th October 2015.
3.12 Statement on IT Governance
The MUT Information Technology and Networks (ITN)
directorate reviewed IT governance structures and
processes and prepared the following recommendations
and submissions for consideration and implementation:
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
The ITN directorate identified COBIT5 and ITIL V3
frameworks as suitable governance frameworks for
adoption and phased implementation at MUT. The
implementation of Control Objectives for Information and
Related Technology (COBIT) framework for information
technology (IT) management and IT governance will enable
council and management to bridge the gap between
control requirements, technical issues and business risks.
The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
framework will provide best practices and align IT actions
and expenses to business needs and change them as the
business grows or shifts direction.
DIRECTORATE STRUCTURE
The ITN directorate proposed a new structure to address
deficiencies of old structure and to create new capabilities
as recommended by COBIT and ITIL governance
frameworks. The proposed structure was submitted for
consideration by the relevant HR Committee.
REPRESENTATION AT HIGHER LEVEL
The DVC resource and planning tasked the ITN directorate
to consult and benchmark with other universities on
possibleandappropriate ITgovernanceandrepresentation
within council or suitable sub-committee. The process was
started late in 2016 and initial input has been obtained. A
recommendation is planned for completion and council
consideration mid-2016.
MONITORING OF IT ASSETS
The ITN directorate implemented a new platforms and
processes for the purpose of monitoring IT assets. The
platform has been successfully commissioned to monitor
and manage IT contracts, services and assets.
SIGNIFICANT IT INVESTMENT
The ITN directorate proposed that in order to address
financial resources constraints and effective IT asset
lifecycle management, MUT must start leasing of
appropriate IT equipment (such as PCs and laptops)
instead of outright purchase thereof. This recommendation
obtained approval from relevant council committee.
IT RELATED POLICIES
The ITN directorate reviewed current policies and
submitted to the relevant structure a recommended
list of IT policies for council approval and thereafter
implementation in 2016 onwards.
COMPUTER COMMITTEE
The computer committee met 4 out of 4 times to deliberate
on ITN matters and submit reports to the Senate.
This report is signed by: