A management support system for directing and monitoring the activities of university academic staff

For many years Loughborough University Business School has been operating a system for the allocation of responsibilities carried out by academic staff under the broad headings of supervision, teaching, administration and research. The aim is to have a balanced total load for each staff member, allowing for the strengths and weaknesses of individuals. The system has a large measure of credibility with staff. Four models are derived and discussed, illustrating various options available in dealing with the allocation of one of these components-lecture loads.