Chapter 9 Implementation and Planning Flashcards
What must college and university leaders consider when building data capabilities?
Both strategic and operational dimensions
This includes understanding key concepts of data and advanced analytics.
What is essential for leaders to nurture in the college regarding data usage?
A culture of evidence
This involves a commitment to using data effectively across the institution.
What question must senior campus leaders be able to answer regarding data use?
Where do you want to go?
This helps in identifying outcomes associated with data and analytics.
What should leaders use to identify and communicate the ideal state of data use?
Existing efforts and artifacts
Such as institutional plans, self-studies, and available data sets.
What is the vision for the Strategy, Policy, and Analytics function at Lehman College?
To become a national model for using evidence to facilitate transformational change and student success in the service of equity.
What is the mission of the Strategy, Policy, and Analytics function?
To engage the campus in an evidence-based process of continuous improvement.
What should the analysis of current data use in colleges focus on?
Improvement
This helps in understanding the current conditions and strengths for growth.
Name one approach colleges can take to understand their current state of data use.
Bring in external parties or keep the process in-house
Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks.
What role does the delivery leader play in data initiatives?
Operational lead to see the work through
This individual should believe in the mission and be skilled in data.
What is a core team responsible for in data initiatives?
Managing and supporting the work to turn aspirations into reality.
What should an implementation team focus on to promote data use?
Cross-functional collaboration and data integration.
What is necessary for an implementation team to become sustainable?
Integration into the budget
Without this, the team may struggle to succeed.
What is the importance of having champions in the data use initiative?
They help maintain momentum and promote adoption across the institution.
Who are likely influential champions in a college data initiative?
Faculty members, advisors, other staff members, and students.
What is a key task in moving toward a more integrated model of data use?
Conducting a qualitative and quantitative feasibility study.
What does the process of continuous analysis and improvement help a college achieve?
To get better at getting better.
True or False: All efforts to use data better begin as a clear and organized process.
False
They often start as a messy business.
What should be the focus of the initial analysis of data use?
Understanding drivers and barriers to success.
What is the initial step in using data better in a college setting?
Senior campus leaders, the delivery lead, the implementation team, and the coalition of champions must figure out what to do.
What types of metrics should be identified in the initial meetings?
Metrics should include both quantitative and qualitative, focusing on institutional effectiveness and operationalizing the plan.
What are some important college priorities to keep the implementation team focused?
- Student success and equity
- Strategic finance
- Academic quality and renewal
- Implementation milestones
What are some milestones required to create a culture of evidence?
- Formation of a data strategy
- Creation of a data governance plan
- Major integration of data silos
- Provision of training and professional development
What should be done if sharp spikes or drops in data are observed?
Investigate the data to identify if the issues stem from definition changes, system migrations, or technology problems.
What is the purpose of creating benchmarks in performance tracking?
To compare progress toward campus goals and implementation within and across divisions, schools, and departments.
Fill in the blank: A good implementation plan should outline what they are and include recommendations for reaping the rewards and mitigating the _______.
[risks]
What is the ideal outcome of a college’s data infrastructure modernization?
To develop a strategy, policy, and analytics function that serves equity and facilitates transformational change.
What are common challenges faced during the implementation of analytics?
- Data ownership skepticism
- Technological incompatibility
- Insufficient time and resources
- Leadership discontinuity
True or False: Successful implementation hinges on having meetings that respect people’s time.
True
What should meetings among key stakeholders focus on?
Specific measures of progress toward the ideal state and the goals and strategies that will move the campus forward.
What role does preparation play in successful meetings?
Preparation helps ensure that key metrics are ready and that stakeholders are briefed to avoid surprises.
What should be done when a challenge seems too big to solve?
Deconstruct it into smaller, manageable pieces that the implementation team can handle.
How can campus leaders maintain momentum in building a culture of evidence?
- Provide rewards and incentives
- Listen to skeptics
- Promote a positive culture of critique
- Acknowledge good work
What is one way to celebrate success in building a data-informed culture?
Sponsor an annual summit on student success focused on data and technology.
What is the commonality among implementation plans?
They translate aspirations into goals, strategies, and actions while emphasizing continuous improvement.
What type of data should be prioritized for integration in colleges?
Data that is siloed and requires systemic solutions for better communication across systems.
What is the significance of lowering barriers to accessing and understanding data?
It promotes trust in the data and encourages broader usage across the college.
What does creating and communicating key metrics help unlock?
The collective brain power of the college to improve performance.
What is a key practice for blending internal and external perspectives on data use?
Sponsoring an annual summit on student success focused on the intersection of data and technology.
This practice allows faculty and staff to showcase success stories and challenges.
What is a common misconception about the implementation of analytics in higher education?
That it requires only a one-time, labor-intensive effort.
Successful implementation is an ongoing process with multiple phases.
What phases are included in the successful implementation of analytics?
- Acquiring and developing new analytics tools
- Implementing new capabilities
- Scaling out new practices
- Renewing data and analytics on an ongoing basis
What is a major issue with how institutions typically approach implementation?
They often take a piecemeal approach rather than ensuring integrity across all phases.
This leads to underutilization of new tools and frustration.
What can happen when newly defined aspirations lack specificity?
People may fill in the blanks on their own, leading to loss of control over the message.
This can create uncertainty and stagnation.
Why is it important to clarify the meanings of terms like data and analytics?
Different understandings can lead to significant risks in the implementation process.
Clear communication helps align goals and expectations.
What is the difference between champions and power users in the context of data analytics?
Champions are senior leaders; power users are individuals who engage deeply with the data tools.
Tools designed for champions may not meet the needs of actual data users.
What is essential for the sustainability of data analytics initiatives in colleges?
Permanent resources and a financial plan to support data analytics initiatives.
Without ongoing funding, even successful initiatives can falter.
How should success be conceptualized beyond quick wins in data analytics implementation?
Success should also consider long-term cultural shifts and improvements.
Early gains are positive but do not guarantee sustained success.
What can distract campus leaders from adopting data analytics and developing a culture of evidence?
Crisis management and organizational distractions.
These distractions can halt progress and momentum.
What is the conclusion regarding the evolution of colleges and universities?
They must become more nimble and implement a culture of evidence to respond to modern challenges.
This includes developing a clear data strategy and effective implementation.
Fill in the blank: The implementation of a culture of evidence is an ________ for colleges and universities.
[organizational imperative]
What is required for successful execution of the data analytics plan?
Appointing a delivery leader and gathering an implementation team.
This team focuses solely on moving the institution toward the ideal state of data use.
