Learn through examples and experience exactly how to pick projects and build analytics teams that deliver results. Know the ethical and privacy issues, and apply the three-part litmus test of context, permission, and accuracy.

Without a doubt, data and analytics are the new source of competitive advantage, but how do executives go from hype to action? That’s the objective of this book – to assist executives in making the right investments in the right place and at the right time in order to reap the full benefits of data analytics.

We are moving into an era where information is potentially more valuable than tangible things or services. Organizations who connect information with their product will have a huge advantage, and conversely organizations that miss this transformation will find themselves increasingly un-competitive. No longer just something for the Information Technologists or Data Scientists to deal with, everyone who makes things or serves customers in some way needs to understand how people interact with their product or service in a very granular way. This book will help people in business and government understand the power of data analytics technology and how some of the tools available can be applied to a wide range of applications. John Swainson, former President, Dell Software Group

John and Shawn bring decades of hands on experience helping clients understand where and how data and analytics can deliver business value and market differentiation. The authors do not get bogged down in the technology tail-chase, but instead provides clear and actionable guidance on how organizations need to embrace a ‘business first’ approach when considering how to exploit the business potential of big data. Like I ask my clients, “How effective is your organization at leveraging data and analytics to power your business?” It’s a question this book will help you to address. Bill Schmarzo, CTO Big Data, Dell Technologies Services

One could argue – and probably easily win the argument – that there has been more change in analytics over the past ten years than at any time in the history of the world. For that reason alone, a book like this one that provides a clear-eyed assessment of the state of the art in analytics is enormously valuable. Thomas H. Davenport