Predictive Analytics For Dummies

by Anasse Bari, Mohamed Chaouchi, Tommy Jung

Combine business sense, statistics, and computers in a new and intuitive way, thanks to Big Data Predictive analytics is a branch of data mining that helps predict probabilities and trends. Predictive Analytics For Dummies explores the power of predictive analytics and how you can use it to make valuable predictions for your business, or in fields such as advertising, fraud detection, politics, and others. This practical book does not bog you down with loads of mathematical or scientific theory, but instead helps you quickly see how to use the right algorithms and tools to collect and analyze data and apply it to make predictions. Topics include using structured and unstructured data, building models, creating a predictive analysis roadmap, setting realistic goals, budgeting, and much more. Propose, produce, and protect predictive analytics projects through your company with Predictive Analytics For Dummies .

Genres: Business, Computer Science, Technology, Nonfiction, Computers

360 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2013

Reviews

[Dr. Dima · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I did not find this book useful. When I first looked at the table of contents, I was excited about the potential content of the book, but I was disappointed after reading it. The algorithms and models commonly used in predictive analytics are not explained well in this book. For me, there are better books that cover this topic in a clearer, more readable, and enjoyable manner. I would highly recommend these two alternatives: Data Smart by John Foreman and Machine Learning with R by Brett Lantz.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predict This!

I liked this book!

As someone who is more-and-more working with predictive data and analytical models, I found this book an excellent starting point.

Would recommend for those newer to this big field.

4.1/5

[Kumsal Obuz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand this is For Dummies series and the information should be plain and simple but not necessarily difficult to follow. I think this book could be written in half of its current size. There is an unnecessary amount of examples about what predictive analytics can be used for and yet it never felt like there was enough meat because methodologies used in such studies were never discussed in detail. On the contrary, if you are looking for something more technical, such as the last chapters of the book where you use Python and other data libraries, so you can get to the bone of the matter; it feels short and it looks more like cut-copy-paste style of teaching. It would have been more helpful if either part of the book was given a fair chance by splitting the book in two : Methods of Predictive Analytics vs. Predictive Analytics in Practice

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of method for predicting analytics, including some of the tools that are available, and starting code for R and Python. I appreciated that the book included business-based reasons and arguments for using this technology, as well as a caution about personal privacy. A good introduction... or a good review.

[Nick Greenquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, heavily business focused view of Predictive Analytics

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading to start!

If you are new to predictive analytics this is a good book to start with. Well and clearly written, with minimal coding.

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read that is dedicated to predictive analytics and its been fantastic. I realise its an introduction but I found it very wide ranging and had a good amount of detail to show the complexity of the topic while also making it accessible. This is a good place to start if you want to learn and predictive analytics

[Dan Pfeiffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Already having some experience working around predictive modelers and analytics in the FinServ industry as a business analyst and salesperson, I found this book to be a good introduction to the subject for anyone who needs a high level to semi technical understanding of the subject.

[Aasim Waheed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good starting point for predictive analytics. Some basic R code for some classifiers with good explanation

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

As typical of dummies book, well written and easy to understand. Trying to dig into data and advanced analytics.

[Ram Sankar]

Hi

[Jorjejaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not ashamed to use the For Dummies books to get up to speed on key subjects.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive.