WORKING GROUPS

WORKING GROUPS

Standards
Education
Membership
Research and Development
Library, Documentation & Publications
PR, Awards & Sponsorship

STANDARDS

Information Management is the way in which an organization plans, identifies, creates, receives, collects, organizes, governs, secures, uses, controls, disseminate, exchanges, maintains, preserves and disposes of its information. IIM Standards are developed to promote high quality standards, recommended practices, technical reports, and industry specifications to support interoperability, interchangeability, and the global enterprise for information professionals.

Information Management Standards support the long-term vision for information Management in the industry. They describe expected behaviors and best practice and provide high-level guidance on how information should be managed.

Application of Standards

This can offer a set of powerful business and marketing tools for organizations of all sizes. They can be used to fine-tune organizational performance and manage the risks being face while operating in more efficient and sustainable ways. Standards allow organizations to demonstrate the quality of what they do to their clients; and they help organizations to see how to embed best practice into their operations. They enable organizations to confidently develop systems, policies, and procedures to ensure high operational quality and exceptional performance.

Standards Working Group

The Institute has established this Working Group to identify, develop, lead, monitor and report on information management activities for development of the Information Management industry in accordance with the objectives of the institute.

The Mission of Standards Working Group is to establish the need for applicable standards for each stage of the Information life cycle as it affects different sectors of the economy. The Working group is expected to develop and deliver efficient and effective Information Management operating standards as strategic tools and guidelines to help organizations deal with some of the most demanding challenges of modern business. Ensuring that business operations are as efficient as possible, increase productivity and help organizations access emerging markets.

The Standard Working Group is guided by the relevant International Standards for its policy development framework and overall approach.

The Working Group was convened solely for the purpose of exploring the practicality and sharing of lessons learned, best practice and knowledge base; it does not have and will not seek the legal status, the budget or the mandate to implement such an agreement. Members of Working Groups are selected for their knowledge and expertise, and participate on a voluntary basis in their individual capacities.

Much of IIM’s activities take place in Working Groups. Members of Working Groups meet a few times per year. The meeting frequency is not fixed but subject to justified work. Sometimes smaller sub-Working Groups are established to continue the work between two meetings or to work on specific projects.

The principal objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To serve as a forum to exchange information and share experience
* To produce IIM Recommendations, Manuals, Specifications, Procedure, Policies, Questionnaires and Position Papers
* To identify potential projects
* To prepare workshops for the IIM Conference
* To monitor regulatory developments as it's affect Information Management
* To represent IIM at national and international bodies/events with technical specialists

Any registered member of IIM can participate. Other persons can participate subject to the approval by the IIM Secretariat.

Each Working Group is chaired by a member of IIM, specialized in the subject and assisted by an Advisor from IIM Secretariat.

EDUCATION WORKING GROUP

Education Management is the process of planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities of an institution by utilizing human and material resources so as to effectively and efficiently accomplish functions of teaching, extension work and research. In the Institute of Information Management, we aim at managing education professionally and move beyond the traditional role of academics and values only.

The Education Management Working Group has the overall responsibility for the definition and ongoing review of the educational policy and standards of the Institute in respect of teaching, learning and development.

The Mission of the Education Working Group is to manage and disseminate educational programs and materials of the Institute of Information Management, as well as of those from other Information Management Societies, and, in collaboration with other institutions, enhance the dissemination of knowledge and experience of the Information Management Profession.

The objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To be responsible for identifying the educational needs of the members of the institute and creating quality, value-added programs to enhance the member’s knowledge, professionalism and business development goals
* To act as policy-makers, researchers, or consultants to help evaluate and develop ways to enrich and enhance the educational system of the institutes at all times
* To facilitate communication, liaison and collaboration with other appropriate bodies and organizations in the information management field
* To investigate and recommend educational programs to be done in partnership with other organizations
* To provide a forum for the development, interchange and dissemination of innovation and good practice on lifelong learning within Information Management profession

MEMBERSHIP WORKING GROUP

The Membership Working Group is established to offers excellent support and resources that will assist the Institute in creating the required awareness and promote the need for high-flying professional participation across sectors by extending IIM membership to group of people and organizations globally.

The mission of the Membership Working Group is to develop new and innovative ways to attract new members as well as retain current membership. Retention efforts is a priority for the Membership Working Group. Conduct membership assessments regularly to determine the institute’s strengths and weaknesses. Ensuring that members are informed, involved, and recognized for their contributions thereby increasing membership satisfaction.

The objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To develop/revise annual membership recruitment and retention plan: Establish and implement goals of membership recruitment and retention plan.
* To determine and implement methods to involve members in committees, programs, and activities
* To develop a membership action plan to improve member satisfaction that involves surveying members and initiating changes in response to their feedback to ensure that the institute remains relevant to its members.
* To develop committee goals to achieve the institute’s membership goals for the coming year.
* Work with the public relations committee to create a positive image for the Institute that is attractive to prospective and current members

Activities of the Membership Working Group include the following:

* Establishing new membership categories as needed
* Reviewing and recommending new member services
* Identifying potential new sources for membership
* Identifying mechanisms for membership retention and promotion
* Identifying new and potential members
* Introducing the prospective members to the Institute (Inviting them to join the institute if the candidate meets the qualifications for membership)
* Inducting new members in a dignified and meaningful way
* Informing and orientating them about the details of the institute
* Involving the new members in activities and projects of the institute
* Educating the newly inducted members on developments in the institute.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Research and Development Working Group is aimed at innovation, introduction, and improvement of information management systems and processes. The group is established to create new technologies, systems, and processes that can improve the effectiveness of information management or make information management more efficient.

The responsibility of the Working Group is to investigative activities that the Institute chooses to conduct with the intention of making a discovery that can either lead to the development of new processes, procedures, or the improvement of existing procedures. Research and Development is also one of the means by which the Information management will experience future growth by developing new standards and processes to improve and expand the Industry.

The mission of the Institute’s Research and Development Working Group is to coordinate Research and Development activities and fulfill the mandate regarding the area of R&D under IIM policy.

The objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To plan and develop broad objectives for the Research and Development Program so that it supports IIM’s mission
* To advise and assist IIM’s management in providing oversight, planning, and execution of the Research and Development Program and assisting the Director in maintaining high standards throughout the Institution’s Research and Development Program
* To advise the Management Board on the overall strategy, direction and effectiveness of the Institute’s research and development programs. To evaluate the Institute’s progress and success in achieving its long-term strategic research and development goals and objectives
* To advise the Board on significant emerging trends and issues in Information Management, Records and Archives Administration which are relevant to IIM-Africa
* To review and make recommendations on any other topics as determined by the Board

LIBRARY, DOCUMENTATION AND PUBLICATION

The Library, Documentation and Publication Working Group is a standing department of the Institute of Information Management Africa, established to encourage Records and Archives Administration and Publication among the members of the Institute. Part of the responsibilities of the Working Group is to provide opportunities to the members of the institute in the aspects of provision of e-library facilities and the general maintenance and improvement of the library.

The mission of this Working Group is to oversee and evaluate all publication and documentation efforts of the Institute from a business, organizational and financial point of view, represent the interests of the Institute towards partners and vendors in IIM-Africa documentations and publications efforts and assist all stakeholders in their overall support of the Institute’s mission.

The objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To administer manage and control the affairs of the Library and Documentation Department of the Institute
* To advise the board and management regarding plans, programs and activities for the development of the library and documentation services in the institute
* To initiate, promote, conduct and co-ordinate research, surveys and investigations on relations in all aspects of library and documentation services
* To work with the standards working group to formulate and promulgate national standards with regards to all aspects of library and documentation services
* To organize meetings, training courses, exhibitions and other activities in connection with any aspect of its work

PUBLIC RELATIONS, AWARDS & SPONSORSHIP

Public Relations is the practice of managing the spread of information between an individual or an organization and the general public. The aim of public relations is to inform the public, prospective customers, investors, partners, employees, and other stakeholders and ultimately persuade them to maintain a certain view about the organization, its leadership, products, or of political decisions.

The Working Group will assist the President and/or council members in their responsibility to maintain a positive image of the Institute by planning for and monitoring public relations and publicity activities. This Group may be divided into sub-committees that work together to reach this goal.
The mission of the Public Relations Working Group is to communicate the goals, vision, accomplishments, initiatives, and position on industry issues of the Institute of Information Management via the trade press and consumer publications.

The objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To create, maintain, and protect the organization's reputation, enhance its prestige, and present a favorable image
* To coordinate the spokesperson who will be assisting the Public Relations Officer in creating and promoting the image and goodwill of the institute
* To counsel the President and the Board on the media and public relations program of the Institute and shall counsel the Board with respect to all publications of IIM-Africa
* To be the Board liaison to any structure of the Institute responsible for the media and public relations activities and publications of IIM-Africa
* To act as the IIM-Africa’s mouthpiece and explain the Institute’s services and/or programs to the public

AWARDS

* Administer all awards approved by the Council
* Administer the RIMA IM Ambassador Award in accordance with the established RIMA IM Ambassador Award Policy
* Administer the Member of the Year Award according to the Member of the Year Award Policy
* Develop policies for awards as required; and
* Make recommendations to the Executive for new awards or changes to existing award policies.

SPONSORSHIP AND EVENT MANAGEMENT

Event Management is the process by which an event is planned, prepared, and produced. As with any other form of management, it encompasses the assessment, definition, acquisition, allocation, direction, control, and analysis of time, finances, people, products, services, and other resources to achieve objectives. An event manager’s job is to oversee and arrange every aspect of an event, including researching, planning, organizing, implementing, controlling, and evaluating an event’s design, activities, and production. While Sponsorship, on the other hand, deals with the initiation and development of the partnership between an institution and an outside marketing asset. Events can include exhibitions, fairs, festivals, conferences, promotions and product launches, fundraising and social events.

The main responsibility of the Sponsorship and Event Management Working Group is to foster relationships between the Institute of Information Management and the relevant public bodies and also increase the opportunities for event and sponsorship programs.

The mission of the Working Group is to be well detailed and excellent in managing the Institution’s events focusing on the needs of the Institution and its members and also create and grow funding sources so that IIM-Africa can effectively fulfill its mission and serve its membership.

The objectives of the Working Group include the following:

* To develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential sponsorship clients and exhibitors
* To assist and advise the Management, Board and event director to formulate plans and policies regarding sponsorship and event management
* The Committee members, shall be in a position to provide training, supervision and assistance to other personnel involved in the organization of an event or program
* To develop and implement annual sponsorship plans with strategic growth goals for the Institute
* To investigate sponsorship opportunities from the commercial and private business sector