{"id":51,"date":"2013-10-19T18:32:36","date_gmt":"2013-10-20T01:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522makerspaces2013\/?page_id=51"},"modified":"2013-11-07T13:02:50","modified_gmt":"2013-11-07T20:02:50","slug":"administrative-models","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec522makerspaces2013\/the-million-dollar-question-guide\/administrative-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Administrative Models"},"content":{"rendered":"

No singular administration model for makerspaces exists.\u00a0 The most successful \"Boss,makerspaces use a model that best fits the the background of its founders and their goals for the space. \u00a0 Specifically, do its founders have the knowledge to take care of day-to-day operations, set up and run equipment as well as a strong foundation in business strategies and management?\u00a0 Goal – wise – is the goal to ensure collaboration, trust, and peer creation and administration, or is the goal to promote an environment of creation, collaboration with a certain element of control?<\/p>\n

Commercial makerspaces typically fall into the second goal category.\u00a0 Often commercial enterprises are accountable to external pressures which may include – having to show a return on investment to funders and board members, the need to become self-sustainable and profitable in a much shorter amount of time than non-profit ventures, liability and legal issues surrounding commercial ventures etc.\u00a0 Founders typically have both business and technical experience, as well as a vision.<\/p>\n

Two successful commercial makerspaces – TechShop<\/a> and MakeIt<\/a> Labs use a top-down administrative structure.\u00a0 A third type of administrative structure, more suited to small businesses\/community-based makerspaces is a flat structure.<\/p>\n

MakeIt Labs<\/h3>\n

MakeIt-Labs<\/a> is owned and operated by Joseph Schlesinger.\u00a0 His background is ideally suited to this type of venture, given his\u00a0 experience in both IT and business management.\u00a0 He holds a degree in electrical and computer engineering.\u00a0 In the past he has worked as an IT director\/manager and owned\/operated his own IT business.<\/p>\n

The pros and cons of sole management of a makerspace include:<\/p>\n