In April 2023, Ivey received a transformative $30-million gift from Donald K. Johnson, O.C., MBA ’63, LLD ’07, for a new downtown Toronto campus, which will significantly increase our space for programming and events as well as extend our geographic reach and industry engagement. The 36,000-square-foot facility in First Canadian Place will double our classroom and study room capacity and modernize our classrooms with cutting-edge learning technology. We will add a 300-person event space, to showcase our thought leadership and increase our connectivity with the business community. We have already hosted events in this new space, while continuing to design the space to fit our future needs.
Our focus with the data strategy is on becoming a data-informed organization that leverages these insights for strategic and operational decision-making. Our data strategy uses a supply-demand framework, ensuring timely delivery of accurate information by balancing the availability of data (supply) with the specific needs of its users (demand).
Recent efforts and outcomes include:
- Case usage visualization – Analysis of case studies used in the curriculum, examining dimensions such as gender of the decision-maker; industry sectors; topics; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Environmental, Social, and Governance/Sustainable Development Goal issues; geographical focus; and case recency to align course content with learning goals and prepare students for the evolving business world;
- Degree student journey analysis – Analysis of student journey data and satisfaction results, encompassing admissions, program journeys, and outcomes to enhance educational pathways and refine key indicators of overall student satisfaction and success;
- External benchmarking analysis – Increased collection and analysis of data from peer institutions and industry best practices, enhancing strategic decision-making through a comparative perspective, including for program and portfolio changes and faculty composition; and,
- Regional survey analysis – Visualizations for the Ivey Asia regional survey, providing actionable insights into regional executive education market trends and informing ongoing engagement strategies.
To enhance the integration and interoperability of our data systems, we've introduced a unified data governance solution to bolster organizational awareness and streamline data management. We’ve also initiated several priority data projects.
In April 2024, we launched our new Advancement and Alumni Relations management system on Salesforce, which will enhance our engagement with alumni as they transition from their student journey. This new functionality will support an enhanced alumni portal and personalized engagement that supports alumni in their professional goals, lifelong learning, and supports their connection to the broader alumni network. The system will also feature sophisticated reporting tools for better decision-making and will streamline data-collection and entry, enhancing strategic engagement and administrative efficiency. We are also refining faculty data solutions to more effectively capture and share the activities, achievements, and impacts of our faculty members. This will allow efficient and consistent reporting for accreditation and rankings and support our day-to-day workforce-related faculty questions.
To improve governance, we've taken significant steps to enhance our operational effectiveness and support across the School. By restructuring staff departments, we've streamlined processes to bolster research, student programs, and human resources, ensuring a more efficient and impactful organizational framework.
Ivey has prioritized staff development by offering the Ivey Leadership Program and Emerging Leaders Program, with over 70 staff having completed the programs to date, with other opportunities for development through other Ivey Academy offerings. Our enhanced performance management program includes development goals tailored to support staff in achieving current objectives and future career aspirations, ensuring alignment with Ivey's evolving needs.
Additionally, we've strengthened governance alignment among the Ivey Advisory Board, the Ivey Foundation Board, and our Centre/Institute boards, fostering a unified approach to decision-making and strategic direction.
Furthermore, we have worked diligently to refine and strengthen our community voice through changes to our Business Council and standing committees as well as by opening up more forums for dialogue on issues of academic, strategic, and operational importance. We have also enhanced our strategic goal-setting, team and individual performance-setting, and use of competencies to support staff development and alignment.
