Universities already have a data warehouse, and it is already full of meaning: student systems, HR, finance, research grants, space utilisation, learning platforms. The problem is rarely the absence of data. It’s the absence of connection. When Pilbara shares its models and outputs directly into the university’s Snowflake environment, those outputs stop being reports and […]
READ MOREUnderstanding the Landscape Civil Engineering stands as one of the foundational disciplines in higher education, yet its financial performance reveals fascinating insights when compared to peer engineering programs and non-engineering fields. Using comprehensive Australian sector benchmarks1 from 2024, we can uncover patterns that transcend borders and offer valuable lessons for universities worldwide. The Cost Efficiency […]
READ MOREArtificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how universities manage data, plan resources, and make financial decisions. But as AI adoption accelerates, so too does the need for strong governance, transparency, and trust. In a recent Pilbara Group webinar, industry leaders from Intelligen, Snowflake, and Pilbara Group came together to explore what responsible, governed AI looks like […]
READ MOREIn a time when every university is being asked to do more with less, sector benchmarking has never been more important. Yet, benchmarking isn’t just about lining up numbers — it’s about asking the right questions to turn data into action. At Pilbara Group, we’ve spent years helping universities build Activity-Based Cost models that connect […]
READ MOREFollowing on from our post on ‘why’ institutions should be delving into Academic Program Financial Management, and the previous tips on data requirements, project staffing, and model business rules and assumptions, this week’s tip looks at managing expectations relating to timelines. Tip 4 – Timeline (time to build, time to update) Let’s be honest – […]
READ MOREFollowing on from our post on ‘why’ institutions should be delving into Academic Program Financial Management, and last week’s post on data requirements, this week’s tip provides advice on the level of project support needed to support these models. Tip 2 – Project Staffing (who is needed and why) These types of models often require […]
READ MOREFollowing on from last week’s blog post on ‘why’ institutions should be delving into Academic Program Financial Management, this post provides advice on the types of data needed to support these models. Tip 1 – Data Data extracts are required from multiple siloed systems. These include Financial Management, HR/Payroll, Student Management Systems, Timetabling and sometimes […]
READ MORECan you estimate the cost of new Programs that your institution is considering adding to your curriculum? New Subjects? What is the cost difference to teach different student types (domestic, international, in-state etc.) in each Program? Or Subject? What is the magic ‘breakeven’ student number for each Program? Subject? And how does this change when […]
READ MOREWhy Understanding the Cost of Teaching Matters More Than Ever Australian universities operate in an environment of constrained public funding, growing demand for diverse delivery modes, and pressure to maintain educational quality. Understanding the cost of teaching is crucial for academic leaders navigating these pressures to ensure sustainable and mission-aligned resource allocation. Collaborative research by […]
READ MOREThis article is written for senior leaders in higher education, including vice-chancellors, provosts, deans, chief financial officers, and institutional planners. It assumes an advanced understanding of university operations, strategic planning, and the nuances of higher education finance. Why Budget Models Matter for University Strategy University budget models are more than accounting tools. They are strategic […]
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