iStrategy

Our Approach

We have a Data Warehouse Program Plan that depicts our strategy of a top-down management approach in working several projects in parallel in developing the business intelligence solution.   This means that we are visibly showing Dashboards, while building the Data Warehouse and Customizing the delivered metrics, and being Flexible to show report information on Dashboards with interim table solutions before the comprehensive modules are implemented in the Data Warehouse.

1. Dashboards - Immediate showing of Current Information as soon as data is in the warehouse.
2. Flexible Data Input – We build Dashboard information that is housed in custom tables in Data Warehouse with flexible input forms.
3. Build Data Warehouse – This is standard Blackboard Business Analytics to build modules for Student, Finance, Financial Aid, HR, others.

Examples of Flexible Dashboard Features are Alumni information for Historical Census information that have been added by custom tables and visible through user interfaces.   

Data Validation

We are performing Data Validationand Resolution in parallel to building the Data Warehouse.   This is required because we are discovering data measurement issues in our Banner data relating to Students and Enrollment as we implement the Student Module.   These issues must be resolved in order to get valid data on the Dashboards.

Team Roles

• Tom Hull – CIO and Program Manager
• Said Reda – Owns the 90-day work.  Prioritizes and runs those items until closure including dashboards and input forms (with Amit);  also owns key projects such as the Financial Aid Module implementation in this Phase
• Crystal Hrynenko – Owns and acts as President’s reviewer and validator of the Institutional Measure information;  also owns priority of data validation for all measures/dashboards in the project plan
• Joe Constantino – Owns the 90-day list/plan (Completed).  The project plan will be improved, followed and reviewed weekly to prevent misunderstandings of what is expected or planned
• Christine Stephens – Owns the SuperUser list, training plans and schedules.  As well as helps with data validation anomalies.  Will also convert the list of reports to the Data Warehouse which is noted in the plan
• Glen Jemmott – Owns the landing page and updates with all latest information  

SuperUsers

Our refreshed management approach includes key roles for Pace team members in the ITS dept. and in all administrative and academic depts. that are involved in the Data Warehouse Build.   We are utilizing “SuperUsers” in the departments that are lead players that are well trained in using the tools for the Data Warehouse and Dashboard interface.   They are the experts in their functional area and are considered the go-to role for all other employees for that respective area.   This allows a very strong organization setup and an efficient approach, i.e. it is not necessary to line up requests and questions to the ITS department only. 

 SuperUsers List (Downloadable pdf )

Data Warehouse Information Plan

Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence

Information Technology Services has implemented a new application to assist in retrieving useful and easy-to-read information from our Banner system. This data can be greatly valuable when performing analysis in various areas such as Admission, Enrollment, School statistics, and much more.

What is iStrategy?

iStrategy is the first and only packaged data warehouse and analytical reporting application for colleges and universities. It transforms data into information to support a broad spectrum of information users spanning institutional research, management reporting, external reporting and analytical information needs across the institution. The application provides a library of standardized metrics and descriptive attributes consistent with best practices in higher education management.

The application has a solid foundation for Business Intelligence (BI) and Analytics which is all encompassed in a single data warehouse solution for all casual and power type users.

Benefits include:

• Intuitive self-service access to reliable information
• Rich library of higher education performance metrics
• Powerful analytic capability to support decision making and management information needs
• Personalized dashboards for executive users
• “Out of the box” integration with Banner
• An open technology platform that is easily extensible

How does it apply to me or my department?

When reviewing departmental goals and future initiatives, reports are an integral part of the process that helps in making many of the decisions. iStrategy can easily provide self-service tools that will allow individuals to extract standard and customizable data into valuable reports. It standardizes the formatting or reports, in addition to the definitions we all use for various variables.

Do I need training?

The University is moving towards building a more efficient, self-service environment which allows for flexibility and customization with regards to reporting. In order to fully understand and utilize all the great tools in iStrategy, faculty and staff will need to attend iStrategy training sessions. The sessions have been developed to help users learn about the data definitions and all the available tools to create meaningful reports.

In partnership with each of the Schools, Divisions and Departments, dedicated training sessions covering the iStrategy suite will be offered. A combination of instructor-led courses and follow-up training activities will be leveraged to make certain that users have the knowledge and skills necessary to access and utilize the iStrategy tools. Training will be structured to maximize user involvement including hands-on activities as an essential part of the learning process, providing opportunities to interact and become comfortable with the new tools.

 
Where can I go to view more information?

The Enterprise Reporting, ITS department has developed a site to house more detailed information such as actual Dashboards, Documentation on using iStrategy, Training Schedules, and much more. To access this site, please go to: https://enterprisereporting.pace.edu. Faculty and Staff looking for more information will need to log in with their MyPace Portal Username and Password. Please note: Student are not eligible for access.