UNAM Project

Promoting the modernization and strengthening of institutional and financial autonomy in Southern Neighbouring Area higher education institutions

The project is born from real needs identified via research and past experiences. This includes knowledge that increased autonomy and efficiency are desirable for Financial Management (FM) in the partner countries, and that this is a strategic goal for many. Overall Objective: lend specific support to institutional demands for increased efficiency, autonomy & transparency in FM in partnering Southern Neighbouring Area (SNA) Higher Education Institutions, in line with national schemes & regional Tempus priorities. UNAM seeks support mechanisms to existing ideas in target Higher Education Institutions. More specifically, to:

• develop transparent financial culture promoting decentralisation & financial autonomy
• create a platform for dialogue through a recognised regional network of Higher Education Institutions Managers to exchange good practice in FM;
• sustainable strengthen managerial, strategic, admin & technical capacities in 8 SNA Higher Education Institutions through targeted trainings, development of strategies & technical support systems for effective FM by 2013.

UNAM commences with an analysis via benchmarking to compare FM methods, and evaluate training needs to tailor HR development. Targeted training takes place based on this for various stakeholders to assist effective FM, later converted to e-modules for wider dissemination. In parallel, planning institutional capacity building incl. interdepartmental dialogue and upgrading of IT systems for FM takes place. This leads to improved knowledge, modernization plans and system development in target Higher Education Institutions. A small-scale pilot action in select departments will test and provide feedback. Lastly, policy & strategic planning is key factor in UNAM. National roundtables and supra-regional conferences take place, whilst the development of FM Action Plans in each Higher Education Institutions adds sustainability and structures. Finally, outputs are consolidated and 2 publications are produced, a policy-oriented and a practical handbook. Underpinning this is the involvement of stakeholders at all levels: government, rectors, managers, & students.

University of Alicante

Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig, Post Box , 99

San Vicente del Raspeig - Alicante 03690, ES

Phone: +34 695 90 9718

Fax: +36 965 90 9715

Email: r.escarre@ua.es

Internet site address: www.ua.es

Mr Roberto Escarré

• Universita' degli Studi di Genova, IT
• FH JOANNEUM, AT
• Saarland University, DE
• World University Service Austria, AT
• Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, JO
• Palestine Polytechnic University, PS
• Modern University for Business and science, LB
• Beirut Arab University, LB
• Aleppo University, SY
• Al-Baath University, SY
• An-Najan National University, PS
• Princess Sumaya University for Technology, JO

36 months