Data Warehouse

In the past, decision makers across Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) had poor access to data. Requests for data had to be directed to specific operational areas and were often provided only in hard copy. To analyze and transform data into useful information, decision makers and their staff had to enter non-integrated data into their local systems. Executives often couldn't "see the forest for the trees"—either they were drowning in too much data with poor options for analyzing it or received too little useful data"—and frequently received conflicting information or responses based on inaccurate assumptions about the types of data and analysis required.

"Insight initiatives are known by other names in other sectors: business intelligence, in the corporate world; evidence-based medicine, in healthcare. These efforts, which combine explorations of information from the past (hindsight) with looks to the future (foresight), come together in a moment of insight to power decisions that make a positive difference. These initiatives leverage technology, planning, research, strategy, and a host of other key elements to truly realize the treasure of student and institutional data at our fingertips."

Presentation at the May 2006 ECAR Academy in Dedham, Massachusetts. "NERCOMP Presents: ECAR Academy" was developed jointly by NERCOMP and ECAR to develop the next generation of current and emerging leaders and further the IT profession by promoting and fostering a culture of evidence. Participants examined the most pressing issues facing higher education/IT today from a data-driven point of view; participated in a rigorous and highly interactive curriculum led by ECAR investigators (fellows); learned how to interpret and use information strategically to inform leadership decisions and processes; and joined an ongoing, supportive peer network.