The Seidman ERP Program News
Students attended the healthcare Data Warehousing Associations (HDWA) 2015 Annual Conference
October 16, 2015
Three Seidman College of Business students attended the healthcare
Data Warehousing Association’s (HDWA) 2015 Annual Conference,
Unlocking the Power of Data to Transform Healthcare; October 13-15 in
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“The Healthcare Data Warehousing Association (HDWA) was founded
in 2001 to serve as a forum where healthcare organizations planning or
engaged in data warehousing and analytics can share ideas and lessons
learned.” The 2015 conference that the organization held focused on
how data can transform healthcare.
This is the first time Grand Valley students attended the event.
The students, who are part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
program at Grand Valley, included Kajal Magal, Brandy Bowers, and Matt
Bleeker. The ERP program at Grand Valley is one of the world’s leading
programs where students gain an understanding of integrated,
cross-functional business process experience and data management,
using SAP® software.
“The HDWA conference could not have been more valuable as a MIS
student,” said Kajal Magal. Several organizations went in depth about
how data governance, reporting, big data, analytics, and
purpose-driven design are vital to them. Additionally, as attendees
we were able to break off into small groups to discuss topics that
were particular relevant to us, or just what we wanted to learn more
about. Some of these topics included population health analytics big
data, and staff management. It was great to see the participating
organizations learn from each other and share ideas on effectively
using resources and software solutions. The conference was very well
organized, and we got to hear a range of perspectives from employees
working in healthcare - from developers, researchers, analysts, HR,
and high-level management.”
The $550.00 cost of admission to the conference for students was
covered by the HDWA through a scholarship program, the students had to
construct a 200-500 word essay, provide letters of recommendations,
and be an active member in the organization. Students participated in
classroom sessions, networking opportunities and key note
presentations from Michael Freed, President & Chief Executive
Officer, Priority Health and Krischa Winright, Chief Information
Officer and Vice President of Information Technology, Priority Health.
"I really liked being a part of the round table discussions," said Brandy Bowers. "Although we may not have had much to add as students with little experience, seeing the collaboration of professionals from all across the country, working together to improve processes and learn from each other, was a great experience. Someday I would like to be sitting in one of those seats, collaborating with fellow professionals in order to solve issues that the industry is facing."
Photo: Left to Right : Kajal Magal, Leslie Kian (Educational Council Chair), Matt Bleeker, and Brandy Bowers