Simplifying MMS: Saying Goodbye to Legacy Module Evaluation Functionality
Following the successful introduction of Blue (Explorance) for Module Feedback Questionnaires (MFQs), we’re making a number of improvements to MMS by retiring functionality that supported the University’s previous evaluation system, Evasys.
These changes are designed to make MMS simpler, clearer and better aligned with the way module feedback is now managed across the University.
Why are we making these changes?
For many years, MMS included functionality to support Evasys, including module evaluation settings, staff evaluation options, reporting tools and automated notifications.
Since the University adopted Blue as its institutional survey platform, these features are no longer required. Although they have remained in MMS for compatibility, they now represent legacy functionality that can cause unnecessary confusion for staff.
Rather than maintaining features that are no longer used, we’re taking the opportunity to streamline the system and ensure it reflects current University processes.
What’s changing?
The update will remove or retire a number of Evasys-related features, including:
- Obsolete evaluation options on the Module Overview.
- The Reports to field, previously used for paper-based evaluation reports.
- The Optional question code field.
- The Module Evaluation Questionnaire tool can no longer be added to new modules
- The Evaluate column and checklist have been removed from the Staff tab.
- Legacy module evaluation notification emails and daily digest notifications have been stopped.
Historic evaluation data will remain available, so previous reports and records are unaffected.
What are the benefits?
Although these are relatively small changes individually, together they provide several benefits:
- A cleaner and more intuitive interface.
- Better alignment with current institutional processes.
- Reduced confusion caused by legacy terminology and unused options.
- Less unnecessary email traffic.
- Continued compliance with the University’s Design Pattern Library (DPL), accessibility standards and usability guidance.
What does this mean for staff?
For most users, the changes simply mean that options relating to the retired Evasys system will no longer appear in MMS.
Module feedback continues to be managed through Blue, so there is no change to the current process for running Module Feedback Questionnaires.
Looking ahead
Retiring unused functionality is an important part of maintaining a healthy system. As University processes evolve, regularly reviewing and removing obsolete features helps ensure MMS remains focused, easier to use and simpler to support.
This update is one of several ongoing improvements aimed at keeping MMS aligned with the University’s current ways of working while providing a better experience for staff.