QUT Enterprise Data and Analytics

⁠⁠⁠QUT is a major Australian university with a ‘real world’ focus. Based in Brisbane with campuses at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove, the University offers more than 300 academic and professionally-oriented programs across a broad range of disciplines. QUT has a global outlook, over 47,000 students and around 13,000 staff (approximately half of which are academics).

QUT appointed a Chief Data Officer (CDO) in December 2017 who has been tasked with developing an insight-driven culture which ensures QUT achieves maximum value from its ethical use of data and analytics. To achieve this, information needs to be fit for purpose, available in the right place, at the right time, and most importantly, trusted.

The Enterprise Data and Analytics department is being reshaped. A new organisational structure has been developed to build strength in our data capabilities and services and a renewed focus on analytics. Its’ service model is being transformed into one that is Centre Led where pockets of excellence within business functions are recognised across the university with leadership, best practice and advanced specialist skills provided from a central function. To that end, QUT will be seeking an Enterprise Data and Analytics platform to support this new mode of operation. One that is customer centric, focused on agility in responding to customer needs, whilst ensuring quality of delivery.

The broad challenges this transformation seeks to resolve include:
* Analytics and Data Discovery
Whilst some functional areas are served well, others feel they cannot get the right data and analysis, at the right time, to support business needs and support their strategic goals.

* Data Integration, Storage and Engineering
There are vast amounts of data across the University of which less than 10% is captured in the existing data warehouse. There are data quality issues within source systems data; once in the data warehouse the data is clean but the business transformation rules are not documented well and transparent to the consumer.

* Reporting and Analytics Platforms
Whilst there is an Enterprise Data Warehouse managed by the department, other data warehouses are currently operating around the University and more are in development because the current arrangements lack reliable and efficient solutions to meet ongoing customers’ needs.

* Technology Infrastructure
The University has adopted a cloud strategy which has yet to be adopted for data and analytics services. The future solution will need to support the transition from a data centre to a cloud service.

QUT is releasing this Request for Information (RFI) to inform and facilitate:
1. Implementation of a new data and analytic platform and maturation of the university’s Data and Analytics capability as it seeks to implement a centre-led based operating model,
2. Ensure due consideration has been given to modern IT architectures and data management practices, particularly the use of new cloud based technologies, and
3. The consolidation and / or retirement plan for existing data warehouse and reporting solutions as QUT transitions to the new platforms and ways of working.

QUT will be seeking both a viable technical solution (choice of platform and components) and professional services to aid in its implementation as well as supporting internal capability uplift.

This Request for Information (RFI) will help inform a future procurement activity.

To ensure fair and transparent procurement activities can be conducted for the new service, without unfairly benefiting or prejudicing market players, only the information provided in this RFI is available at this time.

Any enquiries should be submitted in writing to procurement@qut.edu.au.