Load Planning Modernisation

⁠⁠⁠Flinders University is seeking proposals from suitably qualified vendors to support the modernisation of the University student load planning capability. Through this procurement, the University intends to engage a partner who can codesign, codevelop, and implement a contemporary solution that strengthens the accuracy, transparency, and scalability of student load planning across the institution.

This RFP represents a key step in advancing the University strategic commitment to data informed decision making and operational excellence. Flinders University invites responses from vendors with proven expertise in delivering modern planning solutions whether leveraging the University existing data platform or recommending an alternative platform (SaaS or PaaS) aligned with the University functional and nonfunctional requirements.

The successful Vendor will be offered a 3-year contract consisting of an initial 3-year fixed term plus 1+1 year extension options, commencing from June 2026.

BACKGROUND

Student load planning is a critical process that enables Flinders University to forecast demand, allocate teaching resources, support financial planning, and ensure sustainability of course offerings. Over time, the University current tools and processes for load planning have revealed significant limitations, including fragmented data integration, reliance on manual effort, and variability in approaches across colleges and portfolios. These issues have been highlighted in multiple prior Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) submissions.

In response, the Load Planning Modernisation Project has been established to modernise the University approach and uplift institutional capability. Rather than applying incremental fixes to existing processes, the project aims to deliver an end to end capability uplift, enabling consistent, transparent, and scalable load planning practices across the University.

The envisioned solution will provide:

Improved accuracy and consistency in student load planning, supporting enhanced decision making at course, college, and institutional levels.

Reduced manual effort and operational risk, decreasing reliance on spreadsheets or bespoke tools.

Greater transparency and comparability across organisational units, strengthening governance, assurance, and executive reporting.

To achieve these outcomes, the University seeks a vendor partner capable of delivering a modernised solution that integrates effectively with existing systems and supports the University long term planning needs. Vendors may propose use of the University current data platform or recommend an alternative platform that best meets the University's requirements