ISANA

Debra Langton

Abstract: Two years ago, under the duress of exponential growth in all areas, Macquarie International undertook a significant restructure. The redesign was driven by volume, resourcing issues (both financial and human), relationship management, marketing considerations and professional development opportunities for all staff. One of the major outcomes of the restructure was the creation of Macquarie Abroad, a specialised unit for all of Macquarie’s short term eg study abroad and exchange initiatives. In light of consistent and continued growth, and taking into consideration forecast growth, Macquarie International has completed another significant review of both its structure and resourcing levels. This has resulted in the creation of new roles and amalgamation or reclassification of other roles.

The aim of this review was to achieve best practice in the use of available resources to improve the service delivery of all outcomes to stakeholders, whilst limiting knowledge gaps and communication gaps. With international activities being so crucial to the function of the university, the professionalisation of international activity into an organised unit, governed by strategic business plans and not hidden away inside faculties, is critical. Since the original paper was presented at the 2002 ISANA Conference, Macquarie International has received many enquiries into its structural reviews. This session will look at the history of Macquarie International’s structures and will allow delegates to see the evolution of roles within a large international office. It is hoped this will help individuals, departments and larger units in finding approaches that may fit their needs for managing their own international eduction outcomes.

Key Words: resources, structure, workplace redesign, education abroad, exchange, study abroad, internships

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