“The operational review conducted by SDS not only validated observations and assumptions on our team, but also provided a clear roadmap on how to improve our operations, outlined skills that would be required, and initiated some of the change management required to make these changes. The process gave current staff members a voice in future changes, and the report informed key hiring decisions. The SDS team brought objective rigour and an operational management expertise — supported by research to this project — and I am incredibly pleased with the process and outcomes of working with them.”
-Leanne Denis, Executive Director, DAE, Faculty of Medicine
"The SDS team brought to our strategic planning process an invaluable structure and depth. Their insights and direction helped to keep the process on track, and key players informed. In addition, they were able to bring to the table all of the necessary voices to inform our Strategic Plan, resulting in a truly collaborative approach, and an inspired, actionable five-year strategy for the Faculty.”
-Rob Kozak, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Forestry
"Dentistry’s experience working with the entire SDS team on our high impact Simulation Digital Dentistry project was truly enlightening as well as an informative process. The research and analysis produced was relevant, inclusive of all parameters and extremely thorough. Financial modeling was provided with three scenarios allowing flexibility when executing the final plan. The SDS team's work gave our Faculty the confidence to move forward on this project."
-Dr. Mary MacDougall, Dean of Dentistry
"SDS fully supported the law school throughout the process with the highest level of professional service. SDS often went above and beyond what I would have expected in their work, and were always ready and willing to assist as the project unfolded. Their analysis and modelling work, and careful attention to detail, are no small part of the success in setting up this new and ambitious program. In addition, the SDS team fit flexibly and seamlessly into a cross-department collaborative working group."
-Jeremy Schmidt, Director Dean's Office, Allard School of Law
"We appreciate all of the help and support that the team at Strategy Decision & Support (SDS) provided to help the Faculty understand how student advising is currently happening, and how it could be optimized across all of our BASc programs. Their helpful guidance, experience and tools made it possible to explore this challenging and important area, to create strategies which will improve the experience of students, staff and faculty."
-Jody Swift, Director, Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives, Faculty of Applied Science
"SDS’ approach and advice were spot on from start to finish! From the initial consultation to understand our needs through to the project wrap-up, including a summary of the cost-benefit analysis and financial modelling findings, the service provided was excellent. Through this process SDS surfaced several scenarios that we had not previously considered, and we were able to use this information to come to a decision regarding the financial terms of the renewed partner agreement that we feel will significantly enhance the relationship."
-Murali Chandrashekaran, Vice-Provost, International
"We are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with SDS. Lesley and her team members are exemplary business partners that offer strategic advice to identify effective solutions to complex problems. They are highly effective collaborators who are thoughtful, analytical and creative with their thinking and approach to problem sets. They have successfully supported us in improving our SIS enhancement prioritization business process resulting in improved decision making and most effective and appropriate use of limited resources. They have also partnered with us to successfully develop a business case and high level implementation framework to evolve and improve the University’s academic course scheduling model. We would appreciate the opportunity to work with them again and highly recommend SDS and their services!"
-Annie Yim, Associate Registrar & HR Director, Student Records & Systems Management | Enrolment Services
"I want to express my deep gratitude to the SDS team for the level of skill and expertise they brought to the School’s strategic plan development. The dedication and guidance they shared throughout the year-long process -- including the extensive face-to-face meetings with our Strategic Planning Advisory group -- was truly remarkable. Each of the project facets, including the evaluation, implementation, performance and sustainability frameworks, financial modelling, risk and feasibility assessments, organizational structure, and management insights and guidance have proven invaluable. We’ve made measurable changes to the way we function strategically thanks to their professional service.”
-Robert Boushel, Director, School of Kinesiology
“The team in UBC Strategy Decision & Support (SDS) was immensely helpful during our Faculty’s strategic planning process. We are a smaller Faculty with limited resources, so partnering with SDS and receiving their counsel and guidance made the process much easier and ultimately resulted in a stronger strategic plan.”
-Rickey Yada, Dean, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
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