Addressing Key Selection Criteria

It is crucial that key selection criteria is clearly addressed in the submission. (This still applies where the submission proforma does not have a specific area for this.)

The following are common selection criteria used by DEST.

Need for the project

The need for the project must be clearly demonstrated, providing supporting evidence and data where possible.  There are numerous ways that the need for the project can be demonstrated, including:

• Providing evidence to demonstrate the extent of the existing problem.

• Evidence of what will/could happen if the problem is not fixed.  You could also provide evidence as to the cost of not fixing the problem (i.e. estimated $$ through inefficiencies, opportunity cost, etc.).

• Supplying evidence of the benefits that can be achieved through the project, including efficiencies and financial savings.

Project Feasibility

• A well thought out project plan should be developed, including timescale and the resources to be applied.

• Develop a realistic budget.  Financial Resources Management have a useful Project Costing Model on their website.

Value for money

The value that the project offers can be demonstrated in various ways, including:

• The expected return on the investment for the university, the sector or DEST.

• The financial contribution made by the university or other collaborating partner/s (either direct or in-kind).

Regional, demographic and geographical considerations

Some grants have a focus on providing services within growth corridors and/or regional areas.  Where this is the case, submissions which provide value in these areas are likely to be ranked higher than submissions that don't.

Collaboration with others

Collaboration is a strong theme in many DEST funding programmes.  Where appropriate, projects which are undertaken with a collaborating partner will be favourably viewed by DEST. This may include collaboration between higher education providers, the private sector, local communities, local or state government or other educational providers such as a TAFE.   Below are three examples of funding programmes where collaboration with others is highly desired.

• For the Workplace Productivity Programme (WPP), projects that collaborate with the private sector are viewed favourably.

• Also for the Capital Development Pool Programme (CDP), where there are financial contributions from the State Government.

• The Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund which places emphasis on the nature and extent of collaboration between partners.