Running a University More Efficiently
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Don Williams of SSC Service Solutions, a solution provider at the upcoming marcus evans University CXO Summit 2013, on eliminating inefficiencies in universities. Interview with: Don Williams, President, SSC Service Solutions |
Outsourcing does not have to be a bad word when it comes to the support service department of a university, according to Don Williams, President, SSC Service Solutions. Many university directors do not realize that employees can still stay, with the same or more pay, while they get to save money and focus more on the organization’s core mission, he adds.
SSC Service Solutions is a solution provider at the marcus evans University CXO Summit 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia, February 11-12. Here, Williams discusses the cost saving opportunities that university leaders can bring to their organizations.
What cost saving opportunities can university Presidents and CEOs take advantage of?
Universities have been affected with financial pressures too, and the hardest part for them is to reduce cost without hurting current employees. In our area of expertise of support services, we have come to realize that most university leaders are under the false belief that outsourcing means hard-working, loyal staff get hurt. That does not have to be the case. The university can reduce its cleaning and maintenance costs without losing employees.
Can you describe the process and how it would work?
If there are 100 employees in the maintenance department, we would hire all of them, keeping their pay and benefits. They would just move from the university payroll to ours. We then bring in equipment and training, to help them do a better job. As people leave the organization naturally – there is a natural turnover of 15-20 per cent in this sector – we might get down to 90 people. We would not hire new people to fill those positions, as by that time, the 90 members would be more efficient and doing a better job than 100 people did. That is how they save money.
What does this mean for university CEOs?
Funds that are reduced from support services can be re-allocated to improving the quality of programs. If the school and grounds are clean, they can better achieve their enrollment goals. Studies have shown that prospective students and parents rank the grounds and appearance of the campus as a top reason for picking the school.
What are some of these inefficiencies they can eliminate?
Many times there is money and inefficiencies in the three departments of cleaning, maintenance and grounds. We have found a 20 per cent inefficiency in the in-house model. Sometimes people are used to doing things the way they have always done. We can improve processes because we have benchmarks and proven systems. Training, motivating and rewarding them makes them more efficient. People want to grow and do a good job. When they get the right tools, it allows them to do the best they can.
Universities also tend to hire local vendors, plumbers and electricians, to get work done. It is more cost effective to train permanent staff to handle some of those jobs. Campuses also have slow, antiquated, paper-based work order systems. Giving staff hand-held devices and automating those systems can make a big difference.
Contact: Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian, Press Manager, marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
About the University CXO Summit 2013
This unique forum will take place at the Ritz Carlton, Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, February 11-12, 2013. Offering much more than any conference, seminar or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event.
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website
marcus evans group – general business portal
Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
About SSC Service Solutions
For quality-focused Educational institutions, SSC Service Solutions is the premium provider of support services. With over 40 years of industry experience and highly trained skilled professionals, we specialize in Custodial & Campus Services, Plant Operations & Maintenance, and Grounds Management. Our goal is to provide you with the highest standard of customer service and measureable, consistent quality. We work with you in creating a flexible, customizable, and cost-effective approach that meets your goals and fits your budget.
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com
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