Kathleen's+Proposal



Increasing Institutional Productivity through Peer-to-Peer Software Support Kathleen Lepori**
 * Technical Proposal

**Executive Summary**
//Statement of the Problem:// In order for WestEd to remain a contemporary organization and maintain a competitive advantage, our company needs to purchase new software for employee desk and laptop computers. Once installed, WestEd’s Institutional Services department (IS) will be faced with the global integration of the newly acquired software. With limited human and physical training resources, it is imperative to find effective ways to improve and build upon the existing process. Getting staff functioning fully and successfully on the new technology can be time-consuming and difficult to maintain. One of the important goals of this proposal is to shift some reliance from IS staff to peer-supported workers. Managing technological change with a flexible process such as a peer supported network enables greater knowledge sharing,

//The Proposed Intervention:// The proposed intervention will be to install new and updated software, distribute training electronically over the corporate network, and institute Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Support Groups throughout the twelve WestEd departments. A case study, using the P2P model, revealed net positive impact. The projections from this study conservatively projects that the resources spent on new technology and methods will be off set and surpassed by the resources saved on the old technology and methods as well as the benefit of the positives generated by the new technology and methods.

Trained P2P facilitators can help employees cope with change while acquiring new knowledge and skills. Training will be ongoing via self service using tools such as instant messaging and audio, video, and Web conferencing. The processes for learning and managing knowledge will be to take advantage of individual and collective brain power of WestEd’s dynamic staff. The goal is to create a learning environment that provides, supports, and nurtures a set of expectations, cultural norms, and resources to facilitate and guide the ongoing change process. The Peer-to-Peer Support Group model, previously introduced as this researcher’s action research project, has proven to be an effective and harmonious intervention when learning and transitioning into new technology. Each team member operates within a shared set of values and norms and possesses unique skills, competencies, expertise and capabilities.

//Overall Effectiveness of the Intervention:// An important influence on the effectiveness of this change process will be the utilization of better real-time communications resources—the P2P support network. This peer-supported system will enable employees to learn more efficiently, solve problems faster and deliver solutions more readily while creating an environment for present and future collaboration. Company-wide training can be accomplished without the need of IT management’s constant involvement. Utilizing the P2P Support model will improving productivity, save employees (and the company) time and will make their training and jobs easier.

**Detailed budget:**

 * STAFFING BUDGET**
 * EQUIPMENT BUDGET**




 * TOTAL BUDGET (See Budget Justification/Rationale - p. 4)**



Budget Justification/Rationale:
MS Office Suite 2008: Purchase and install to all WestEd employees so that every staff member will have the same latest version software avoiding confusion with document sharing. Other software including Adobe Creative Suite will be given to approximately 350 staff that use this software on a regular basis to perform their job duties.

Part of the budget will be allotted to IS staff to identify high-level users of technology tools used across institution. IS will also aid in identifying program experts in each department/office that will provide ongoing support to peers.

Ongoing, frequent training on the use of newly installed software will be given through webinars using Wimba classroom, video-conferencing, Smart Boards, WebEx, etc.

Videoconferencing equipment will be installed in the remaining 8 WestEd offices that do not yet have this technology.

Smart Boards will be installed in conference rooms of each of WestEd’s 17 office locations. This technology will connect offices, programs and team members throughout the US. With SMART solutions, conferencing becomes a visual, interactive experience, and keeping records of meetings is effortless. Teamwork now becomes an even more collaborative and inclusive process.

Program Directors will attend IASTED International Conference on Computers and Advanced Technology in Education~CATE 2009~Globalization of Education Through Advanced Technology. November 22 – 24, 2009 St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Budget includes monies to establish P2P Support Groups in all departments throughout all WestEd offices that will provide ongoing training and support with the new technologies for a period of one year from date of installation.