RP’s pervasive use of technology in all aspects of administration makes possible new paradigms for work. By pushing the limits of technology and aggressively employing it in our human resource processes and practices, we have a workforce that is lean, completely mobile, efficient and IT-savvy.

Innovative HR Practices

This philosophy is reflected in our many innovative HR schemes, such as the Academic Associate Scheme which engages experienced industry practitioners, specialists and entrepreneurs as part-time facilitators, allowing them the options of retaining their existing work or personal commitments elsewhere. This scheme gives RP the flexibility of deploying manpower on a “need-to” basis, resulting in more productive and cost-effective usage of resources.

The Administrative Associate Scheme offers employment opportunities to professionals who prefer flexi-hours and telecommuting from home. They are typically assigned administrative and operational support duties which require minimal face-to-face interaction. This progressive work arrangement enables individuals to pursue family and other personal commitments without giving up paid employment.

Staff Training and Development

Applying the same level of dedication to staff development, RP initiated several new schemes, namely the Java Black Belt industrial training attachment at SUN Microsystems, USA, in collaboration with IDA; the Postgraduate Training Sponsorship Awards; and the off-site Staff Induction and Team Bonding programme.

Knowledge Sharing

As an academic institution, RP aims to create a work culture where staff are motivated to generate, create and share knowledge and intellectual property. The Policy on Intellectual Property was drafted to cover ownership, protection and commercialisation issues for intellectual property developed by staff and students.

During the year, some new schemes were put in place to cultivate ideas and creativity. One of these was the 3i scheme where staff worked on projects in small groups to improve or solve an existing problem.

Since its introduction, the Staff Suggestion Scheme (SSS) has become an integral part of RP’s organisation excellence system. About 88% of RP staff participate in the SSS with an average of seven suggestions per staff. A recent MOE survey showed that RP has a much higher participation and success rate in staff suggestions as compared to other educational institutions.

The Staff Sharing scheme too, was consolidated during the year, with each staff member spending an average of 30 hours in sharing sessions.

The annual corporate planning retreat was held on 7 November 2003 to review our corporate performance as well as departmental achievements. A new set of corporate indicators for 2004 was laid out followed through by individual departmental plans.

Staff Recruitment