Opinion

Governance, compliance, ethics in data mining: Separate but equal

In the ethical mining and analysis of data, governance, compliance and ethics are mistakenly taken as one in the same. Data managers need to be aware of the critical differences. Continue Reading
What-if business planning simulation at its predictive best

Simulating timely and accurate business scenarios can be an essential competitive weapon for predicting the performance, pitfalls and benefits of strategic initiatives. Continue Reading
Augmented analytics reveals the hidden side of things

The rise of augmented analytics empowers businesses to find correlations in data that might very well be the critical difference in operational efficiency and cost savings. Continue Reading
HR metrics and analytics make workforces more valuable

Employing metrics and analytics to improve logistics, operations and forecasting is a good first step, but not enough. Your workforce is the most important resource to optimize. Continue Reading
Business intelligence and artificial intelligence are a natural fit

Despite the current notion that business intelligence and artificial intelligence are separate disciplines, AI-powered BI is an idea that should get more attention. Continue Reading

IBM's Watson Analytics makes strides but gives off bad vibes

Watson Analytics is a strong player in a formidable field that includes Google and Adobe. It does perform as advertised -- but IBM's AI-driven analytics technology leaves a lot to be desired. Continue Reading
Streaming data analytics puts real-time pressure on project teams

A real-time data architecture that can support streaming analytics applications is an enticing, yet daunting, prospect for organizations looking to act quickly on information. Continue Reading
Prescriptive models take analytics one step beyond

Descriptive analytics is powerful. Predictive analytics, flashy. Prescriptive analytics? Boring, perhaps, but no less essential to improving operations in the enterprise. Continue Reading
Predictive analytics tools hinge on good data, business expertise

Predictive analytics helps businesses maintain a competitive edge, but only with the right data. And even then, the most advanced analytics tools can't replace expertise. Continue Reading
Don't let a data-driven approach ax judgment from analytics equation

Data analytics can help improve decision-making in organizations. But human intuition and judgment need to be part of the picture to keep predictive models and analytical algorithms from going awry. Continue Reading
Machine learning models take over the software industry

Just as software took over the broader technology industry a few years ago, we're starting to see machine learning algorithms dominate software. There's good reason for this trend. Continue Reading

Emerging analytics tools challenge dominant big data philosophy

Analytics technologies like the internet of things and cognitive computing mean we cannot have all the data on a given subject. So, what does that mean for big data? Continue Reading
Sports data analytics isn't always a slam dunk

The growing trend of analytics in sports has caused much debate, and even though data-driven decisions can provide some benefits, they're not right for all occasions. Continue Reading
Sell your CEO on business intelligence software tools

Convincing executives and other workers to adopt business intelligence software remains surprisingly difficult. If you aren't selling BI's benefits internally, that might be one reason why. Continue Reading
Don't just buy into data connectors in new BI tools

There's no shortage of data analysis tools promising easy connectivity to a range of data sources. While these technologies are promising, users need to approach them cautiously. Continue Reading
Data analysis tools don't create data-driven culture

Businesses want to be more data-driven, and vendors are capitalizing on the demand with sleek, self-service tools. But it's culture, not tools, that creates a data-driven organization. Continue Reading
Customer data analytics teams take on a more lawyerly look

In some organizations, corporate lawyers are tasked with protecting data from analytics abuse. But they need to avoid tying the hands of data scientists. Continue Reading
Data science jobs not as plentiful as all the hype indicates

These days, it seems everyone is talking about data scientists. General interest in the role continues to grow, but that isn't leading to corresponding growth in jobs among employers. Continue Reading
Bring data analysis methods to the masses

Many members of the general public, which includes business executives, don't really understand what analytics is all about. It's up to data scientists to educate them. Continue Reading
Businesses are out of excuses on cyber security analytics

Major data breaches keep happening, even though businesses have security analytics tools available to them that could put a stop to the problem. Continue Reading
Approach big data projects with care, purpose

IT observers caution organizations against data for data’s sake, urging instead a focus on the best technology for the business problem at hand. Continue Reading
Take your data analysis skills to the next level

Regardless of what industry you work in, you are likely to be left behind if you lack basic analytical skills. Taking a proactive approach may end up saving you time -- and a hassle – further down the line. Continue Reading
Anxieties about big data technology trends are valid

Criticism of big data technology trends may go too far, but proponents shouldn't dismiss the critiques. Continue Reading
BI in the cloud: Find your bliss

Hosting business intelligence off-premises might seem scary, but soon it will be a necessary and normal part of corporate life. For the biggest benefit, learn the lay of the land. Continue Reading
Analytical modeling is both science and art

Models are the key to predicting outcomes to business decisions. And while math may make them tick, it also takes a certain eye -- and ear -- for what works. Continue Reading