Project: Cred Finder – Streamlining Credential Management at RMIT University

Project: Cred Finder – Streamlining Credential Management at RMIT University

Overview

I led the development of “Cred Finder,” a comprehensive web tool designed to help RMIT University’s credentials team manage the entire lifecycle of digital credentials. This tool was built to simplify and enhance the processes of credential creation, management, embedding, delivery, and assessment while providing robust data validation and reporting capabilities.

Problem Statement

RMIT’s credential management processes previously relied on spreadsheets, leading to data errors, limited reporting capabilities, and inefficiencies in managing credentials across multiple departments. The goal of the Cred Finder project was to centralize and automate these processes, improving governance and student experience and reducing operational costs.

My Approach

  • Initial research and stakeholder workshops: I organized and facilitated workshops with key stakeholders, including College Executives, RMIT Online, HR, and Product Owners, to understand their pain points and envision an ideal state using the WWWWWH (Who, Why, What, Where, When, How) methodology.
  • Process mapping and iteration: Developed a series of process flow diagrams, iterating through five versions to align on a final state. This included mapping the current business flow and proposing enhancements for a more efficient future state.
  • Functional requirements gathering: Collaborated with stakeholders to define and document the functional requirements of the tool, ensuring all user stories were captured, including user roles like Product Managers, Cred Specialists, Course Coordinators, and ITS staff.
  • Design and development: Worked closely with designers and developers to create a user-friendly interface and backend system. I focused on features such as controlled data entry, validated data, real-time visibility for product owners, notifications, reporting, and workflow management.
  • Testing and validation: Conducted multiple iterations of user acceptance testing (UAT) with the technical team, refining the tool to ensure it met the needs of all user groups and stakeholders.

Impact

The Cred Finder tool streamlined the credential management process, reducing errors, enhancing data governance, and improving the overall student experience. The new system integrated with delivery platforms, providing accurate, real-time data and enabling efficient reporting and decision-making. The tool supported the roll-out of new credentials, with improved data visibility and reduced administrative costs.

CF-FlowDownload
Workshop session to map the Creds Data Management and Reporting Process using the WWWWWH framework (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) at RMIT University, gathering insights from stakeholders across different departments.
Collaborative process mapping session with stakeholders at RMIT University, identifying current challenges and opportunities for improvement in the credential management workflow.

Tools and Techniques Used

  • Business Analysis (BA)
  • Stakeholder Workshops (WWWWWH methodology)
  • Process Mapping and Flow Diagrams
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  • Development Tools: Axure, Jira, SQL Databases

Key Learnings

This project reinforced the importance of cross-functional collaboration and iterative design in developing scalable solutions. It highlighted the value of clear communication between stakeholders and technical teams and the need for robust data management practices to support strategic decision-making.

Possible Future Enhancements

Plans to expand the Cred Finder tool include additional features for automated compliance reporting, enhanced integration with third-party platforms like Credly, and AI-driven analytics to predict student engagement trends.