Turning Big Data into Actions

‘Big Data’ is a fairly new buzz word in the IT world.  In this day and age there is a wealth of data available and many resources available to store all of this data.  The problem with raw data is that it does not help with decision making.  People must know how to manipulate and use the data in order to make it useful.  On Forbes website I read an interesting article called “Four Step To Turn Big Data Into Action”.  Click here for a link to the website.  According to the article there are four steps to turn big data into something useful and they are as follows:

• Decide what to produce
• Source the raw materials
• Produce insight with speed
• Deliver the goods and act

This article takes the view of a factory where insights are products, data is the raw material and the front-line operators are the consumers of the product.

In the first step the article states that it is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and what questions need to be answered.  The questions that answer the largest economic opportunities should be the highest priority.

In the second step the article emphasizes that it’s important to start with the best data that is immediately available.  This data set can often times be small and not necessarily the best data set but this gives a good start with immediate feedback.  Then over time it is important to start adding other data sets to it and begin getting a better insight.

In the third step the article emphasizes speed.  Early on the ‘insight factory’ will not produce perfect information but it’s important to have rapid bursts or output.  The product will get better with time but it’s important to have the speed early on.

Finally in the last step the article states that the information that is available now should be used now to inform specific actions.  This means put this information into action now and see the actual results instead of waiting for more data or other options.  In this step there will also need to be acceptance from managers which will take time.  It is important to remember that this factory idea is a cultural change that will need to evolve over time and should not be one large change.

Reference:

Forbes.com

http://www.forbes.com/sites/mckinsey/2013/10/22/four-steps-to-turn-big-data-into-action/?utm_campaign=forbestwittersf&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Posted by: Leslie P

Is change a good thing? You be the judge.

Last August, Microsoft released their latest operating system, Windows 8.  It was met with highly mixed reviews.  Some complimented the sleek new Metro design and increase in speed compared to its predecessor Windows 7.  However, many were annoyed by its tablet-centric design, which included a tiled start screen, and lack of common features that existed in past OS versions, most noticeably the start button.  On Thursday, Microsoft released their attempt to respond to some of these concerns:  Windows 8.1.

With Windows 8.1, Microsoft has added a number of features that may ease the transition between 7 and 8 for newcomers.  The start button has made its return, although using it brings you to the still unfamiliar tiled application screen for actions.   You can also choose to boot directly to the desktop rather than going through the tile interface each time.  The level of customizability of the user environment has been increased, with more colors and size options for applications.  Microsoft has also increased the integration of SkyDrive.  In Windows 8, users had access to their cloud-based files only through online access, while they could add offline capabilities by installing a SkyDrive application.  With 8.1, the offline ability is integrated from the get-go.  Additionally, SkyDrive is built into the new “Smart Search” function, meaning users’ SkyDrive files show up just as normal files do upon a search.  The app store has also substantially increased its content, growing from around 10,000 apps at the launch of Windows 8 to more than 110,000 today. Finally, Microsoft answered one of the biggest complaints about Windows 8, which was the limitation in multitasking due to the restriction of app sizes to either the entire screen or 25 percent and 75 percent.  Now, you can display up to four apps side by side, or just do the traditional 50/50 split that many requested.  Additionally, you can alter sizes at will, without preset percentages.

How will these changes be received by the community?  While the improvements made may satisfy the early adopters of Windows 8, whether it will attract users of Windows 7 to upgrade is an entirely different story.  The bottom line is that the stigma of Windows 8 as being an OS built for mobile devices, not desktops, will most likely persist.  Microsoft may have to wait for their Metro system to be more readily accepted by an increasingly mobile-centric technology environment before they see a large movement to Windows 8.

Posted by: Chelsea H

Issues with newly formed SCRUM teams

Previously I had mentioned the Agile Software Development Methodologies, specifically the Scrum methodology.  The Scrum method is one of the most popular methods for many reasons but there are also some issues that come along with this methodology.  Just as a refresher Scrum is a framework of teams with about 2-12 people and they all have 1 of 3 different types of roles.  There are daily, sprint and PSI meetings that the teams must all attend.  Overall this framework is very team oriented, self-managed and fast-paced.

With experience in the Scrum framework there are a few noticeable issues with it.  From my experience the meetings become overwhelming.  As many people in the professional world know, meetings are not fun.  This means if the meetings are not productive people will begin to not show up or organizers will cancel them if other things come up.  I notice the lack of involvement in these meetings over time.  If the team was behind schedule or a major defect was found than all meetings were put on the back burner or just ignored.  This hindered the Agile process immensely.  The daily stand-ups were usually attended regularly but the other meetings that were focused on team building and not product oriented tended to be skipped by team members.

Another issue that I saw was the trap of such short time frames.  During an 8 week PSI if there was a 2 week period where unexpected issues came up then the team would never be able to make up time and meet their week 8 deadline.  In this situation if working software is to be delivered at the end of week 8 and the team of testers are waiting for it but it never arrives there are big problems.  Everyone’s plans for the next 8 week session must be changed which ultimately costs a lot of money, pushes back deadlines and creates stress.

These are just a couple of the main issues that I have seen with the Scrum framework.  These teams are also very new to the Agile process which is part of the reason why the problems exist.  It will just be a matter of time if organizations see results with these methodologies or not.

Posted By: Leslie P

Some Different IT Jobs That Are Out There

With the demand for different IT jobs on the rise, there are many different types of IT jobs.  There is quite a selection of different job titles you can choose from.  There are the jobs for the people more interested in the programming aspect of the industry, such as a software and web developer.  There are also many jobs for people who are more interested in the business aspect of the industry, such as a business analysts.

1. Software Engineer

For this occupation you will need a good amount of different skills.  You will be seeing the software development life cycle through each one of the phases.  Business smarts are definitely required for this job as well as programming skills.  You need a good understanding of the characteristics of a successful program and the characteristics of an unsuccessful program.  Basically, you are the architect of the software.

2. IT Consultant

This job requires many different skills all in one.  It helps to understand the programming aspect of the job, but you also have to be savvy with the business side.  The need for information systems for businesses is on the rise so there is high demand in this job title.  You need to determine what is feasible and what isn't for each individual business situation.  Being a consultant, you will be working for many different businesses so you will also need some people skills to communicate what the business wants from the system.

3. Web Developer

This job requires knowledge in a number of different programming languages.  You must know what makes a good web page and what doesn't.  You will be designing the web page and coding it.  The ability to look through the eyes of the consumer, is very valuable in this profession.

4. Cloud Architect

Cloud computing is becoming more and more apart of our everyday lives.  A cloud architect is basically a manager of the cloud.  You will organize all the information that is stored on the cloud and maintain it.  This profession's demand is getting greater and greater by the day.  You are the architect of the information on the cloud.


The demand for IT jobs is only going to get higher and with that there will be new positions and job titles opening up.  The IT professional has the ability to choose the specialized field they would like to be in and that's a very big advantage.  Whether you enjoy the programming or the business side more, there will be a demand.

Posted by: Nate Gaskill