Unlocking Insights: The Power of Data Reporting and Analytics in Decision-Making

The Association for Institutional Research (AIR), EDUCAUSE, and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) highlighted the need and urgency for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to use more data and analytics to make better strategic decisions. The “The Joint Statement on Analytics” in 2019 and the “Change With Analytics Playbook” in 2024 have become inspirational guides for analytics professionals in how to do so. This need and urgency also very much applies for research administration analytics, as shown by the incredible demand for respective sessions at NCURA and SRAI conferences. This presentation explores how Emory University’s data and analytics capabilities were constraint by its research systems infrastructure. These restrictions applied despite Emory’s senior research administration leadership championing the creation of a dedicated research administration analytics team. We will briefly demonstrate the limitations of this research system infrastructure as well as Emory’s approach to finally overcome these constraints via the search for and implementation of a new Grant Management System. We will continue by exploring Insight’s capabilities in modern data reporting, from data collection and visualization to advanced analytical techniques. We will delve into best practices for transforming raw data into actionable insights, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting, data integrity, and effective communication. Attendees will learn how to leverage key metrics and dashboards to track performance, predict trends, and make data-backed decisions that align with strategic goals. Whether you are a business leader, analyst, or data scientist, this session will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your data reporting capabilities and unlock the full potential of analytics for your organization.