Simultaneous Process Reengineering and System Replacement at Rice University

Abstract

In late 1996 Rice University launched a plan to replace its aging student information system with a more up-to-date and flexible model. Simultaneously, Rice undertook an ambitious project to restructure its business processes for undergraduate admission, financial aid, student registration, student accounts, and overall record management. How it achieved both objectives at the same time--developing a streamlined, client-responsive set of student services while replacing an antiquated information system with a state-of-the-art model--provides an edifying case study in how sweeping changes, when properly managed and carefully staged, can lead to extremely positive, cost-effective results.