Question
Case study: Ultranet Ultranet was an online learning and information network that was used by Victorian students, teachers and parents (Brouwer 2011, p. 93; Pearson
Case study: Ultranet
Ultranet was an online learning and information network that was used by Victorian students, teachers and parents (Brouwer 2011, p. 93; Pearson 2021, p. 3). It supported student and teacher access to learning resources and communication tools (Brouwer 2011, p. 93; Pearson 2021, p. 3). It also supported parent access to their child's grades and progress reports (Brouwer 2011, p. 93; Pearson 2012, p. 3). Funding was discontinued in 2014 resulting in project closure (Baker, McKenzie & Preiss 2014).
Ultranet Timeline
- 2004 Ultranet trial using Oracle software at Glen Waverley SC (Baker, McKenzie & Preiss 2014)
- 2006 The Labor government announce the Ultranet project. The system was to be available to all Victorian Schools at a cost of 60.5 million dollars (Brouwer 2011, p. 95)
- 2007 Two business cases are prepared. The first is rejected. The second revised business case is approved and supports the subsequent tender process (Pearson 2012, p. 21)
- 2007 First request for tender to develop Ultranet released - it is subsequently cancelled because no bids were within budget. This results in requirements being de-scoped (Brouwer 2011, p. 94; Pearson 2012, p. 5)
- 2008 Second tender process for Ultranet commences (Baker, McKenzie & Preiss 2014)
- 2009 The third and final business case is prepared and shared with government after the tender process has started (Pearson 2012, p. 21)
- 2009 Vendor selected and contract signed (Baker, McKenzie & Preiss 2014; Pearson 2012, pp. 6, 21)
- 2010 Ultranet crashes at launch (Baker, McKenzie & Preiss 2014; Pearson 2012, p. 6)
- 2011 Brouwer (2011, p. 93) notes that gateway review process advice was ignored costing millions of dollars and tarnishing the reputation of Ultranet
- 2011 Brouwer (2011, p. 95) estimates that costs could reach 99 million dollars by 2013
- 2012 Pearson (2012, pp. 20, 28) notes that costs were not properly recorded and estimates that costs now exceed 180 million dollars
- 2012 Pearson (2012, pp. 24-25) highlights that the project proceeded despite being rated red at four of five gateway reviews conducted during the planning phase of the project
- 2012 Pearson (2012, pp. 19, 28-29) notes Ultranet has poor user adoption and that teacher training was not sufficient
References
Baker, R, McKenzie, N & Preiss B 2014, 'Ultranet shares and jobs scandal snares Victoria's education department', The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 November, viewed 4 February 2022,
Brouwer, G E 2011, Own motion investigation into ICT-enabled projects, Victorian Ombudsman in consultation with the Victorian Auditor-General, viewed 4 February 2022,
Pearson, DDR 2012, Learning technologies in government schools, Victorian Auditor General, viewed 4 February 2022,
Critically evaluate Ultranet project control with reference to the steps in the Project Control Process. How could control be enhanced?
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