#Alumni management

[globsynbusinessschool]

Namrata Dutta and Anibrata Ghosh, alumni (Batch 2021-23), Globsyn Business School, in their valedictorian speeches, echoed the sentiments that resonated in the hearts of nearly 250 graduates present at the 20th Convocation Ceremony of the B-School.

Expressing gratitude and fondly reminiscing about her GBS journey, these two alumni shared how Globsyn exposed them to pedagogical greatness and moral values, both inside and beyond classrooms. They further emphasized that the responsibility now lies with each graduate to recall, reflect upon, and actively apply the invaluable lessons learned during their time at the B-School.

[tetsuyasogo]

November 9, 2024: The 2024 Annual General Meeting of KCJ (Kellogg Alumni Club of Japan) was held in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. It was a grand event attended by over 60 alumni active in various fields, showcasing the strength of KCJ's organization. At the social gathering, I enjoyed connecting with alumni from different generations and took part in an exciting raffle for a Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. Although I didn’t win the uniform, I happened to meet a graduate who was working at a law firm I often visited during my time at NTN Corporation. What a coincidence!! In the meantime, the keynote speech titled "Talent Management for Japanese Companies Aiming for Global Expansion," delivered by Hiroo Murota (Class of 2000), President of Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan, was highly convincing and impressive, drawing on his extensive experience working in both Japanese and American companies.

[jcmarchi]

Connecting the US Coast Guard to MIT Sloan

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/connecting-the-us-coast-guard-to-mit-sloan/

Connecting the US Coast Guard to MIT Sloan

Jim Ellis II SM ’80 first learned about a special opportunity for members of the U.S. Coast Guard while stationed in Alaska.

“My commander had received a notice from headquarters about this opportunity. They were asking for recommendations for an officer who might be interested,” says Ellis.

The opportunity in question was the MIT Sloan Fellows program, today known as the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA) program. Every year for 50 years, the Coast Guard has nominated a service member to apply to the program. Fifty Sloan Fellows and two Management of Technology participants have graduated since 1976, and the 53rd student is currently enrolled.

With his tour nearly over, Ellis followed his commander’s recommendation to apply. The Coast Guard nominated him and his application to MIT Sloan School of Management was accepted. In 1980, Ellis became the fifth-ever Coast Guard Sloan Fellow to graduate due to the special arrangement.

“My experience at MIT Sloan has been instrumental throughout my entire career,” says Ellis, who, with his wife Margaret Brady, established the Ellis/Brady Family Fund to support the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and graduate fellowships through the MIT Sloan Veterans Fund.

“The success of the people who have been through the program is a testament to why the Coast Guard continues the program,” he adds.

The desire to change the world

Throughout its 163-year history, MIT has maintained strong relationships with the U.S. military through programs like the MIT Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the 2N Graduate Program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and more.

The long-standing collaboration between MIT Sloan and the Coast Guard adds to this history. According to Johanna Hising DiFabio, assistant dean for executive degree programs at MIT Sloan, it demonstrates the Coast Guard’s dedication to leadership development, as well as the unique benefits MIT Sloan has to offer service members.

This is especially evident in the careers of the 52 Coast Guard Sloan Fellow alumni, many of whom the program often invites to speak to current students. “It is inspiring to hear our alumni reflect on how this education has significantly influenced their careers and the considerable impact they have had on the Coast Guard and the global community,” says DiFabio.

Captain Anne O’Connell MBA ’19 says, “It is very rewarding to be able to pay it back, to look for those officers coming up behind you who should absolutely be offered the same opportunities, and to help them chart that course. I think it’s hugely important.”

One of the most notable Coast Guard Sloan Fellows is Retired Admiral Thad Allen SM ’89, who served as commandant of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010. One of the service’s youngest-ever flag officers, Allen is a figure beloved by current and former guardsmen. As commandant, he embraced new digital technologies, championed further arctic exploration, and solidified relations with the other armed services, federal partners, and private industry.

“When you leave MIT Sloan, you want to change the world,” says Allen.

Inspired by his father, who enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Allen attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and subsequently held various commands at sea and ashore during a career spanning four decades.

A few years before the end of his second decade, Allen learned about the Sloan Fellows Program through a service-wide solicitation. “The people I worked for believed this would be a great opportunity, and that it would match with my skill set,” says Allen. With the guidance of his senior captains, he applied to MIT Sloan.

Allen matriculated with a cohort whose members included Carly Fiorina SM ’89, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard; Daniel Hesse SM ’89, former CEO of Sprint; and Robert Malone SM ’89, former chair and president of BP America. Though he initially felt a sharp disconnect between his national service experience and their global private sector knowledge, Allen realized everyone in the cohort were becoming his peers.

Strong bonds with global perspectives

Like Allen, many of the Coast Guard Sloan Fellows acknowledge just how powerful their cohorts were when they matriculated, as well as how influential they have remained since.

“I have classmates with giant perspectives and unique expertise in places all over the world. It’s remarkable,” says Retired Commander Catherine Kang MBA ’06, who served as deputy of financial transformation for Allen.

The majority of SFMBA candidates come to Cambridge from around the world. For example, the 2023–24 cohort comprised 76 percent international citizens.

For Coast Guard Sloan Fellows with decades of domestic experience, their cohort’s global perspectives are as novel as they are informative. As Retired Captain Gregory Sanial SM ’07 explains, “We had students from 30 to 40 different countries, and I had the opportunity to learn a lot about different parts of the world and open up my mind to many different experiences.”

After the Coast Guard, Sanial pursued a doctoral degree in organizational leadership and a career in higher education that, professionally, has kept him stateside. Yet the bonds he built at MIT Sloan remain just as strong and as international as they were when he first arrived.

Many Coast Guard Sloan Fellows attribute this to the program’s focus on cooperation and social events.

“What impressed me most when I first got there were the team-building exercises, which made a difference in getting a group of diverse people to really gel and work together,” says Retired Captain Lisa Festa SM ’92, SM ’99. “MIT Sloan takes the time at the beginning to invest in you and to make sure you know the people you’re going through school with for the next year.”

The most recent Coast Guard Sloan Fellow alumnus, Commander Mark Ketchum MBA ’24, says his cohort’s connections are still fresh, but he believes they will last a lifetime. Considering the testimonies of his predecessors, this may very well be the case.

“My cohort made me stronger, and I would like to think that I imparted my strengths onto my classmates,” says Ketchum.

Big challenges with high impacts

Before earning the Coast Guard’s nomination and an acceptance letter from the SFMBA program, potential Sloan Fellows have already served in various leadership positions. Once they graduate, the recognition and distinction that comes with an MIT Sloan degree is quick.

So, too, are the more challenging leadership tracks.

After graduation, Allen served as deputy program manager for the Coast Guard’s shipbuilding program at the behest of the then-commandant. “For the agency head to say, ‘This is a bad problem, so I’m picking the next graduate from MIT Sloan,’ is indicative of the program’s cachet value,” he says. Allen then served in the office of budget and programs, a challenging and rewarding post that has become a hub for Coast Guard Sloan Fellows past, present, and future.

Like Rear Admiral Jason Tama MBA ’11 and Captain Brian Erickson MBA ’21, both of whom credit the office with introducing them to the vigorous work ethic necessary for both obtaining an MIT Sloan education and for becoming an effective leader.

“Never in a thousand years would I have gone on the resource management path until a mentor told me it would be one of the most challenging and high-impact things I could do,” says Tama. “You can never be fully prepared for the Sloan Fellows experience, but it can and will change you for the better. It changed the way I approach problems and challenges.”

“I owe MIT for the senior-level opportunities I’ve had in this organization, and I will probably owe them for some of the opportunities I may get in the future,” adds Erickson. “You should never, ever say no to this opportunity.”

From the early cohorts of Ellis, Allen, and Festa, to more recent alumni like O’Connell, Kang, and Ketchum, Coast Guard Sloan Fellows from the past half-century echo Erickson and Tama’s sentiments when asked about how MIT Sloan has changed them. Words like “challenge,” “opportunity,” and “impact” are used often and with purpose.

They believe joining the SFMBA program as up-and-coming senior leaders is an incredible opportunity for the individual and the Coast Guard, as well as the MIT community and the world at large.

“I am excited to see this tradition carry on,” says Tama. “I hope others who are considering it can see the potential and the value, not only for themselves, but for the Coast Guard as well.”

Participation by U.S. Coast Guard members in this highlight of prior MIT Sloan Fellows is not intended as, and does not constitute an endorsement of, the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA program or MIT by either the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Coast Guard.

[blazingcoders123]

Blazingcoders offers top-tier alumni management software to foster meaningful connections within alumni communities. Our software is designed to streamline engagement, making it easy for institutions to manage alumni records, organize events, and track ongoing contributions. With powerful features such as real-time updates, networking tools, and customized communication channels, Blazingcoders' alumni management software supports lasting relationships between organizations and their graduates. Our intuitive platform enables seamless data management, efficient outreach, and enhanced fundraising efforts, ensuring that institutions can keep their alumni involved and invested in their mission. Choose Blazingcoders to strengthen your alumni network and build a connected, thriving community. Connect with us today to learn how our solution can elevate your alumni engagement!

[servicestech]

Title: Revolutionize Learning with CRM for Education: Boost Engagement and Success with TechMatrix Consulting

Discover the power of CRM for Education with TechMatrix Consulting and transform your institution’s operations. A robust CRM system enhances student engagement, streamlines administrative tasks, and improves communication between students, educators, and staff. By leveraging CRM, educational institutions can personalize learning experiences, track student progress, and foster a supportive learning environment. TechMatrix Consulting offers tailored CRM solutions for education, helping manage admissions, student information, and alumni relations efficiently. Embrace CRM for Education with TechMatrix Consulting and witness a significant boost in student satisfaction and institutional success. Start your journey towards a smarter, more connected educational experience today!

[digital-techtune2024]

https://www.cub.edu.bd/index.php

[technavioplus]

Alumni Management Software Market - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

The Alumni Management Software Market is undergoing a transformative journey, becoming an indispensable tool for educational institutions seeking to foster lasting connections with their alumni networks. This comprehensive analysis, forecasting from 2023 to 2027, explores the market's dynamics, including growth drivers, challenges, and emerging opportunities.

Market Overview: Alumni management software has evolved into a pivotal solution for educational institutions aiming to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with their alumni. This market encompasses a range of features, from contact management and event coordination to fundraising capabilities, creating a holistic platform for alumni engagement.

Key Trends: Several key trends are shaping the Alumni Management Software Market, indicating a shift towards more comprehensive and user-friendly solutions. Integration with social media platforms for seamless communication, personalized engagement strategies, and analytics-driven insights are at the forefront. Mobile-friendly interfaces enhance accessibility and engagement.

Challenges: While the market experiences significant growth, it encounters challenges related to adoption and customization. Some institutions may face resistance to digital platforms, requiring effective change management strategies. Balancing the need for robust features with user-friendly interfaces and data security concerns poses ongoing challenges for software developers.

Opportunities: Amid challenges, the Alumni Management Software Market presents ample opportunities. The rising importance of alumni engagement in fundraising efforts, recruitment activities, and brand advocacy opens doors for innovative software solutions. Cloud-based platforms offer scalability and accessibility, particularly for smaller institutions looking to adopt cost-effective solutions.

Market Dynamics Across Features and Geographies:

Key Features: Alumni management software encompasses diverse features, including contact databases, event planning tools, communication channels, and fundraising modules. Institutions seek tailored solutions to meet their specific engagement goals, contributing to the market's diversity.

Geographic Trends: The market's dynamics vary across regions, with North America and Europe leading in adoption due to established alumni engagement practices. Asia-Pacific and Latin America show increasing interest, fuelled by expanding educational sectors and a growing awareness of the importance of alumni relations.

Forecast and Size: The Alumni Management Software Market is poised for growth, with an estimated CAGR of 5.32% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecasted to increase by USD 116.67 million during this period, reflecting the expanding role of alumni engagement in the strategic objectives of educational institutions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Alumni Management Software Market is a cornerstone for educational institutions seeking to cultivate enduring relationships with their alumni networks. With a projected market size increase to USD 116.67 million and a CAGR of 5.32% by 2027, the market signifies the importance of effective alumni engagement strategies. Key trends emphasize seamless integration with social media and mobile-friendly interfaces, while challenges involve customization and adoption hurdles. Opportunities lie in leveraging alumni networks for fundraising and recruitment efforts. As the market evolves, collaboration between software developers and educational institutions will be critical in creating solutions that not only meet the evolving needs of alumni engagement but also contribute to the overall success of educational institutions worldwide.

Contact

Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: https://www.technavio.com

[enterprisealumni]

Building Lifelong Relationships: Effective Alumni Management in Higher Education Institutions

Alumni play a significant role in the success and reputation of higher education institutions. Beyond graduation, maintaining strong connections with alumni is essential for fostering a supportive network, driving philanthropic efforts, and enhancing the overall student experience. Effective alumni management involves strategic initiatives to build lifelong relationships that benefit the alumni and the institution. This article explores key strategies for cultivating meaningful alumni engagement and fostering a vibrant alumni community within higher education institutions.

Establishing a Culture of Engagement

The foundation of effective alumni management lies in establishing a culture of engagement that begins during the student's tenure and extends beyond graduation. By integrating alumni engagement initiatives into the institution's fabric, such as through mentorship programs, alumni panels, and networking events, higher education institutions can instill a sense of belonging and connection that lasts a lifetime. Moreover, incorporating alumni perspectives into the curriculum and inviting alumni to participate in campus activities enriches the student experience and strengthens ties with the institution.

Leveraging Technology for Outreach and Communication

In the digital age, technology is a powerful tool for alumni management. Institutions can streamline outreach efforts by leveraging alumni databases, CRM systems, and communication platforms and maintain regular communication with alumni. Email newsletters, social media channels, and alumni portals provide channels for sharing updates, event invitations, and opportunities for involvement. Additionally, virtual events and webinars enable institutions to engage alumni across geographical barriers, fostering a sense of community and connectivity regardless of location.

Personalizing Engagement Efforts

Personalization is key to effective alumni management. Institutions can tailor communication and engagement efforts to resonate with different alumni groups by segmenting alumni based on demographics, interests, and engagement history. Personalized emails, targeted content, and customized event invitations demonstrate that the institution values its alumni's unique contributions and interests, fostering stronger connections and increasing participation in alumni activities.

Providing Value-Added Benefits and Services

Offering value-added benefits and services demonstrates the institution's commitment to supporting alumni beyond graduation. Alumni benefits such as access to career services, continuing education programs, library resources, and exclusive discounts provide tangible value to alumni while reinforcing their connection to the institution. Moreover, recognizing alumni achievements and milestones, such as professional accomplishments or anniversaries, further strengthens the bond between alumni and their alma mater.

Cultivating Volunteerism and Philanthropy

Engaging alumni as volunteers and advocates for the institution is essential for sustaining a vibrant alumni community. By offering opportunities for alumni to volunteer as mentors, guest speakers, or event organizers, institutions tap into their expertise and enthusiasm to benefit current students and fellow alumni. Furthermore, cultivating a culture of philanthropy encourages alumni to give back to their alma mater through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives, as well as supporting scholarships, research, and campus improvements that benefit future generations of students.

Measuring Success and Iterating Strategies

Measuring the effectiveness of alumni engagement initiatives is crucial for optimizing strategies and ensuring continuous improvement. Institutions can track metrics such as alumni participation rates, event attendance, volunteer hours, and philanthropic contributions to gauge the impact of their efforts. By soliciting feedback from alumni through surveys and focus groups, institutions gain insights into alumni preferences and priorities, enabling them to refine engagement strategies and tailor initiatives to better meet the needs of their alumni community.

Effective alumni management is essential for building lifelong relationships that benefit alumni and higher education institutions. By establishing a culture of engagement, leveraging technology, personalizing outreach efforts, providing value-added benefits, cultivating volunteerism and philanthropy, and measuring success, institutions can foster a vibrant alumni community that contributes to the continued success and legacy of the institution. Through strategic investments in alumni relations and creative engagement initiatives, higher education institutions can strengthen ties with their alumni, enhance the student experience, and advance their mission of education and service to society.

[saitechnologies18]

Leveraging Technology in Alumni Operations Management: Navigating the Digital Landscape

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the role of alumni operations management has become increasingly vital. Leveraging technology in this domain is not just a necessity; it is a strategic imperative. This blog delves into the transformative impact of technology on alumni operations management, exploring how institutions can navigate the digital landscape to build stronger, more connected alumni communities.

1. Centralized Alumni Databases

One of the fundamental pillars of effective alumni operations management is the establishment of centralized databases. Modern technology allows institutions to create comprehensive databases that house detailed alumni profiles, including academic history, career achievements, and engagement preferences. This centralized approach streamlines communication, making it easier to tailor interactions based on individual preferences.

2. CRM Systems for Personalized Communication

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have proven invaluable in the realm of alumni engagement. These systems allow institutions to track and analyze alumni interactions, enabling personalized communication strategies. From targeted newsletters to event invitations, CRM systems empower institutions to tailor their outreach efforts, fostering more meaningful connections.

3. Virtual Alumni Events

In an era of globalization and digital connectivity, virtual events have emerged as powerful tools for alumni engagement. Leveraging webinars, virtual meet-ups, and online workshops, institutions can bridge geographical gaps, allowing alumni to participate in events regardless of their location. Virtual engagement strategies are cost-effective and accessible, ensuring a broader reach.

4. AI-Powered Chatbots for Immediate Support

Integrating AI-powered chatbots into alumni operations management provides immediate support and enhances user experience. These chatbots can assist with inquiries, event registrations, and even career guidance. AI technology ensures that alumni receive prompt and relevant information, contributing to overall satisfaction with the institution.

5. Social Media Integration

The ubiquitous presence of social media platforms offers a goldmine for alumni engagement. Institutions can strategically leverage platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with alumni, share updates, and facilitate networking. Social media integration fosters a sense of community and enables real-time communication.

6. Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Engagement

In an era where mobile devices are ubiquitous, having a dedicated mobile app for alumni operations is a game-changer. These apps provide on-the-go access to alumni directories, event calendars, and news updates. Push notifications keep alumni informed about relevant activities, ensuring continuous engagement.

7. Data Analytics for Informed Decision-Making

Data analytics tools play a crucial role in alumni operations management. By analyzing engagement metrics, institutions can gain insights into alumni preferences, track the success of various initiatives, and make informed decisions. Data-driven strategies contribute to the overall effectiveness of alumni engagement efforts.

8. E-learning Platforms for Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of alumni engagement, and e-learning platforms facilitate ongoing education. By offering alumni access to webinars, online courses, and workshops, institutions demonstrate a commitment to their continued growth. E-learning platforms also serve as a valuable resource for skill development and career advancement.

9. Alumni Giving Campaigns

Technology has transformed the landscape of fundraising, and alumni giving campaigns benefit significantly from digital strategies. Online donation portals, crowdfunding platforms, and personalized giving campaigns can be seamlessly integrated into alumni operations management. Technology ensures a smooth and efficient process for alumni contributions.

10. Blockchain for Secure Alumni Credentials

In the digital age, the secure verification of alumni credentials is of paramount importance. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and secure means of storing and verifying academic and professional achievements. This not only enhances the credibility of alumni but also streamlines the verification process for potential employers.

Conclusion

Leveraging technology in alumni operations management is not just about embracing the latest trends; it's about strategically using tools to strengthen connections and foster a sense of community. From centralized databases to AI-powered chatbots and blockchain credentials, institutions can navigate the digital landscape to create robust alumni engagement strategies. As technology continues to evolve, institutions that stay at the forefront of digital innovation will be better positioned to build lasting relationships with their alumni, ensuring a mutually beneficial and enduring connection.

[capsulelabs08]

Merits of Alumni Feedback in Higher Educational Institutions

In the perpetually evolving landscape of higher education, one cannot underestimate the influence wielded by alumni relations. Alumni represent the juncture linking the past and the present, bridging those who once traversed the revered halls of an institution with those presently gracing its precincts. These associations, constructed upon shared experiences create an unique identity. These…

[iismmumbai]

Ronak Kumar Kedia-IISM Alumnus Testimonial-Masters in Sports Management

Meet Mr. Ronak Kedia, a shining example of how passion and determination can turn dreams into reality! 🌟🎓

Hailing from a non-sporting background, Ronak's journey at IISM has been nothing short of inspiring. 🎯💪

While pursuing a Master of Sports Management degree, Ronak fearlessly embarked on a new adventure, and he founded "Third Umpire Cricket Show." 🏏📈 Ronak's entrepreneurial spirit, nurtured during his time at IISM, has been the driving force behind his startup's success.

Join us in applauding Ronak Kedia's achievements and the remarkable impact he's making in the cricket realm! 🎉👍

Master’s Degree in Sports Management (MSM) – Mumbai University

[jcmarchi]

Tracking emissions to help companies reduce their environmental footprint

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/tracking-emissions-to-help-companies-reduce-their-environmental-footprint/

Tracking emissions to help companies reduce their environmental footprint

Amidst a global wave of corporate pledges to decarbonize or reach net-zero emissions, a system for verifying actual greenhouse gas reductions has never been more important. Context Labs, founded by former MIT Sloan Fellow and serial entrepreneur Dan Harple SM ’13, is rising to meet that challenge with an analytics platform that brings more transparency to emissions data.

The company’s platform adds context to data from sources like equipment sensors and satellites, provides third-party verification, and records all that information on a blockchain. Context Labs also provides an interactive view of emissions across every aspect of a company’s operations, allowing leaders to pinpoint the dirtiest parts of their business.

“There’s an old adage: Unless you measure something, you can’t change it,” says Harple, who is the firm’s CEO. “I think of what we’re doing as an AI-driven digital lens into what’s happening across organizations. Our goal is to help the planet get better, faster.”

Context Labs is already working with some of the largest energy companies in the world — including EQT, Williams Companies, and Coterra Energy — to verify emissions reductions. A partnership with Microsoft, announced at last year’s COP28 United Nations climate summit, allows any organization on Microsoft’s Azure cloud to integrate their sensor data into Context Lab’s platform to get a granular view of their environmental impact.

Harple says the progress enables more informed sustainability initiatives at scale. He also sees the work as a way to combat overly vague statements about sustainable practices that don’t lead to actual emissions reductions, or what’s known as “greenwashing.”

“Just producing data isn’t good enough, and our customers realize that, because they know even if they have good intentions to reduce emissions, no one is going to believe them,” Harple says. “One way to think about our platform is as antigreenwashing insurance, because if you get attacked for your emissions, we unbundle the data like it’s in shrink-wrap and roll it back through time on the blockchain. You can click on it and see exactly where and how it was measured, monitored, timestamped, its serial number, everything. It’s really the gold standard of proof.”

An unconventional master’s

Harple came to MIT as a serial founder whose companies had pioneered several foundational internet technologies, including real-time video streaming technology still used in applications like Zoom and Netflix, as well as some of the core technology for the popular Chinese microblogging website Weibo.

Harple’s introduction to MIT started with a paper he wrote for his venture capital contacts in the U.S. to make the case for investment in the Netherlands, where he was living with his family. The paper caught the attention of MIT Professor Stuart Madnick, the John Norris Maguire Professor of Information Technology at the MIT Sloan School of Management, who suggested Harple come to MIT as a Sloan Fellow to further develop his ideas about what makes a strong innovation ecosystem.

Having successfully founded and exited multiple companies, Harple was not a typical MIT student when he began the Sloan Fellows program in 2011. At one point, he held a summit at MIT for a group of leading Dutch entrepreneurs and government officials that included tours of major labs and a meeting with former MIT President L. Rafael Reif.

“Everyone was super enamored with MIT, and that kicked off what became a course that I started at MIT called REAL, Regional Entrepreneurial Acceleration Lab,” Harple says. REAL was eventually absorbed by what is now REAP — the Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, which has worked with communities around the world.

Harple describes REAL as a framework vehicle to put his theories on supporting innovation into action. Over his time at MIT, which also included collaborating with the Media Lab, he systematized those theories into what he calls pentalytics, which is a way to measure and predict the resilience of innovation ecosystems.

“My sense was MIT should be analytical and data-driven,” Harple says. “The thesis I wrote was a framework for AI-driven network graph analytics. So, you can model things using analytics, and you can use AI to do predictive analytics to see where the innovation ecosystem is going to thrive.”

Once Harple’s pentalytics theory was established, he wanted to put it to the test with a company. His initial idea for Context Labs was to build a verification platform to combat fake news, deepfakes, and other misinformation on the internet. Around 2018, Harple met climate investor Jeremy Grantham, who he says helped him realize the most important data are about the planet. Harple began to believe that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions estimates for things like driving a car or operating an oil rig were just that — estimates — and left room for improvement.

“Our approach was very MIT-ish,” Harple says. “We said, ‘Let’s, measure it and let’s monitor it, and then let’s contextualize that data so you can never go back and say they faked it. I think there’s a lot of fakery that’s happened, and that’s why the voluntary carbon markets cratered in the last year. Our view is they cratered because the data wasn’t empirical enough.”

Context Labs’ solution starts with a technology platform it calls Immutably that continuously combines disparate data streams, encrypts that information, and records it on a blockchain. Immutably also verifies the information with one or more third parties. (Context Labs has partnered with the global accounting firm KPMG.)

On top of Immutably, Context Labs has built applications, including a product called Decarbonization-as-a-Service (DaaS), which uses Immutably’s data to give companies a digital twin of their entire operations. Customers can use DaaS to explore the emissions of their assets and create a certificate of verified CO2-equivalent emissions, which can be used in carbon credit markets.

Putting emissions data into context

Context Labs is working with oil and gas companies, utilities, data centers, and large industrial operators, some using the platform to analyze more than 3 billion data points each day. For instance, EQT, the largest natural gas producer in the U.S., uses Context Labs to verify its lower-emission products and create carbon credits. Other customers include the nonprofits Rocky Mountain Institute and the Environmental Defense Fund.

“I often get asked how big the total addressable market is,” Harple says. “My view is it’s the largest market in history. Why? Because every country needs a decarbonization plan, along with instrumentation and a digital platform to execute, as does every company.”

With its headquarters in Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Context Labs is also serving as a test for Harple’s pentalytics theory for innovation ecosystems. It also has operations in Houston and Amsterdam.

“This company is a living lab for pentalytics,” Harple says. “I believe Kendall Square 1.0 was factory buildings, Kendall Square 2.0 is biotech, and Kendall Square 3.0 will be climate tech.”

[blazingcoders123]

Transforming Alumni Relations with Advanced Alumni Management Software Development

In today’s interconnected world, maintaining strong relationships with alumni has become crucial for educational institutions and organizations. Alumni networks not only foster a sense of community but also provide valuable support in the form of mentorship, donations, and professional opportunities. This is where alumni management software comes into play, offering an effective way to manage and engage with alumni efficiently.

What is Alumni Management Software?

Alumni management software is a comprehensive solution designed to help educational institutions, universities, and alumni associations streamline their processes for managing alumni data, communication, event planning, fundraising, and more. It acts as a bridge between the institution and its former students, enhancing interaction and maintaining lasting connections.

Key Features of Alumni Management Software

Comprehensive Database Management: Alumni management software offers a centralized database where information about alumni is securely stored and easily accessible. This includes contact details, professional achievements, and involvement history. A well-structured database simplifies tracking and updating alumni profiles, ensuring up-to-date records.

Event Management Tools: From reunions to webinars, the software simplifies event organization by automating invitations, RSVPs, and follow-ups. It also enables seamless coordination for virtual and in-person events, helping institutions build stronger bonds with their alumni through engaging experiences.

Communication and Engagement: Regular, meaningful communication is vital for maintaining alumni relationships. With integrated email campaigns, newsletters, and social media tools, institutions can share updates and engage their alumni more effectively. Personalized communication fosters trust and loyalty, encouraging alumni to stay connected and involved.

Fundraising and Donation Management: Fundraising is a major aspect of alumni relations. Alumni management software can assist institutions in setting up and managing fundraising campaigns with ease. With built-in analytics, institutions can target potential donors more effectively and track the success of various campaigns. Automated reminders and seamless online donation options boost participation and contribution rates.

Networking Opportunities: One of the major benefits for alumni is the opportunity to network. Alumni management software often features built-in networking capabilities such as discussion boards, job portals, and mentorship programs that allow alumni to connect based on shared interests and career paths.

Analytics and Reporting: Institutions can harness the power of data through in-depth analytics and reporting tools. These features help organizations track engagement levels, event participation, and fundraising performance. The insights gained enable data-driven decisions to improve future strategies and outreach efforts.

Benefits of Implementing Alumni Management Software

Enhanced Alumni Engagement: A well-implemented alumni management system keeps alumni involved and engaged through personalized content, timely updates, and interactive features.

Efficient Data Management: Manual data handling can lead to errors and inefficiencies. Alumni management software centralizes data, reducing administrative workload and improving data accuracy.

Improved Event Planning: From planning to execution, event management tools in the software help in organizing successful events that strengthen alumni ties and foster community spirit.

Seamless Fundraising: With integrated donation management, institutions can simplify the fundraising process, reaching out to alumni in a targeted manner that encourages generous contributions.

Increased Alumni Participation: By leveraging job boards and networking tools, alumni are more likely to engage in mentorship programs, webinars, and career-building activities.

Best Practices for Developing Alumni Management Software

When developing alumni management software, it’s essential to focus on the end-user experience to ensure it meets the needs of both the institution and its alumni. Here are some best practices to consider:

User-Friendly Interface: The software should be intuitive and easy to navigate, providing a seamless experience for users of all technical skill levels.

Data Security: Given the sensitivity of alumni data, ensuring robust security measures is paramount. Data encryption and secure access controls help protect personal information.

Customization and Scalability: The software should be customizable to match the unique requirements of different institutions. Additionally, it should be scalable to grow alongside expanding alumni networks.

Mobile Accessibility: With more users accessing services via mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly version or dedicated app ensures alumni can stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Integrated Communication Tools: Including multiple channels of communication like emails, push notifications, and social media integrations ensures that institutions can reach their alumni on their preferred platforms.

How to Choose the Right Alumni Management Software

Choosing the right alumni management software can be challenging due to the numerous options available. Key factors to consider include:

Compatibility with Existing Systems: Ensure that the software integrates well with current databases and platforms used by the institution.

User Support and Training: Opt for a provider that offers comprehensive support and training resources.

Customization Options: Institutions should be able to tailor the software to their unique needs.

Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including any setup fees, ongoing costs, and potential ROI.

Final Thoughts

Investing in alumni management software development is an excellent move for educational institutions seeking to cultivate stronger, long-lasting relationships with their alumni. Not only does it streamline the management process, but it also opens up a world of possibilities for engagement, fundraising, and community building. By leveraging cutting-edge features and adhering to best practices, institutions can unlock the full potential of their alumni networks and create an invaluable support system for years to come.

With the right software solution, alumni management can be transformed from a complex task to a seamless and rewarding experience that benefits both institutions and their alumni.

[indianschool-blog1]

India’s first Development Management Institution | ISDM

ISDM aims to create a vibrant and catalytic ecosystem for Development Management in India. It seeks to develop a cadre of Authentic Development Management Professionals for stellar leadership and efficient management in the social sector. Listen to our Leaders talk about ISDM as the country's pioneering Development Management institution.

[digital-techtune2024]