APQC names IUPUI tops in info gathering, decision making

Good use of information puts Indy campus in international top seven

By Trisha Turner

IUPUI's cooperative spirit in using and exchanging information while creating such successful projects as University College and the IU-Riley Methodist hospitals merger has garnered international acclaim.

IUPUI was the site for an Oct. 17 visit from representatives of 10 universities wanting to learn more about collection and use of information.

Through a recent study, the American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC) selected IUPUI as one of the top seven colleges, universities and companies in the world in its use of information in decision making. Based on that honor, IUPUI was the site for an Oct. 17 visit from representatives of 10 universities wanting to learn more about the Indianapolis campus' collection and use of information.

At IUPUI, use of information ranges from the evaluation of academic programs to the study of the cost of activities, said Victor Borden, the campus' director of information management and institutional research. That information, which the campus compares to its own data or that from other institutions, is used in a variety of projects.

Visitors
Photo by Rick Baughn
During a recent visit to IUPUI to learn about its use of information in campus improvement projects, representatives from colleges and universities across the nation joined in panel discussions on the issue. In this discussion, David Adams (left) of Hunter College and Bonnie Bourne of the University of Missouri System hear from IUPUI Chancellor Gerald L. Bepko about sustaining an information-rich environment.

"The good use of information involves cooperation throughout the campus," he said. "It's all connected. Leaders, faculty and those in the trenches, so to speak, put information gathered to use in a variety of ways to improve the campus. It is one of many ways in which IUPUI shows a commitment to its public."

Those visiting IUPUI as part of the APQC study this month heard how the campus put its skills at gathering and using information to use.

The APQC is a non-profit education and research organization that promotes change and improvement.

From 200 originally considered candidates around the world, IUPUI was one of seven selected as best in its use of information to improve its campus.

The other colleges, universities and businesses deemed excellent in their use of information include Alverno College, Truman State University, the University of Central England, the University of Phoenix, Texas Instruments/Raytheon and Honeywell Microswitch.

Top institutions and companies are hosting site visits.