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Writer's pictureCarleigh Young

Best Practices for Data-Driven Decision Making in Higher Education

Updated: Jun 18

In an era where data is more accessible than ever, higher education institutions have the opportunity to leverage data-driven decision making to enhance institutional effectiveness and student success. By collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data, institutions can make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes.


The Role of Data in Strategic Planning and Policy Development


Data-driven decision making involves using data to inform strategic planning and policy development. Institutions can use data to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of programs, and make evidence-based decisions. This approach ensures that decisions are grounded in reality and aligned with institutional goals.


Types of Data Institutions Should Collect and Analyze


To make informed decisions, institutions need to collect and analyze a variety of data types:


  • Student Data: Information on enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and student demographics.

  • Academic Data: Course performance, assessment results, and faculty evaluations.

  • Administrative Data: Financial reports, resource allocation, and operational efficiency metrics.

  • Engagement Data: Student participation in extracurricular activities, use of support services, and feedback from surveys.


Tools and Technologies for Effective Data Management


Effective data management requires the right tools and technologies. Institutions should invest in:


  • Data Analytics Platforms: Tools like PowerBI and Tableau for visualizing and analyzing data.

  • Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms that track student progress and engagement.

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Tools for managing interactions with students and stakeholders.

  • Data Warehouses: Centralized repositories for storing and organizing large volumes of data.


Success Stories of Successful Data-Driven Initiatives in Higher Education


Success Story 1: Application Processing Dashboard We collaborated with Institutional Research and Applications Services to develop and implement a comprehensive dashboard tracking the entire application process, from initial submission to full admission. This dashboard allowed us to identify and address bottlenecks, significantly reducing the average application processing time from 30 days to under 10 days.


Success Story 2: Student Success Inbox We designed and implemented a new inbox system for the Student Success team at an EdTech company. This system enabled detailed tracking of request types, resolution times, volumes, and more. As a result, we reduced the average response time to students from 10 days to under 3 days, developed both individual and departmental KPIs, and automated several workflows. Within a year of implementation, the department successfully resolved over 18,000 tickets, significantly enhancing efficiency and student support.


Success Story 3: Student Progress Notifications By automating student progress notifications, we alleviated hours of administrative work, allowing time for in-depth analysis of recurring trends in student performance. We identified specific assignments and critical points where dropout rates spiked and evaluated the effectiveness of various communications. Implementing targeted retention strategies based on these insights led to a 50% reduction in dropout rates.


Data-driven decision making is essential for higher education institutions looking to enhance their effectiveness and improve student outcomes. By collecting and analyzing the right data, using advanced tools and technologies, and learning from successful case studies, institutions can make informed decisions that drive positive change.


At EduSystems Analytics, we are dedicated to helping institutions harness the power of data. Contact us today to learn how we can support your data-driven initiatives.

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