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An evidence-based organizational framework for exceptional analytics team results
The Analytics Lifecycle Toolkit provides managers with a practical manual for integrating data management and analytic technologies into their organization. Author Gregory Nelson has encountered hundreds of unique perspectives on analytics optimization from across industries; over the years, successful strategies have proven to share certain practices, skillsets, expertise, and structural traits. In this book, he details the concepts, people and processes that contribute to exemplary results, and shares an organizational framework for analytics team functions and roles. By merging analytic culture with data and technology strategies, this framework creates understanding for analytics leaders and a toolbox for practitioners. Focused on team effectiveness and the design thinking surrounding product creation, the framework is illustrated by real-world case studies to show how effective analytics team leadership works on the ground.
Tools and templates include best practices for process improvement, workforce enablement, and leadership support, while guidance includes both conceptual discussion of the analytics life cycle and detailed process descriptions. Readers will be equipped to:
* Master fundamental concepts and practices of the analytics life cycle
* Understand the knowledge domains and best practices for each stage
* Delve into the details of analytical team processes and process optimization
* Utilize a robust toolkit designed to support analytic team effectiveness
The analytics life cycle includes a diverse set of considerations involving the people, processes, culture, data, and technology, and managers needing stellar analytics performance must understand their unique role in the process of winnowing the big picture down to meaningful action. The Analytics Lifecycle Toolkit provides expert perspective and much-needed insight to managers, while providing practitioners with a new set of tools for optimizing results.
List of contents
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xv
PART I THE FOUNDATION OF ANALYTICS 1
Chapter 1 Analytics Overview 3
Chapter 2 The People of Analytics 38
Chapter 3 Organizational Context for Analytics 68
Chapter 4 Data Strategy, Platforms, and Architecture 95
PART II ANALYTICS LIFECYCLE BEST PRACTICES 127
Chapter 5 The Analytics Lifecycle Toolkit 129
Chapter 6 Problem Framing 148
Chapter 7 Data Sensemaking 185
Chapter 8 Analytics Model Development 218
Chapter 9 Results Activation 266
Chapter 10 Analytics Product Management 301
PART III SUSTAINING ANALYTICS SUCCESS 349
Chapter 11 Actioning Analytics 351
Chapter 12 Core Competencies for Analytics Teams 386
Chapter 13 The Future of Analytics 424
About the Author 433
About the Companion Web Site 435
Index 437
About the author
GREG NELSON is the CEO and founder of ThotWave, an analytics advisory firm specializing in analytics talent development and has over 20 years of consulting experience in big data, statistical analysis, data visualization, and change management. Greg serves as adjunct faculty at Duke University's top-ranked Fuqua School of Business and is an expert for the International Institute for Analytics. Greg has authored over 200 papers and publications and is a regular speaker and keynote presenter at national and international events. Greg earned his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in Psychology, a Master's in Clinical Informatics from Duke University, and conducted Ph.D. level work in Social and Cognitive Psychology at the University of Georgia.
Summary
An evidence-based organizational framework for exceptional analytics team results
The Analytics Lifecycle Toolkit provides managers with a practical manual for integrating data management and analytic technologies into their organization. Author Gregory Nelson has encountered hundreds of unique perspectives on analytics optimization from across industries; over the years, successful strategies have proven to share certain practices, skillsets, expertise, and structural traits. In this book, he details the concepts, people and processes that contribute to exemplary results, and shares an organizational framework for analytics team functions and roles. By merging analytic culture with data and technology strategies, this framework creates understanding for analytics leaders and a toolbox for practitioners. Focused on team effectiveness and the design thinking surrounding product creation, the framework is illustrated by real-world case studies to show how effective analytics team leadership works on the ground.
Tools and templates include best practices for process improvement, workforce enablement, and leadership support, while guidance includes both conceptual discussion of the analytics life cycle and detailed process descriptions. Readers will be equipped to:
* Master fundamental concepts and practices of the analytics life cycle
* Understand the knowledge domains and best practices for each stage
* Delve into the details of analytical team processes and process optimization
* Utilize a robust toolkit designed to support analytic team effectiveness
The analytics life cycle includes a diverse set of considerations involving the people, processes, culture, data, and technology, and managers needing stellar analytics performance must understand their unique role in the process of winnowing the big picture down to meaningful action. The Analytics Lifecycle Toolkit provides expert perspective and much-needed insight to managers, while providing practitioners with a new set of tools for optimizing results.
