The document discusses the importance of utilizing data and analytics for informed decision-making in organizations facing complex challenges. It highlights examples of driving efficiency and revenue through improved processes and predictive models while addressing specific problems such as recoupment policies and student performance. The document emphasizes the need for executive support and an evolutionary approach to organizational analytics.

1. Presented to the NTC Analytics Peer Network
May 30, 2013
Eric Stephens
Associate Director, Research & Analysis
SESAC

2. The extensive use of data,
statistical and quantitative
analysis, explanatory and predictive
models, and fact-based management
to drive decisions and actions.
— Thomas Davenport, Competing on Analytics

3. The extensive use of data,
statistical and quantitative
analysis, explanatory and predictive
models, and fact-based
management
to drive decisions and actions.
— Thomas Davenport, Competing on Analytics

4. 
You face complex decisions.

You’re having problems with processes.

You’re troubled by risk.

Your organization is not making the most use of its
data.

You need to beat stiff competition.
Source: Adapted from INFORMS.

5. Greater overall efficiency
based on more informed
decision making

6. Increasing Revenue
Reducing Costs
Increasing sales to
existing customers
(cross-selling, up-selling)
Minimizing risk
Identifying new customers
or markets
Improving productivity
Optimizing prices
Reducing churn

7. 
Problem: Too many advances were not being fully
recouped

Examined 10+ years’ worth of recoupment data
combined with affiliate-specific attribute data

Identified areas of concern

Short-term result: Revise advance policies

Long-term goal: Predict likelihood of recoupment
(e.g., a propensity score)

8. 
Problem: Declining student performance and
graduation rates

Examined large sets of performance data

Identified Algebra I as strongest predictor of
graduation success
• Then found 8th grade creative writing → Algebra I

Result: Focus on success in 8th grade creative writing
ultimately helped increase graduation rates

9. 
Start from where you are—organizational analytics
is an evolutionary process

Identify business problems that could benefit from
analytics

Approach analytics is a combination of technology
and people

Obtain executive support!

10. 
INFORMS (www.informs.org)

Thomas Davenport (www.tomdavenport.com)

All Analytics (www.allanalytics.com)
(sponsored by SAS)