Assessment allows institutions to realize significant benefits in improved understanding of their educational effectiveness; better informed decisions about curriculum, policy, and resource allocation; and the ability to meet accountability demands.

The challenges associated with such a rollout:

Two key challenges to realizing the benefits of outcomes assessment are the difficulty of aggregating and analyzing evidence and building faculty participation.

As well as the possible role that technology can play in implementing change:

Software solutions are now most commonly used for the collection and storage of outcomes data; institutions typically draw on existing technologies such as their learning management or content management systems. As institutions more clearly identify their assessment strategies and processes, they are more clearly defining the role of technology and will realize its benefits more fully.

Grab the report here: Eduventures Outcomes Assessment

1. Inadequate sponsorship and leadership
2. Limited involvement from key stakeholders
3. Improperly structured governance
4. Funding limitations
5. Improper staffing

Having worked with numerous institutions I’ve seen the consensus trap firsthand. Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself and grab the report here: Deloitte: Higher Ed Change Management

It’s been all about standardization and automation of business processes. Until and unless companies learn how to harness knowledge flows, the impact of the technology will mainly be continuing competitive pressure.

There is a completely different set of values that information technology can drive, connecting and communicating with the outside world, both partners and customers, which can translate into competitive advantage. — John Hagel