Systems Built and Supported

System architecture and common framework

Our systems are designed using a common framework of development methodologies, tools, and technologies with the mission to achieve best practice service delivery. These systems interact and work on top of a common data model. This data model is obtained by extracting core data from the PeopleSoft system and adding components.

GOOD system

The GOOD (Generic Online/Offline Delivery) system enables automated cross-media publishing using a single XML document source stored in a content management repository. From this single highly-structured document source, the GOOD system can flexibly produce study materials in a variety of delivery modes, including print, online and CD. Over 150 courses use the GOOD system to generate high quality course materials.

ICE system

The ICE (Integrated Content Environment) content authoring system is designed to provide a highly accessible interface based on the use of styles within a word processor. ICE also provides a web-based interface to enable the author to rapidly proof their own content. Similarly to GOOD, ICE can produce materials in a variety of delivery modes. Approximately 120 courses use the ICE system to generate content.

USQ Handbook

The USQ Handbook is edited in XML and rendered regularly in print, online and CD formats. Various data, including course descriptions, synopses and pre-requisites are obtained dynamically, so that handbook authors do not have to enter redundant information.

CMA system

The CMA (Computer Managed Assessment) system enables students to complete formative (optional) and summative (mandatory) assessments online and in print. For current PeopleSoft assessments, grades are calculated automatically and uploaded into Gradebook. CMA uses single source XML tests to generate all deliverables, including print, online and interactive CDs of the tests, as well as student feedback which is automatically sent to the students when results are released. Over 100 courses use the CMA system for exams and assignments with over 25,000 submissions per semester.

Past exams system

The Past exams system provides web access to past exams for students and staff. The system provides access for administrators to upload or remove past exam papers, as well as allowing students to search, view and download these files. The Past exams system has over 800 exams available.

Course specifications

Course specifications and synopses are updated daily in print and online formats, based on XML data obtained from the PeopleSoft system.

Contact information

Sally MacFarlane