Reference no: EM133189106

Case study (questions 1-6)
Jacob has recently been employed at NewSky Services, a not-for-profit provider of disability support services in the local community. The service is overstretched in terms of funding, staff and resources, and there is a waiting list of people wanting assistance. Jacob is meeting with Margot, his manager, to discuss a new way to improve the organisation's performance.
Margot: 'Thanks for meeting me, Jacob,'
Margot smiles. They both take out notepads, pens and laptops to take notes.
Jacob: 'No problem. How can I help?'
Margot: 'That's the question. I know you previously worked in a larger organisation and I was hoping to draw on that experience. I'd like to put you in charge of evaluating our collaborative practices and networks. I'm sure that there are a lot of opportunities that we're not making the most of in our current practices.'
Jacob: 'Great! In my induction package I noticed that we don't work very closely with other organisations at the moment. I'm sure that there are a lot of opportunities that we can generate with other services. What focus did you have in mind?'
Margot: 'That's exactly what I've been thinking. I think that we're under-participating in industry networks. There's a lot to be gained by collaborating with other individuals and groups, both for the organisation as a whole, for us as workers and for the people that we provide services to. First, I'd like you to evaluate our current collaborations and networking actions, and put together a report for me. I think we need a clear understanding of where we're at and what needs to be improved. How does that sound?'
Jacob: 'Perfect. I'll also put together a list of suggestions regarding how collaboration can improve our services. I'll get started right away'.

Question 1: What should be in Jacob's report to help to evaluate the ways in which individual and organisational performance may be improved through collaboration?

Question 2: Provide two benefits of networking and collaboration for people with support needs that Jacob might identify.

Question 3: Provide two benefits of networking and collaboration for NewSky Services that Jacob might identify.

Question 4: Provide two benefits of networking and collaboration for individual workers that Jacob might identify.

Question 5: How will this report help Jacob and Margot to identify and prioritise organisational and individual needs?

Question 6: Name three possible gaps in networks and collaborative practices that Jacob may identify. For each gap, suggest an action to fill the gap.

Case study (questions 7-16)

Jacob and Margot are meeting again to discuss Jacob's report on the current state of NewSky Services' collaborative and networking practices, and his preliminary suggestions for action.
Margot: 'Firstly, thanks for all your hard work on this report, Jacob! I've taken it to our overseeing committee, who are very impressed with your suggestions.'
Jacob: 'Great. I think we have a lot of room to expand our services and become more efficient through increased networking and participation. Where would you like me to go from here?'
Margot: 'Based on your excellent work here, I'd like to put you in charge of our networking and collaborative practices as a project manager. What do you think we should do?'
Jacob: 'Thanks very much! I'll do my best. Taking this as a cohesive project is a good start, I think. I'd like to start by researching established networks and investigating potential collaborators.'
Margot: 'I agree. Can you identify a number of established networks that could help us increase our services? There may also be collaborators locally that we could partner with.'
Jacob: 'Absolutely. I'm excited to see where a commitment to networking and collaboration can take us.'

Question 7: What are three types of organisational networks that Jacob could identify for increased collaboration?

Question 8: List two types of individual networks that Jacob could use to increase collaboration.

Question 9: Provide one example of a virtual network and describe how using the virtual network could increase NewSky Service's collaborative activities.

Question 10: Would both formal and informal networks be useful for NewSky services? Give one example of each and how each may provide collaborative opportunities.

Question 11: Why should Jacob undertake an information gathering and reviewing process about relevant services, organisations and key people?

Question 12: Provide one way that Jacob could begin initiating relationships with other inter- and intra-sectoral professionals and organisations.

Question 13: Describe how understanding how the industry is structured, including how public and private organisations work together, may help Jacob to identify collaborative opportunities.

Question 14: Provide two benefits of a shared service approach to service delivery, rather than duplicating services for NewSky.

Question 15:Before undertaking a collaborative partnership with another organisation, why would Jacob have to define and document the type and level of collaboration?

Question 16: How does understanding the values, limitations and dynamics of networks and collaborative partnerships affect Jacob's role as a collaborator? Name one value, one limitation and one common dynamic of networks and collaborative partnerships.