 IGS POLICY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT of IGS PROJECTS and WORKING GROUPS(PDF version)March 2005 (previous version)General Policy:An IGS Working Group works on a particular topic related to the IGS components according to goals and schedule specified in the Working Group's Charter. An IGS Pilot Project aims at the development of one or more particular IGS product(s) using data from the IGS network. The establishment of an IGS Pilot Project always implies that a more definitive, operational phase should follow the pilot phase, such as a Pilot Service. Pilot projects have a finite life-span and will be terminated by the Governing Board once the product is generated in a service-like manner, or, alternatively it becomes clear that the aims of the project will not be achieved. Working groups may either have a limited life-span or they may be long-term. In the latter case the chairperson will be appointed for a duration of two years (re- appointment possible). WG or Pilot Projects may evolve into a more operational activity devoted to the long-term generation of an IGS product, e.g. timing. The generation of such products and the monitoring of their quality and performance are the responsibility of a Product Coordinator who works in cooperation with the IGS Analysis Center Coordinator. A Product Coordinator is supported by a Working Group, which is normally chaired by the Product Coordinator. Every working group or project has a membership list. The IGS Analysis Center Coordinator and the Director of the Central Bureau are "members ex officio" of each working group or project. They may send official designees to meetings that they cannot attend. Working groups and projects operate autonomously under the leadership of the chairperson or coordinator. After the establishment the chairperson has in particular the right to add members to the group. He may also collaborate with other scientific organizations like, e.g., IAG commissions, projects, or special study groups. The membership list and goals have to be adapted as necessary. The chair of a working group or pilot project, or the product coordinator prepares at least annually a report about the activities of the group or project. Such reports are included into the IGS Annual Report. The IGS Governing Board regularly organizes special meetings, where IGS projects, working groups and products are reviewed. All IGS technical chairs are invited to these meetings. Proposals to terminate, to essentially change the Charter, and/or (re-)appoint the chairperson/coordinator may be made. These proposals are presented at the next IGS Governing Board Meeting.
Formal Establishment:Individuals or groups of individuals wishing to establish an IGS Working Group, or Pilot Project/Service must provide the following at least two weeks prior to an official IGS Governing Board Meeting:
IGS Working Groups (WG) and IGS Pilot Projects (PP) are set up by the IGS Governing Board at one of its regular meetings. At this constitutional meeting, when the WG, Project, and/or Pilot Service is considered by the Board, the IGS Governing Board
In the case of new operational products requiring a Product Coordinator, the initial WG or PP must demonstrate to the GB that the product is viable and an important addition to the IGS suite of official products. The ACC or Product Coordinator, along with the WG or PP membership must present the proposal at a GB meeting and include the goals, objectives and product definition. Any proposed Product Coordinator must obtain confirmation from the host organization that the activity will be supported for at least 4 years. An exchange of letters between the organization and the Chair of the GB will formally establish the Product and Product Coordinator. After the four-year period, the IGS Board will ask for continuance or the responsibility will transfer to another organization. A one- year advance notice is required prior to cessation of the commitment. | HOME || ABOUT IGS || ORGANIZATION || FTP ARCHIVES || FAQs || WEBSITE INDEX |
This page last updated: 16 Mar 2005 |