Assignment:
Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow.
Case study 1
Jacob has recently been employed at NewSky Services, a not-for-profit provider of disability support services in the local community. The service is overstretched in terms of funding, staff and resources, and there is a waiting list of people wanting assistance. Jacob is meeting with Margot, his manager, to discuss a new way to improve the organisation's performance.
Margot: 'Thanks for meeting me, Jacob,'
Margot smiles. They both take out notepads, pens and laptops to take notes.
Jacob: 'No problem. How can I help?'
Margot: 'That's the question. I know you previously worked in a larger organisation and I was hoping to draw on that experience. I'd like to put you in charge of evaluating our collaborative practices and networks. I'm sure that there are a lot of opportunities that we're not making the most of in our current practices.'
Jacob: 'Great! In my induction package I noticed that we don't work very closely with other organisations at the moment. I'm sure that there are a lot of opportunities that we can generate with other services. What focus did you have in mind?'
Margot: 'That's exactly what I've been thinking. I think that we're under-participating in industry networks. There's a lot to be gained by collaborating with other individuals and groups, both for the organisation as a whole, for us as workers and for the people that we provide services to. First, I'd like you to evaluate our current collaborations and networking actions, and put together a report for me. I think we need a clear understanding of where we're at and what needs to be improved. How does that sound?'
Jacob: 'Perfect. I'll also put together a list of suggestions regarding how collaboration can improve our services. I'll get started right away'.
Question 1
What should be in Jacob's report to help to evaluate the ways in which individual and organisational performance may be improved through collaboration?
Question 2
Provide two benefits of networking and collaboration for people with support needs that Jacob might identify.
Question 3
Provide two benefits of networking and collaboration for NewSky Services that Jacob might identify.
Question 4
Provide two benefits of networking and collaboration for individual workers that Jacob might identify.
Question 5
How will this report help Jacob and Margot to identify and prioritise organisational and individual needs?
Question 6
Name three possible gaps in networks and collaborative practices that Jacob may identify. For each gap, suggest an action to fill the gap.
Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow.
Case study 2
Jacob and Margot are meeting again to discuss Jacob's report on the current state of NewSky Services' collaborative and networking practices, and his preliminary suggestions for action.
Margot: 'Firstly, thanks for all your hard work on this report, Jacob! I've taken it to our overseeing committee, who are very impressed with your suggestions.'
Jacob: 'Great. I think we have a lot of room to expand our services and become more efficient through increased networking and participation. Where would you like me to go from here?'
Margot: 'Based on your excellent work here, I'd like to put you in charge of our networking and collaborative practices as a project manager. What do you think we should do?'
Jacob: 'Thanks very much! I'll do my best. Taking this as a cohesive project is a good start, I think. I'd like to start by researching established networks and investigating potential collaborators.'
Margot: 'I agree. Can you identify a number of established networks that could help us increase our services? There may also be collaborators locally that we could partner with.'
Jacob: 'Absolutely. I'm excited to see where a commitment to networking and collaboration can take us.'
Question 1
What are three types of organisational networks that Jacob could identify for increased collaboration?
Question 2
List two types of individual networks that Jacob could use to increase collaboration.
Question 3
Provide one example of a virtual network and describe how using the virtual network could increase NewSky Service's collaborative activities.
Question 4
Would both formal and informal networks be useful for NewSky services? Give one example of each and how each may provide collaborative opportunities.
Question 5
Why should Jacob undertake an information gathering and reviewing process about relevant services, organisations and key people?
Question 6
Provide one way that Jacob could begin initiating relationships with other inter- and intra-sectoral professionals and organisations.
Question 7
Describe how understanding how the industry is structured, including how public and private organisations work together, may help Jacob to identify collaborative opportunities.
Question 8
Provide two benefits of a shared service approach to service delivery, rather than duplicating services for NewSky.
Question 9
Before undertaking a collaborative partnership with another organisation, why would Jacob have to define and document the type and level of collaboration?
Question 10
How does understanding the values, limitations and dynamics of networks and collaborative partnerships affect Jacob's role as a collaborator? Name one value, one limitation and one common dynamic of networks and collaborative partnerships.