CASE STUDIES
Accreditation & Quality Assurance
Seeking institutional accreditation
Challenge
A well-established private European university decided to pursue institutional accreditation through one of the US regional accrediting bodies as a way to solidify its quality assurance mechanisms and differentiate itself in a very competitive market.
Solution
We worked with the leadership team of the university to conduct the self-study following the accreditation standards and guidelines provided by the agency. We also worked with the team in preparing for the peer review and site visit.
Results
This work resulted in the timely submission of the self-study, followed by a successful accreditation visit and report, which concluded with the institution attaining accreditation candidacy status.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Transatlantic partnership
Challenge
After obtaining its provisional license to operate, a newly founded fully online US private university offering masters degrees and professional certificates in business administration was seeking a buyer.
Solution
We scouted the market and identified a viable institutional partner operating in Europe, for which the acquisition meant a strategic and synergistic opportunity. We also facilitated the conversations through which seller and buyer got to know each other better, identified existing affinities and developed the terms of the transaction.
Results
This work resulted in the expeditious and successful execution of the contractual agreements and transition plan for the university's change of ownership and continuity of operations.
Growth & New Program Development
Launch of new degree programs
Challenge
Having identified new areas for growth, a private European university was seeking to launch new undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of veterinary and education.
Solution
We worked alongside the leadership and teams of the 2 schools to prepare and submit to the regulator the new program proposals. Our work placed especial emphasis on the formulation of innovative study plans with a substantive international components, while at the same time ensuring the fulfillment of all regulatory requirements.
Results
This work resulted in the timely submission and subsequent approval in record time of an undergraduate degree program in veterinary, 2 undergraduate programs in pre-school and primary education, and 3 masters programs in educational technologies; research and innovation; and neuro-education and attention to diversity.
Data Analytics & Performance Improvement
Launch of EduIndex™
Challenge
After receiving request from several institutions in need for better, simpler and more comprehensive data analytics tools, we embarked on developing a tool to help universities improve their performance along key business and academic indicators.
Solution
We worked alongside an established North American data analytics firm to develop EduIndex™, a business analytics and management performance tool to track and predict indicators cross the entire student life cycle—from lead generation to conversion, retention, satisfaction, graduation and employability.
Results
This work resulted in the launch of EduIndex™, which can be used by any university regardless of its institutional profile (private or public), size or market. By using EduIndex™, management teams can develop deep insights about their institutional performance; they can also map and compare its own track record versus other relevant peers and industry benchmarks. The EduIndex™ SaaS model gives institutions direct access to a proprietary analytics engine to run reports and predictive scenarios. On-site data management via a web interface will ensure the integrity of the information and the constant updating of the knowledge base.
MOOCs and Online Education
Strategic alignment of online efforts
Challenge
A South American private university was interested in reviewing its 3-year old MOOC strategy and how it could better serve the university's mission, enhancing the pedagogical attributes and quality of its programs while also promoting efficiency and growth.
Solution
Joining forces with a technology partner, we designed a strategic workshop in which the institution's online learning teams could analyze the trajectory of the MOOC effort, evaluate its current situation and alignment with the overall institutional strategy, and delineate alternative scenarios for the future.
Results
This work resulted in university constituents having a clear understanding of its MOOC and online offerings, target audiences and results achieved. This added visibility and the strategic analysis conducted enabled the formulation of a more coherent online learning development plan. In addition, the university's online learning team gained the know-how necessary to conduct its own plan
Organizational Change and Leadership Development
Coaching, mentoring and skills development
Challenge
After being acquired by a private equity firm, an European health education group needed to assist its Latin American country managers in absorbing the emerging corporate culture, and tighten the focus on performance, growth and profitability.
Solution
We developed a plan combining one-on-one mentoring, coaching and regular accompaniment sessions through which each GM gained a renewed sense of belonging and a clear understanding of the "new rules of the game". During the process, we combined individual work sessions with training events, facilitiating the adoption of self-awareness, personal development and communication tools.
Results
A highly integrated and confident team of country GMs, fully committed to its decisive role in fueling profitable growth by consistently delivering on its performance targets. Increased awareness on the positive impact of cross-country collaboration and exchange of best practices on the individual and collective success of the venture. The GMs highly valued the support mechanism set in place by GRG Education.