Report of the DASC-SC P&Ps Review subcommittee
25 September 2003

The subcommittee has reviewed the current DASC Bylaws in relation to
P&Ps of higher-level organizational units (IEEE-CS SAB, IEEE-SA,
IEEE).  Since the DASC Bylaws were formulated, higher-level P&Ps have
evolved.  Nonetheless, our P&Ps need to be consistent with them.
Where inconsistency arises, higher-level P&Ps have precedence.

It appears that operational problems have arisen within DASC and its
Working Groups, resulting from

- DASC P&Ps not being readily available
- DASC P&Ps being not clearly expressed and, in some aspects,
  inconsistent with higher-level P&Ps
- P&Ps not being rigorously adhered to

Recently, the IEEE-SA Audit Committee has been reviewing P&Ps of
Societies and their standards-development committees.  Now is an
opportune time to review our P&Ps in concert with higher-level review.

The convenor of this subcommittee has liaised with IEEE-SA staff
regarding our review of P&Ps, and has received assurance of support.

Proposed Actions

DASC should revise its P&Ps to bring them into line with higher-level
P&Ps.  IEEE-SA now provides model P&Ps for use by standards sponsors.
DASC should use the model P&Ps as the basis for new P&Ps, augmented
with requirements agreed by DASC.  This subcommittee is in the process
of drafting revised P&Ps for consideration by DASC.

DASC should review Working Group P&Ps to ensure they exist, are
complete and in accord with DASC and higher-level P&Ps.  This
subcommittee will draft model Working Group P&Ps and liaise with
Working Group chairs to review their P&Ps.  It will propose further
action where necessary.

DASC should review the need for elections of officers (Chair,
Vice-Chair and Secretary) for DASC and Working Groups, as some
elections are due or overdue.  The current DASC bylaws relating to
elections are inconsistent with the IEEE-CS SAB P&P.  This
subcommittee proposes that elections be held in accordance with SAB
P&Ps, augmented with those aspects of DASC bylaws that are not
inconsistent with SAB P&Ps.  Specifically

- Working Group Chairs and Vice-Chairs be elected by the Working
  Groups and confirmed by DASC-SC
- DASC Chair and Vice-Chair be elected by DASC members and confirmed
  by IEEE-CS SAB
- Approval voting be used
- Only current DASC members can vote


Peter Ashenden
Subcommittee Convenor