Analytics is for everyone.

• Author: Sitton, Judy Vasek
• Position: Behind Every Good Decision: How Anyone Can Use Business Analytics to Turn Data into Profitable Insight - Book review

Behind Every Good Decision: How Anyone Can Use Business Analytics to Turn Data into Profitable Insight

Authors: Piyanka Jain, Puneet Sharma

Publisher: AMACOM Books

Publication Date: 2014

Length: 256 pages

Price: $27.95

ISBN: 978-0-8144-4921-9

Source: www.amacombooks.com

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This book sets out to accomplish the lofty goal of moving analytics from a vague, overwhelming, and complex discipline--usually associated with big data and predictive analysis--to a simple tool that anyone can use for making smarter decisions. In the process the authors present and explain BADIR(tm), a trademarked five-step approach to utilizing data for business impact. The acronym stands for:

1. Business question

2. Analysis plan

3. Data collection

4. Insights

5. Recommendations

The authors then show how to tie analytics to return on investment.

The assertions throughout the book are that the use of analytics, except in rare cases, is not rocket science and that analytics is not just about data itself but about using data to guide actions. The authors state that "Unless analytics drive business impact, it is not analytics. It is just statistics; just data science."

Target Audience

In the introduction, the authors identify who this book is for and list specific sections beneficial for that target audience. They show how the book is practical for:

* Everyone

* People who want to learn hands-on analytics

* Leaders

However, if you are looking for more insight into using analytics and big data, look elsewhere. The authors specifically state, "Big Data is NOT synonymous with analytics and we will NOT talk about Big Data in this book. We will talk about how smarter decisions can be made using the data to which you have access."

Organization

Behind Every Good Decision is organized into four sections.

"Hello Analytics!" explains analytics and goes into detail about its various types.

"Diving Deep'' delves into analytic tools, including the five-step process and predictive analytics.

"Leadership Toolkit" is self-explanatory.

"Analytics at Work" wraps up the book with 10 case studies that illustrate the use of analytics in diverse settings.

For RIM Pros

The entire book will be of interest to records and information management (RIM) professionals as business leaders. It gives insights on business processes, in general, and talks about how 70%-80% of business decisions can be accomplished effectively with simple analytic techniques and a spreadsheet.

Persons...