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2024 EDUCAUSE Analytics Landscape Study

by Nicole Muscanell Thursday, September 26, 2024

Recommendations and Resources

Recommendations

What actions can institutions take to improve their analytics capabilities? Respondents identified both immediate and longer-term/ongoing actions that their institutions could feasibly take to improve their analytics capabilities and efforts. In their open-ended responses, they identified immediate actions surrounding training and professional development; investments in technology, tools, and staff; integration and centralization of data; and stakeholder collaboration, engagement, and ability to access/use data (see table 3). Longer-term actions identified focused on strategic planning and alignment with institutional goals, data governance processes, and a focus on ethical consideration surrounding data collection and usage (see table 4).

Table 3. Immediate Actions Institutions Can Take to Improve Analytics Capabilities
Action Description
Invest in training and professional development Many respondents emphasized training and professional development for staff and faculty to improve data literacy, analytical skills, and the effective use of data tools. This includes ongoing training initiatives and the development of a culture that values continuous learning in analytics.
Invest in technology and tools Respondents frequently mentioned the need to invest in advanced analytical tools, data lakes, centralized data warehouses, and AI technologies to enhance analytics capabilities. Some also suggested implementing ongoing assessment processes for these tools.
Hire dedicated staff Respondents highlighted the importance of hiring dedicated staff such as chief data officers, data analysts, and data governance leaders. Leadership support and the creation of specialized teams to focus on analytics were also mentioned as critical for long-term success.
Integrate and centralize data Respondents said that institutions need to centralize and integrate data across different systems by creating data warehouses, data lakes, and centralized databases to streamline access to and the use of data for analytics.
Foster collaboration and communication Respondents noted the importance of collaboration across departments and clear communication of analytics strategies and data governance policies. They suggested forming cross-departmental teams, having regular meetings, and developing clear communication channels to align analytics efforts.
Address silos and enhance access to data Respondents expressed a need to ensure that data are easily accessible across the institution, not just at the top levels.
Garner leadership and executive support Respondents noted the importance of securing executive buy-in and ensuring that leaders are engaged in and supportive of data-driven approaches.
Table 4. Longer-Term/Ongoing Actions Institutions Can Take to Improve Analytics Capabilities
Action Description
Develop a long-term strategy that aligns with institutional goals Respondents discussed the importance of developing a coherent, long-term strategy for analytics that aligns with institutional goals. This involves creating strategic plans that guide the integration of analytics into decision-making processes.
Make strategic planning collaborative Respondents noted that collaboration across departments and the development of a strategic plan for analytics were essential. This includes involving various stakeholders, aligning efforts with institutional goals, and creating a shared vision for data usage and analytics.
Establish and mature data governance Respondents emphasized the need to establish or strengthen data governance frameworks, including creating clear policies, centralizing data, and defining data stewardship roles. This includes implementing data governance models that ensure data integrity, quality, and accessibility.
Improve and standardize data processes Respondents highlighted the importance of improving and standardizing data collection, reporting, and analysis processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of analytics efforts.
Adopt ethical considerations in analytics practices Respondents pointed to the need for institutions to adopt ethical considerations in analytics practices, such as ensuring that data are used equitably and responsibly, especially in decision-making processes that affect marginalized groups.

Resources