By Dr. Alicia Moore, ̽»¨Â¥ Senior Consultant and Vice President of Student Affairs, Central Oregon Community College
Dear ̽»¨Â¥ Consultants,
What’s the difference between being data-driven versus data-informed? And, what’s the deal with what I’m now hearing about being “data-inspired?”
Signed,
Campus Data Explorer
Dear Campus Data Explorer,
This is such a great question and one I love helping others understand. To get us started, consider these definitions and strategic enrollment management applications.
What does it mean to be Data-Driven?
In its simplest form, data-driven typically means using data to make a decision.
A more nuanced definition, however, is that being data-driven means using only objective quantitative or qualitative data to make decisions, define strategies, or analyze outcomes. At the same time, no consideration is given to intuition, history, experience, or institutional goals and values. In research, this is often referred to as evidence-based decision-making.
Data-Driven SEM application: To illustrate data-driven SEM practice in action, let’s take a hypothetical institution that evaluates its programs based on headcount and completion rate. A strict data-driven approach means that our fictitious institution would close any program simply due to low enrollment or poor completion rates. No other factors would be considered.
What does it mean to be Data-Informed?
A data-informed approach relies heavily on the use of data in making decisions, but it is not the sole factor. Instead, data-informed decisions balance data with an understanding of the internal and external environment, professional experience, organizational values, and the like. In other words, a data-informed approach uses data and context to determine actions.
Data-Informed SEM application: Using the same scenario for a hypothetical institution that evaluates its programs based on headcount and completion rate, a data-informed SEM approach includes other considerations such as community need for the type of training or education provided by the program, partnerships with local or regional employers, the students served by the program, and how the program fits within the institution’s goals. Combined, the data and contextual considerations inform institutional strategy.
How can you be Data-Inspired?
Being data-inspired is an emerging concept within the context of effective planning, both in and outside of higher education. A data-inspired approach uses data as a starting point for inspiring new directions, innovation, and creative thinking. In other words, data is the prompt, but it does not dictate direction.
Data-Inspired SEM application: Returning to the same scenario used previously (a hypothetical institution that evaluates its programs based on headcount and completion rate), a data-inspired SEM approach utilizes enrollment and completion data, along with data-informed considerations, to inform creative in- and out-of-classroom strategies. After reviewing the data, contextual considerations, and innovative strategies, the institution develops new and innovative approaches to help the program be successful.
Signed,
Alicia, ̽»¨Â¥ Consultant
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