Business Analytics for Managers: Taking Business Intelligence Beyond Reporting

by Gert Laursen, Jesper Thorlund

The intensified used of data based on analytical models to control digitalized operational business processes in an intelligent way is a game changer that continuously disrupts more and more markets. This book exemplifies this development and shows the latest tools and advances in this field Business Analytics for Managers offers real-world guidance for organizations looking to leverage their data into a competitive advantage. This new second edition covers the advances that have revolutionized the field since the first edition's release; big data and real-time digitalized decision making have become major components of any analytics strategy, and new technologies are allowing businesses to gain even more insight from the ever-increasing influx of data. New terms, theories, and technologies are explained and discussed in terms of practical benefit, and the emphasis on forward thinking over historical data describes how analytics can drive better business planning. Coverage includes data warehousing, big data, social media, security, cloud technologies, and future trends, with expert insight on the practical aspects of the current state of the field. Analytics helps businesses move forward. Extensive use of statistical and quantitative analysis alongside explanatory and predictive modeling facilitates fact-based decision making, and evolving technologies continue to streamline every step of the process. This book provides an essential update, and describes how today's tools make business analytics more valuable than ever.   Most businesses are caught in a massive, non-stop stream of data. It can become one of your most valuable assets, or a never-ending flood of missed opportunity. Technology moves fast, and keeping up with the cutting edge is crucial for wringing even more value from your data― Business Analytics for Managers brings you up to date, and shows you what analytics can do for you now.

Genres: Business, Management, Technology, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2010

Reviews

[Donn Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book that in the end didn't find its right audience in me, and if I may take a guess probably wouldn't find its right audience in many others. Though promising, I found its treatment of many topics a little too shallow for serious treatment of analytics concepts, which can be good for a an introductory text, but at the same time - oddly but true! - also too deep for an introductory text. The sweet spot in my mind would be for the text to be a little MORE shallow but shorter, but with links to accompanying texts or online resources (i.e. a good bibliography).

What I did find very useful though was the chapter on making sure analytic teams get the support they need, especially in terms of "backend" IT support and access, and how these teams may differ from the general "business" users, as I'm currently in a bind trying to find arguments to convince my IT team on the benefits of a different treatment of an analytics team with a strong technical bent (i.e. mine).

All in all, I would say that this book makes a good accompanying text but cannot stand on its own, and as an introduction isn't the best.

, which means it makes a good introductory text

[andy noble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduction to the topic

An academic text book. So not always easy to read. However it's not impossible to follow the ideas and thread of the argument. Useful for my assignment but not a read for pleasure

[Sam Motes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads as a business case for the Executive decision makers on the business justification for the Business Analyst role and their tools including dashboards, KPIs, and data warehouse infrastructure. It espouses a delivery model of think big, start small, and deliver fast to build quick wins and build momentum on delivery of projects.

[Manu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a very exciting read! Good for someone who is completely new in the world of analytics and business intelligence. Covers some basic frameworks around how strategy at corporate level is executed at operational/functional level which is supported by IT.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

At little dry, but I did like some of the examples and the idea of lead vs lag data.

[Lokesh Dhaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all managers related to analytics

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Really not happy with sloppy typos.

[Jeff Shuck · Rating 2 out of 5]

A broad survey that probably better lends itself to a ten-page article. If you want a real analytics practicum, this ain’t it. Likely horribly outdated by now.