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Managers' Mosaic Update
August 2013
Mosaic, McMaster's program to modernize its business processes and replace its current business systems with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, is progressing quickly. In this month's newsletter:
Project Update
Measure twice, cut once. Whether you are a carpenter or a tailor it is always wise to plan before you act. Planning has been the bulk of the Mosaic team's work since last October. Taking the measure of the University, specifying and documenting, all to ensure that when it comes time to configure and build the new system we get it right the first time. The Mosaic finance and research finance teams have started cutting, metaphorically speaking. You can read the official story in the Daily News, but, as a manager, it is time to start planning how you will prepare your team for the transition.
Survey Says: Managers Rock
We are still analysing the results of our recent survey (thanks to everyone who took time to complete it). One important finding is that managers matter!
Staff who have heard about Mosaic from their managers understand the project better than those who haven't. Consequently, we are asking every manager to begin having conversations with their staff about Mosaic. Your staff will judge Mosaic in part by your words and actions. You need to send the message that your team can successfully navigate this transition. Don't sugar coat it. Learning a new system is hard work and takes time. Acknowledge that effort. Other universities have done this successfully and McMaster can too.
Preparing yourself to have the Mosaic conversation
Many managers tell us they do not understand Mosaic well enough to explain its impacts to their teams and colleagues. This August, the Mosaic team aims to solve that problem by holding special information sessions for managers and supervisors detailing the changes that will come to McMaster's finance and research finance systems this December.
You can expect a detailed, process by process examination of the forthcoming changes. Members of the Mosaic implementation team will present the project's work and answer your questions. There will also be an overview of the training plan, curriculum and courses. At the end of a session you will be ready to talk to your team about Mosaic, the impact it will have on their work, and how you will lead them through the transition. (Additional sessions aimed at frontline McMaster staff will occur at the end of September.)
What: A detailed look at Mosaic for managers who oversee staff who work with financial systems
When: August 14 or August 21, 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: CIBC Hall, Third floor MUSC
Note: registation not required for these sessions
Alternative for Faculty of Health Sciences members
What: A detailed look at Mosaic for FHS managers who oversee staff who work with financial systems (modified to address issues specific to FHS)
When: August 19, noon. – 4 p.m.
Where: 2232 MDCL
Note: contact Debbie Martin to register for this session
Contact
For additional information contact:
Sheldon Smart
Public Relations Manager
McMaster University
905-525-9140 x28643
mosaic@mcmaster.ca