Ali Juma 

Rethinking Your role:  
The Evolving Role of Change Management in Leading Engagement of Top-Level Leadership – A Higher Education Case Study

ABSTRACT

This presentation examines a transformative case study at La Trobe University, focusing on the strategic positioning and communication of an AI Strategy formulation: From thinking, to building, to formulating with the University’s top 50 senior management members. It highlights the evolving role of change management in facilitating high-level discussions and decisions in the context of AI integration in higher education. 
Challenges and Objectives: Central to the challenge was the need to effectively communicate complex AI concepts to the university's top management, building consensus and aligning them with the strategic vision and educational goals.
The objective was to ensure that the AI strategy was not only technically sound but also strategically aligned and institutionally embraced.  

Key learnings include the effectiveness of adaptive communication in high-stakes environments and the critical role of change management in aligning technology with institutional strategy. 

Participants will gain insights into effective change management strategies for high-level technology discussions, and how these strategies can be applied to ensure alignment and adoption of AI initiatives. 

The session will provide practical guidance on engaging senior leadership and reinforcing the strategic role of change management in technology transformations.

The Ripple Effect: Unravelling the Impact of Change on Our Universities 

The presentation dives into the profound consequences of introducing significant changes, such as projects and restructures, within university settings. This presentation aims to refine our approach to measuring impact, dissecting it across three critical levels, and illuminating the dangers posed by a lack of comprehensive impact understanding amidst rapid implementations. 

Attendees will be enriched with invaluable insights into the nuances of change impact, acquiring a more profound comprehension of business analysis techniques and appreciating the importance of anticipating and understanding change impacts. 

This session promises to elevate participants' strategic thinking, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the complexities of change within the academic realm with acumen and foresight.