Chapter 9 Implementation and Planning

Question 1

What must college and university leaders consider when building data capabilities?

Answer 1

Both strategic and operational dimensions

This includes understanding key concepts of data and advanced analytics.

Question 2

What is essential for leaders to nurture in the college regarding data usage?

Answer 2

A culture of evidence

This involves a commitment to using data effectively across the institution.

Question 3

What question must senior campus leaders be able to answer regarding data use?

Answer 3

Where do you want to go?

This helps in identifying outcomes associated with data and analytics.

Question 4

What should leaders use to identify and communicate the ideal state of data use?

Answer 4

Existing efforts and artifacts

Such as institutional plans, self-studies, and available data sets.

Question 5

What is the vision for the Strategy, Policy, and Analytics function at Lehman College?

Answer 5

To become a national model for using evidence to facilitate transformational change and student success in the service of equity.

Question 6

What is the mission of the Strategy, Policy, and Analytics function?

Answer 6

To engage the campus in an evidence-based process of continuous improvement.

Question 7

What should the analysis of current data use in colleges focus on?

Answer 7

Improvement

This helps in understanding the current conditions and strengths for growth.

Question 8

Name one approach colleges can take to understand their current state of data use.

Answer 8

Bring in external parties or keep the process in-house

Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Question 9

What role does the delivery leader play in data initiatives?

Answer 9

Operational lead to see the work through

This individual should believe in the mission and be skilled in data.

Question 10

What is a core team responsible for in data initiatives?

Answer 10

Managing and supporting the work to turn aspirations into reality.

Question 11

What should an implementation team focus on to promote data use?

Answer 11

Cross-functional collaboration and data integration.

Question 12

What is necessary for an implementation team to become sustainable?

Answer 12

Integration into the budget

Without this, the team may struggle to succeed.

Question 13

What is the importance of having champions in the data use initiative?

Answer 13

They help maintain momentum and promote adoption across the institution.

Question 14

Who are likely influential champions in a college data initiative?

Answer 14

Faculty members, advisors, other staff members, and students.

Question 15

What is a key task in moving toward a more integrated model of data use?

Answer 15

Conducting a qualitative and quantitative feasibility study.

Question 16

What does the process of continuous analysis and improvement help a college achieve?

Answer 16

To get better at getting better.

Question 17

True or False: All efforts to use data better begin as a clear and organized process.

Answer 17

False

They often start as a messy business.

Question 18

What should be the focus of the initial analysis of data use?

Answer 18

Understanding drivers and barriers to success.

Question 19

What is the initial step in using data better in a college setting?

Answer 19

Senior campus leaders, the delivery lead, the implementation team, and the coalition of champions must figure out what to do.

Question 20

What types of metrics should be identified in the initial meetings?

Answer 20

Metrics should include both quantitative and qualitative, focusing on institutional effectiveness and operationalizing the plan.

Question 21

What are some important college priorities to keep the implementation team focused?

Answer 21

• Student success and equity
• Strategic finance
• Academic quality and renewal
• Implementation milestones

Question 22

What are some milestones required to create a culture of evidence?

Answer 22

• Formation of a data strategy
• Creation of a data governance plan
• Major integration of data silos
• Provision of training and professional development

Question 23

What should be done if sharp spikes or drops in data are observed?

Answer 23

Investigate the data to identify if the issues stem from definition changes, system migrations, or technology problems.

Question 24

What is the purpose of creating benchmarks in performance tracking?

Answer 24

To compare progress toward campus goals and implementation within and across divisions, schools, and departments.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: A good implementation plan should outline what they are and include recommendations for reaping the rewards and mitigating the _______.

Answer 25

[risks]

Question 26

What is the ideal outcome of a college's data infrastructure modernization?

Answer 26

To develop a strategy, policy, and analytics function that serves equity and facilitates transformational change.

Question 27

What are common challenges faced during the implementation of analytics?

Answer 27

* Data ownership skepticism * Technological incompatibility * Insufficient time and resources * Leadership discontinuity

Question 28

True or False: Successful implementation hinges on having meetings that respect people's time.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What should meetings among key stakeholders focus on?

Answer 29

Specific measures of progress toward the ideal state and the goals and strategies that will move the campus forward.

Question 30

What role does preparation play in successful meetings?

Answer 30

Preparation helps ensure that key metrics are ready and that stakeholders are briefed to avoid surprises.

Question 31

What should be done when a challenge seems too big to solve?

Answer 31

Deconstruct it into smaller, manageable pieces that the implementation team can handle.

Question 32

How can campus leaders maintain momentum in building a culture of evidence?

Answer 32

* Provide rewards and incentives * Listen to skeptics * Promote a positive culture of critique * Acknowledge good work

Question 33

What is one way to celebrate success in building a data-informed culture?

Answer 33

Sponsor an annual summit on student success focused on data and technology.

Question 34

What is the commonality among implementation plans?

Answer 34

They translate aspirations into goals, strategies, and actions while emphasizing continuous improvement.

Question 35

What type of data should be prioritized for integration in colleges?

Answer 35

Data that is siloed and requires systemic solutions for better communication across systems.

Question 36

What is the significance of lowering barriers to accessing and understanding data?

Answer 36

It promotes trust in the data and encourages broader usage across the college.

Question 37

What does creating and communicating key metrics help unlock?

Answer 37

The collective brain power of the college to improve performance.

Question 38

What is a key practice for blending internal and external perspectives on data use?

Answer 38

Sponsoring an annual summit on student success focused on the intersection of data and technology. ## Footnote This practice allows faculty and staff to showcase success stories and challenges.

Question 39

What is a common misconception about the implementation of analytics in higher education?

Answer 39

That it requires only a one-time, labor-intensive effort. ## Footnote Successful implementation is an ongoing process with multiple phases.

Question 40

What phases are included in the successful implementation of analytics?

Answer 40

* Acquiring and developing new analytics tools * Implementing new capabilities * Scaling out new practices * Renewing data and analytics on an ongoing basis

Question 41

What is a major issue with how institutions typically approach implementation?

Answer 41

They often take a piecemeal approach rather than ensuring integrity across all phases. ## Footnote This leads to underutilization of new tools and frustration.

Question 42

What can happen when newly defined aspirations lack specificity?

Answer 42

People may fill in the blanks on their own, leading to loss of control over the message. ## Footnote This can create uncertainty and stagnation.

Question 43

Why is it important to clarify the meanings of terms like data and analytics?

Answer 43

Different understandings can lead to significant risks in the implementation process. ## Footnote Clear communication helps align goals and expectations.

Question 44

What is the difference between champions and power users in the context of data analytics?

Answer 44

Champions are senior leaders; power users are individuals who engage deeply with the data tools. ## Footnote Tools designed for champions may not meet the needs of actual data users.

Question 45

What is essential for the sustainability of data analytics initiatives in colleges?

Answer 45

Permanent resources and a financial plan to support data analytics initiatives. ## Footnote Without ongoing funding, even successful initiatives can falter.

Question 46

How should success be conceptualized beyond quick wins in data analytics implementation?

Answer 46

Success should also consider long-term cultural shifts and improvements. ## Footnote Early gains are positive but do not guarantee sustained success.

Question 47

What can distract campus leaders from adopting data analytics and developing a culture of evidence?

Answer 47

Crisis management and organizational distractions. ## Footnote These distractions can halt progress and momentum.

Question 48

What is the conclusion regarding the evolution of colleges and universities?

Answer 48

They must become more nimble and implement a culture of evidence to respond to modern challenges. ## Footnote This includes developing a clear data strategy and effective implementation.

Question 49

Fill in the blank: The implementation of a culture of evidence is an ________ for colleges and universities.

Answer 49

[organizational imperative]

Question 50

What is required for successful execution of the data analytics plan?

Answer 50

Appointing a delivery leader and gathering an implementation team. ## Footnote This team focuses solely on moving the institution toward the ideal state of data use.