"1.0 IntroductionThe general business problem, that will form the basis for identification and analysis inthis report, involves the issue of a forecasted decrease local student enrolments and theproposal to introduce a trimester year model, to facilitate the demand driven fundingmodel. The business problem will be analysed and observed from an IT supportperspective, which is a critical component of Griffith University's operations.The report will go on to identify and analyse the stakeholder groups impacted by thebusiness problem to accommodate elicitation of requirements based on their needs. Therequirements management approach to the solution will be discussed as well as thedefined solution scope and a look at potential benefits and risks associated with therequirements identified from the stakeholders. The concluding stages of the report willinclude analysis and investigation into the requirements of the business, stakeholder andthe functional and non-functional requirements of the solution.The limitations that existed during the creation of this report include time constraintsthat limited the ability to interview key stakeholders which led components of thereport being reliant on eliciting information from relevant and credible reports, trendsand strategic plans for discussion.2.0 Identification of Business Problem & NeedThis section explores in depth, the critical elements and events that require GriffithUniversity, adopt an academic trimester year system. It will include diagrams andresources used, for identification and detailed analysis of Griffith University's strategicgoals and objectives.2.1 Business Goals & ObjectivesGriffith University, seeks to specialise in providing flexibility across different modes ofdelivery in degree programs to its students; be it online, via mobile learning, or in person through traditional face to face engagement methods. Providing this flexibility,has been an aspiring goal for Griffith University, with the ongoing implementation offully online degree programs via Open Universities Australia to name a few_ ATrimester year system would make a valuable addition which ties in with GriffithUniversity's overarching goal of being a "university of influence" (Griffith University,2013, pg. 2). Refer to Appendices A for a comprehensive list the high level goals ofGriffith University.Griffith's Model of Education Progress Report (Griffith University, 2015), statesthat the proposal of the Trimesters system offers flexibility and acceleration of itsdegrees for students and broadens industry engagement opportunities. Theseareas tie in with Griffith's engagement objectives of "providing an excellenteducational experience to attract and retain students".(Griffith University, 2015)and are of underlying importance in order to increase market differentiation andreputation (Griffith University, 2015).Using the goals and objectives of Griffith University listed in Appendices A, TheSMART analysis framework (IIBA & Brennan, 2009, pg. 84) was used todetermine the validity of Griffith's defined goals (Refer to appendices B for theSMART analysis documentation.2.2 Business Problem or OpportunityThe proposal for the implementation of Trimester year system provides beneficialopportunity for improvement across the university. The introduction of the Trimestersystem would see the opportunity to potentially increase revenue via the usage of ITinfrastructure that would otherwise be left unused under the existing semester yearsystem. This however, comes with the adverse affect of putting unnecessary strain on IT support services which under the current semester system would have worked withoutissue. (O'Ccpuator & Moodie, 2007).A study by Curtin University, into the impact of the half cohort, on its financialposition, provides analysis into the lost total income as a result of the half cohort anddescribes the situation as an opportunity rather than a threat to improve processes andteaching conditions (Fraser, 2012), Much like Curtin, Griffith University can take onthe half cohort issue as an opportunity to introduce the trimester model. to counteractthis loss in total income, whilst at the same time increasing the flexibility of studyoptions for its students.A SWOT analysis was used to compare current state of the semester model and theproposed change (opportunity) of trimesters (IIBA & Brennan, 2009, pg. 218). Theframework shown in Appendices C, provides insight into the issues and opportunitiesGriffith University currently faces and can capitalise upon. With the implementationof the trimester model, there would be an unavoidable increase in enrolment demand, which would also add strenuous circumstances onto the ITservices that are used daily. Bigger computer labs, greater access to internet, greaterstudent portal access would be needed to support the bigger intake in student cohortdemand under the trimester system. Although the trimester model does alleviate theimmediate business problem of decreased local enrolment, significant investment andoverhaul of IT infrastructure may be needed to support this change.2.3 Desired OutcomeGriffith University's desirable outcome, would ultimately involve the increasedflexibility of its degree programs and the efficient utilisation of its facilities andresources to diversify the way in which students can engage to meet engagementtargets within their chosen degree program, whilst also facilitating the engagement of that student by the effective usage of Griffith's resources that is both sustainable andsufficient.The Trimester model, also seeks to differentiate Griffith from the very commonsemester model, of other competitor universities which ties in with Griffith's goal ofdifferentiation from the competition (Griffith University, 2015). Retention andattraction of students which is another objective of Griffith, would likely increaseunder this demand-driven model, as it shortens the duration of study required whilstmaintaining the course load of a traditional 3 year degree program, ensuring quality.2.4 Business Problem that Instigated the Business NeedOver the next few years, it has been forecasted, that there will be a significant declinein student demand in enrolments across universities which is an external driver thatgenerated the business need (Griffith University, 2015). Griffith has been aware of thistrend since 2007 and in a report, has highlighted key issues which include, decliningstudent demand, increased competition, international uncertainty, technologicalchanges, government funding cuts, limited growth, ranking and quality assurance(O'Connor & Moodie, 2007). In more recent reports, a forecasted decline in demand in 2019 and 2020 is outlined to take effect due to the "half cohort" which as the namesuggests, consists of a reduced cohort of more than half (G2%) current intake (GriffithUniversity, 2015) as a result of changes an introduction of a half cohort to align withthe changes to compulsory school starting age (Department of Education and Training,2011). Also, reform to Queensland's system of tertiary entrance, which will see atransition from the current OP system, toward an ATAR based system in 2018(Remeikis, 2015) will be enacted during the half cohorts entrance into tertiaryeducation. To counteract this issue, the solution of Trimesters was proposed. Griffith has been pushing for flexibility in its degree program offerings for yearswhich incorporates a top-down approach as it is a shategic goal (IIBA, Brennan, 2009pg. 96). Conunon barriers to enrolment included;• Length of degree programs quite long (3yrs generally)• Limited flexibility to fast track degree completion• Course units only offered once a yearThe cause of these barriers, are directly linked to the inflexibility of the currentsemester system, in catering to the demands of potential and existing students, whichtherefore requires intervention.Using the SWOT analysis in Appendices C, the current strengths, weaknesses,opportunities and threats can be benchmarked against similar implementations. Anarticle outlining the immediate benefits Deakin University has seen an increase inenrolments since its adoption of the Trimester model quoted from a fairly recent articleby The Australian (Trounson, 2011). It explains the appeals of enrolling in a universitythat operates under the trimester model and includes;? Finishing a degree in 2 years as opposed to 3 years big selling point for potentialstudents.? Providing flexible options on choosing to fist track degree? Being able to enrol in a course in the same year without having to wait thefollowing year for the next offering.? Modernised mode of delivery to fit the fast paced needs of todayThe utilisation of otherwise idle resources and flexibility of the system summarisestrimesters as a valid opportunity, for Griffith University to consider adopting thisdemand-driven model. "