B ig D ata and analytics in higher education: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Institutions of higher education are operating in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. This paper identifies contemporary challenges facing institutions of higher education worldwide and explores the potential of B ig D ata in addressing these challenges. The paper then outlines a number of opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of B ig D ata in the context of higher education. The paper concludes by outlining future directions relating to the development and implementation of an institutional project on B ig D ata.