Yet another example of the 'emperor's new clothes' syndrome when attempting to create change...?
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Laura Campbell
11 years ago
I think this will be a hugely detrimental step for both staff and students.
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Peter Lycett
11 years ago
The evidence from cademic research suggests that open plan offices have a number of negative effects. Firstly the level of absence caused by illness increases due to the reduced level of natural light, poor ventilation and the spread of germs. Secondly in organisations such as universities where people have a some discretion about their whereabouts, they chose to locate themselves in libraries or at home in order to find a peaceful place to work. Thirdly people have a tendency to listen to other people's conversations and this interrupts the flow of work. Fourthly it is impossible to carry out a confidential conversation with students or colleagues. Finally, there is less communication with students in general because open plan offices are less welcoming to students-indeed they often have receptions that impose a barrier.
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tony moon
11 years ago
Everywhere in the Uni we hear the slogan 'you said we listened''it would be nice if this strategy could be extended to the staff who actually run this place.
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Mark Farwell
11 years ago
No discussion [not even out of common courtesy) whatsoever has taken place with any or all of those involved. Furthermore, the contracts to undertake the work have already been signed
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Mark Farwell
11 years ago
but no discussion [not even out of common courtesy) whatsoever has taken place with any or all of those involved. Furthermore, the contracts to undertake the work have already been signed)
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Jacqueline Furby
11 years ago
I can't imagine being able to do my job properly in an open plan room. Academics need to be able to think, to read, to access research, to store teaching materials, to be able to have confidential conversations with students, to have supervisions and tutorials without distractions. None of this is possible in an open plan environment.
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F Hugo
11 years ago
Recent research indicates that personnel working in open plan offices are approximately 20% less productive.
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Mark Wing
11 years ago
Very worried about this from both a staff and student perspective.
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Jane Pearson
11 years ago
I agree with all the points made opposing this initiative. Additionally, other higher education institutions have implemented this in the past and have found it to be very detrimental to the 'student learning experience'. A stated objective of Solent's senior management is to optimise this, so it is clear that there is no 'joined up thinking' by institutional management, nor sufficient research into other institutions' experiences. This does not bode well for the future of the university.
Yet another example of the 'emperor's new clothes' syndrome when attempting to create change...?
I think this will be a hugely detrimental step for both staff and students.
The evidence from cademic research suggests that open plan offices have a number of negative effects. Firstly the level of absence caused by illness increases due to the reduced level of natural light, poor ventilation and the spread of germs. Secondly in organisations such as universities where people have a some discretion about their whereabouts, they chose to locate themselves in libraries or at home in order to find a peaceful place to work. Thirdly people have a tendency to listen to other people's conversations and this interrupts the flow of work. Fourthly it is impossible to carry out a confidential conversation with students or colleagues. Finally, there is less communication with students in general because open plan offices are less welcoming to students-indeed they often have receptions that impose a barrier.
Everywhere in the Uni we hear the slogan 'you said we listened''it would be nice if this strategy could be extended to the staff who actually run this place.
No discussion [not even out of common courtesy) whatsoever has taken place with any or all of those involved. Furthermore, the contracts to undertake the work have already been signed
but no discussion [not even out of common courtesy) whatsoever has taken place with any or all of those involved. Furthermore, the contracts to undertake the work have already been signed)
I can't imagine being able to do my job properly in an open plan room. Academics need to be able to think, to read, to access research, to store teaching materials, to be able to have confidential conversations with students, to have supervisions and tutorials without distractions. None of this is possible in an open plan environment.
Recent research indicates that personnel working in open plan offices are approximately 20% less productive.
Very worried about this from both a staff and student perspective.
I agree with all the points made opposing this initiative. Additionally, other higher education institutions have implemented this in the past and have found it to be very detrimental to the 'student learning experience'. A stated objective of Solent's senior management is to optimise this, so it is clear that there is no 'joined up thinking' by institutional management, nor sufficient research into other institutions' experiences. This does not bode well for the future of the university.