How do you develop domain knowledge in your analysts, so their data usage, interpretation & recommendations make sense? I’ve mentioned in a previous post, about the difficulties of offshoring analytics, how vital domain knowledge can be. Yet, I find most articles or speakers focus on your need to develop new technology skills (like mastering the latest ‘en vogue‘ coding language). Akin to the greater importance of softer skills in analysts,.. Read More
Are you reinventing the wheel, every time you undertake analysis?
Once your analysts have a clear business question to answer, do they start new analysis each time, potentially ‘reinventing the wheel‘? After creating or leading data & analytics teams for many years, I began to notice this pattern of behaviour. What we seemed to lack was a consistent knowledge management solution or ‘corporate memory‘ that could easily spot what should be remembered. Funnily enough, as became convinced of the need for ‘holistic customer.. Read More
Learning about Blockchain and relevance to Analytics leaders (part 2)
Continuing our two-part series, learning about Blockchain and relevant lessons learnt from attending #CityChain17 event. As mentioned in our first post, this event was organised by MBN Solutions and held at IBM’s spacious SouthBank offices (which offer great views across the Thames on a sunny day). Following the morning sessions, covered in part one, our next speakers focussed more on applying the technology in your business. So, here are some more.. Read More
Enjoying printed insight magazines on planes & trains
With lots of business travel this week & last, together with having already recently authored a detailed post on Brexit letter, I’ve decided to take it easier this time. Based on my reading while travelling, here is a review of a few articles from printed magazines that I found helpful. I’ve previously sung the praises of listening podcasts (which I find particularly useful while driving on business) and insight newsletters (that.. Read More
Lessons from Brexit letter, for insight leaders’ influencing
You might be sick of wall-to-wall Brexit coverage on the news, but I think there are lessons to learn from Theresa May’s letter to Donald Tusk. Lessons for analytics leaders needing to influence their senior stakeholders. Both my own experience in that role, and work with our clients, has taught me that analytics leaders need to be able to communicate in more than just impressive Powerpoint decks. Despite the emphasis.. Read More
Opportunities for insight from location as a dimension in your customer analytics
Location has been a key dimension for analytics for many years. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and engaging data visualisations have all added to how engaging data with a location field can appear. However, do you just use this data dimension to compare business performance or consumer behaviour at a macro level? Are you really generating customer insights, leading to innovative products or services as a result of thinking deeply about.. Read More
The benefits of a competency framework for your analysts
As we focus on Analytics & Data Science this month, I’ve been reminded of how a Competency Framework can help. Both work with clients, and my own experience in creating & leading analytics teams, has taught me that such a tool can help in a number of ways. In this post I’ll explain what I mean by a competency framework and the different ways it can help Analytics, Data Science or.. Read More