RIAS collects data in project's first step
Archived article from Oct 13, 2000
By Harvey Trabb
The gathering of data from more than 200 business office staff, managers and others during more than 100 interviews, a critical step in defining various business requirements for the Rutgers Integrated Administrative System (RIAS), has been completed.
RIAS is a three-year effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the university's business practices by adding online capabilities and reducing inefficiencies.
Using the data from the interviews, the RIAS implementation team is now developing a detailed picture of the "as-is" state of current Rutgers business practices and data needs. The team is also developing a variety of strategic documents on testing, documentation, systems operations and other topics.
Project Director William C. Turnbull explained that the gathering of the data was the first component of a six-step RIAS work plan. The next step in the process will be to conduct a detailed operational analysis before designing solutions specifically geared to meet the university's current and future administrative requirements.
A business managers group representing Rutgers' three regional campuses and major units has been established to assist the RIAS project teams in defining the problems and developing solutions, Turnbull said.
For detailed information about RIAS's scope, progress, timeline, and team and committee members, go to the RIAS Web site, found at www.rias.rutgers.edu. A RIAS open house and general presentation will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the Center Hall of the Busch Campus Center.
Phases of RIAS
RIAS is divided into two phases. The first, which is already under way, is scheduled to run through June 2002. It addresses core applications and includes training for all end users of the system, from directors to clerks. During this phase, such applications as general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, human resources, payroll, grants accounting, purchasing and labor distribution will be designed, tested and implemented. These applications will "go live" on July 2, 2002.
In the second phase, which is scheduled to run from July 2002 to July 2003, additional applications in areas such as budgeting will become part of the live system.
Business Managers Group
Dayle Bartell, business manager, Graduate School of Education
Denise Berilla, director for planning and infrastructure, School of Engineering
Christopher Caracino, director of business affairs, Newark
Sandra Epstein, assistant director of administration and public relations, CAIP
Charles Fusco, director of facilities financial services
Betty Lou Heffernan, assistant dean for budget and administration, SMLR
Carolyn Knight-Cole, associate director of business affairs, Dining Services
Barbara Lemanski, associate dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences-New Brunswick
Ralph Lindauer, director of business services, Cook College
Carol Martancik, associate provost for administration services, Newark
Ann Martin, executive director of business affairs, Faculty of Arts and Sciences-New Brunswick
Natalie Migliaro, assistant athletic director, New Brunswick•
Mark Rozewski, associate provost, Camden
Edmund Scheer, assistant dean for administration, Rutgers College
Lucia Schutz, associate director of business affairs, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research
Merryl Simon, assistant director for finance, Institutional Research and Planning/RUCS
John Ternyila, assistant athletic director, New Brunswick•
• These two people will share responsibility for their area
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