Client Background
A public research university founded in 1855 and located in East Lansing, Michigan, that serves as a model for land-grant universities.
Business Challenge
With an eye to the future, the university was uncertain about its approach to data reporting, analytics, technology and resources. They were seeking guidance and a strategy to address their:
- Use of data for reporting and analytics and if it was positioned for the future
- Reporting initiatives that were running over budget and not delivering the expected results
- Technology footprint and identify one that would support their future data and analytics needs
- Current team and resources needed to achieve future goals
The Baker Tilly Approach
The Baker Tilly team conducted:
- A comprehensive review of their current data analytics capabilities across 30 dimensions
- An analysis and readout of their data analytics strategy to key sponsors
- An assessment of their current staff and review of individual skill sets
Business Impact
- Recommendation document focused on outlining and structuring the appropriate data analytics initiatives to better align with the business objectives of the university’s various departments
- The roadmap and analysis helped to justify the expense the university was incurring to build the foundational reporting data structures
- The roadmap outlined key resource requirements that would be needed along with recommendations on the right mix of full-time and part-time employees. This allowed the university to better plan for future expected resource costs and design a resource plan that would allow them to be flexible and help control costs.