SIMS?

[aerospacemango]

Hi all,

 

I am going to be applying for a new job, as an IT Manager at a school, and have seen from the job spec that a knowledge of SIMS is desirable.

 

We don't use this system at my current college, so I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of a good pesource for boning up on it, in readiness for any interview.

 

Many thanks, in advance (and rep to you for helping! Don't let it be said that I don't know how to bribe techies!!!!)

[LosOjos]

Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules here, I'm sure somebody will tell me if I am! Here's the basic user guide: GetStart_16972.pdf

 

In all honesty though, it's an incredibly simple system. I'd be very surprised if anybody with an IT background couldn't work their way around it within a day and be completely competent within a week, and these forums contain the answers to questions you never even thought to ask, just scan the MIS board

 

EDIT:

due to the apparent flame bait this post has become, I just want to point out that I am not claiming that any Tom, Dick or Harry can become a SIMS expert in a week, simply that anybody with a good IT background will be competent enough to perform the basic tasks expected of them in a post advertised as 'SIMS knowledge desirable'. And yes, maybe a week is too optimistic, but that wasn't really the point, the point was that aerospacemango shouldn't worry too much about this part of the JD.

 

Now, can't we all just get along?

Edited July 13, 2010 by LosOjos

[creese]

How many years have you got?

 

There are no books or anything online. You would need to be working in SIMS, Catch-22.

 

The only way you can get a training database, legally, is to be registered with Capita. It's not something you would be able to pick up and bluff your way through an interview in a short time scale.

 

Sorry there is no more help.

[apeo]

I wouldnt advise on trying to blag it but if you wanted to find out more about what it is then go here and look for SIMS that relates to the school your're apply at:

 

Capita Children's Services - Home

 

Doesnt help much i know but gives you an idea as to what it does.

[LosOjos]

How many years have you got?

 

There are no books or anything online. You would need to be working in SIMS, Catch-22.

 

The only way you can get a training database, legally, is to be registered with Capita. It's not something you would be able to pick up and bluff your way through an interview in a short time scale.

 

Sorry there is no more help.

 

I have to disagree with you here creese. I'm the Data Manager of a fairly large school (over 1500, sonn to be over 2500 students), and I had never even heard of SIMS until I read the JD for the job when I applied.

 

The nature of working on a database though is that if you have a sound understanding of how they work coupled with a firm grasp on IT in general, learning to use the front end is not at all difficult.

 

I'm not saying that anybody can roll in to a SIMS job, but that anybody competent with a PC and understanding of database's in general can quite happily perform the tasks required of them while they learn how to do the more complex tasks as they go along

[creese]

I have to disagree with you here creese. I'm the Data Manager of a fairly large school (over 1500, sonn to be over 2500 students), and I had never even heard of SIMS until I read the JD for the job when I applied.

 

The nature of working on a database though is that if you have a sound understanding of how they work coupled with a firm grasp on IT in general, learning to use the front end is not at all difficult.

 

I'm not saying that anybody can roll in to a SIMS job, but that anybody competent with a PC and understanding of database's in general can quite happily perform the tasks required of them while they learn how to do the more complex tasks as they go along

 

So, are you talking about a knowledge od SIMS or a knowledge of databases? Two different things.

 

It would depend on what the job entailed in relation to SIMS. Setting up Marksheets, dealing with Timetables etc. or installing and fixing via the helpdesk/LA. Two totally different requirements.

 

I know of SIMS or I can work with SIMS? I've read about it or I've worked with it?

[tmcd35]

They say SIMS knowledge is desirable - not required. And to be fair most schools would ask for knowledge of their MIS if possible, wouldn't demand it. They know that the likelihood of finding the right candidate that could perform the job they are employing for and have working knowledge of their MIS is quiet low - especially if they are expecting applicants from outside of education.

 

The thing here is to be honest. If they ask tell them you have never used it. Maybe mention you have experience of working on other similar SQL based management systems - if you do - other whys don't sweat it.

 

At the end of the day the only time it is going to become an issue is if they have two candidates that are both equally qualified and capable for the post that they can't decide between. If the other candidate just so happens to have SIMS knowledge then you probably wont get the job.

 

The question is does your C.V., experience, qualifications and knowledge trump everybody elses going for the job? If it does then lack of SIMS experience won't matter in the slightest.

[LeMarchand]

Although I thanked LosOjos for the manual (first time I've ever seen one), I have to agree that it's not too difficult to pick up for someone who's computer literate. I rarely use SIMS (though all 4 of my schools use it) but can generally muddle my way through with no training whatsoever.

[aerospacemango]

Thanks for all your input. I shall be settling down with the application this evening, to fill it in, so will take on board what you've all said.

 

How many years have you got?

 

Almost 2 years in Edu environs.

 

The thing here is to be honest. If they ask tell them you have never used it

 

Precisely what I plan to do. I figure that they'll see how much I've picked up in 2 years, and realise that SIMS should not be such a big step....At least I hope not!!

[creese]

Maybe my answer was a bit clumsey.

 

What I should have said was you will not pick up a working knowledge of SIMS and get through an interview if those interviewing do use SIMS. Better to admit you have heard of it, from this forum, than to try to blag your way through as someone who could sit at a test computer and carry out a test routine, as I have set up for many interviewees. You soon catch out those who have never worked with it before. As I said if it is only a desirable, you would get away with having tried to find out as much as possible and describe what it is.

[Sarconia]

I have to disagree with you here creese. I'm the Data Manager of a fairly large school (over 1500, sonn to be over 2500 students), and I had never even heard of SIMS until I read the JD for the job when I applied.

 

Hmm... by any chance are you located in Coventry?

 

In regard to using SIMS though, I think it all depends on the person. I was chucked straight into it as well and had never heard of SIMS either before I applied for my previous job but because I've been using PC's and all kinds of software since I was hmm... 10? I was able to find my way round it and it began to make sense in regard to how it all linked together after a while. On the other hand, someone who doesn't really use PC's a lot other than to say... occasionally send emails and surf the net will struggle like no tomorrow with it as it just won't make sense to them as they're not really a computer user and probably don't have a clue about files, databases or anything like that.

 

As you're I.T literate though, I wouldn't worry about it, especially if you've used another MIS before.

[apeo]

Maybe my answer was a bit clumsey.

 

What I should have said was you will not pick up a working knowledge of SIMS and get through an interview if those interviewing do use SIMS. Better to admit you have heard of it, from this forum, than to try to blag your way through as someone who could sit at a test computer and carry out a test routine, as I have set up for many interviewees. You soon catch out those who have never worked with it before. As I said if it is only a desirable, you would get away with having tried to find out as much as possible and describe what it is.

 

What kind of test? What did they have to do?

[LosOjos]

Hmm... by any chance are you located in Coventry?

 

Nope, I'm based in Sandwell

 

As you're I.T literate though, I wouldn't worry about it, especially if you've used another MIS before.

 

That was the (very long winded) point I was trying to get at

[creese]

What kind of test? What did they have to do?

 

We have given practical as well as written test. Installing on a workstation. Checking why SIMS will not login. This is for a support/helpdesk role, finding out if someone can work logically through a problem.

[Sarconia]

Nope, I'm based in Sandwell

 

Ah, you just sounded like someone who I knew then! Never mind

[superfletch]

I'm not saying that anybody can roll in to a SIMS job, but that anybody competent with a PC and understanding of database's in general can quite happily perform the tasks required of them while they learn how to do the more complex tasks as they go along

 

I agree there is using SIMS, and using it in depth.

 

We have a lot of schools with very IT literate people that can "work out there way around" or "muddle through" SIMS. However, a lot of these don't put data in accurately (duplicate contacts etc, etc) or make any proper use of data once it is in. I defy a person to learn how to properly use Nova T or Assessment Manager either quickly or "just by having a play about".

 

As far as data lookup or data entry is concerned I agree - SIMS is really pretty easy (because it is a well designed application). Install and upgrade is also pretty straightforward for the most part. However get in depth with SIMS and it starts to get difficult.

 

Going back to the OP he says that "a knowledge of SIMS is desirable." This doesn't say to what level at all, I'd research SIMS a bit and be honest with them. Say you are willing to learn.

 

Good luck.

Edited July 12, 2010 by superfletch

[MattMitchell]

Ironically, there's a sims data manager job going where you live, in Sandwell!

[Sivadam]

One reads with horror some of the posts in this thread.

No wonder some schools get into a mess with their SIMS setups and data!

(And I mean no offence to anybody on here!)

[tmcd35]

One reads with horror some of the posts in this thread.

No wonder some schools get into a mess with their SIMS setups and data!

(And I mean no offence to anybody on here!)

 

Well that peeked my interest - care to elaborate?

[Sivadam]

Well that peeked my interest - care to elaborate?

 

Just that SIMS is so vast and varied that it is difficult to have an overall understanding of all of it! You CANNOT just pick this up - unless of course you have a good mentor within the school who can help you along. It takes a great deal of time and experience to become proficient in all aspects of SIMS use.

 

If you do not grasp the relationship between Timetable, Academic Management and the rest of SIMS you are totally screwed. I have helped some schools out who thought they were well organised only for me to explain to them that some of their basics were wrong!

To understand SIMS totally is a massive learning curve! And the more you learn the more you realise how little you did actually know in the first place!

 

To get the most out of SIMS you need a SIMS Manager in the school who does have this depth of knowledge that I describe!

Edited July 13, 2010 by Sivadam

[creese]

Just that SIMS is so vast and varied that it is difficult to have an overall understanding of all of it! You CANNOT just pick this up - unless of course you have a good mentor within the school who can help you along. It takes a great deal of time and experience to become proficient in all aspects of SIMS use.

 

If you do not grasp the relationship between Timetable, Academic Management and the rest of SIMS you are totally screwed. I have helped some schools out who thought they were well organised only for me to explain to them that some of their basics were wrong!

To understand SIMS totally is a massive learning curve! And the more you learn the more you realise how little you did actually know in the first place!

 

To get the most out of SIMS you need a SIMS Manager in the school who does have this depth of knowledge that I describe!

 

I couldn't agree more, I was just too tired yesterday to get into discussions about proper knowledge of SIMS and the people who think it is an easy program to pick up. I'm still learning after 10 years.

[Sivadam]

I couldn't agree more, I was just too tired yesterday to get into discussions about proper knowledge of SIMS and the people who think it is an easy program to pick up. I'm still learning after 10 years.

 

Just a novice then?

[apeo]

Agree with Sivadam, I think that the average IT Tech can figure out alot but to fully understand all of SIMS and its modules.. thats not something you can exactly figure out or gain overnight. Im not the Data or SIMS Manager so im not expected to know SIMS indepth but I'm suppose to fix it if its broke, which for the most part isnt that hard.

[creese]

Just a novice then?

 

Frayed sew. Have very little idea of Nova and been too busy with Dinner Money etc in primaries to have much idea of Assessment.

[tmcd35]

I'd agree that SIMS is a complex and powerful beast that you can't learn by reading 1 or 2 online training manuals 5 mins before an interview. But I think in terms of the OP the advice that has been given is pretty spot on. If he got the NM job I wouldn't expect him to be using SIMS to that level, probably ever. Essentially the imprtant bits - which can be picked up on the job - are updates and new users. I would expect the school to have timetablers, cover managers, data managers, exams officers, etc, in place with a far greater working knowledge of the product. In terms of support the system is pretty intuitive and has some excellent built in documentation. I would guess and say if the school required the NM to know more about SIMS they'd send him on any required training courses and/or have him work shadow some of the other key members of staff.

 

As for the job application/interview, personally I think there are more important things to worry about than SIMS. In fact I'd be surprised if it even came up in interview regardless of what he puts down on the C.V.