Predictive Analytics For Dummies

by Anasse Bari, Mohamed Chaouchi, Tommy Jung

Use Big Data and technology to uncover real-world insights

You don't need a time machine to predict the future. All it takes is a little knowledge and know-how, and Predictive Analytics For Dummies gets you there fast. With the help of this friendly guide, you'll discover the core of predictive analytics and get started putting it to use with readily available tools to collect and analyze data. In no time, you'll learn how to incorporate algorithms through data models, identify similarities and relationships in your data, and predict the future through data classification. Along the way, you'll develop a roadmap by preparing your data, creating goals, processing your data, and building a predictive model that will get you stakeholder buy-in.

Big Data has taken the marketplace by storm, and companies are seeking qualified talent to quickly fill positions to analyze the massive amount of data that are being collected each day. If you want to get in on the action and either learn or deepen your understanding of how to use predictive analytics to find real relationships between what you know and what you want to know, everything you need is a page away!

Offers common use cases to help you get started Covers details on modeling, k-means clustering, and more Includes information on structuring your data Provides tips on outlining business goals and approaches

The future starts today with the help of Predictive Analytics For Dummies.

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

435 pages, Kindle Edition

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.