Data Science for Business - What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking

Written by renowned data science experts Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett, Data Science for Business introduces the fundamental principles of data science, and walks you through the "data-analytic thinking" necessary for extracting useful knowledge and business value from the data you collect. This guide also helps you understand the many data-mining techniques in use today.

Based on an MBA course Provost has taught at New York University over the past ten years, Data Science for Business provides examples of real-world business problems to illustrate these principles. You’ll not only learn how to improve communication between business stakeholders and data scientists, but also how participate intelligently in your company’s data science projects. You’ll also discover how to think data-analytically, and fully appreciate how data science methods can support business decision-making.

* Understand how data science fits in your organization and how you can use it for competitive advantage

* Treat data as a business asset that requires careful investment if you’re to gain real value

* Approach business problems data-analytically, using the data-mining process to gather good data in the most appropriate way

* Learn general concepts for actually extracting knowledge from data

* Apply data science principles when interviewing data science job candidates

Paperback: 414 pages

Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (August 19, 2013)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds

Reviews

"A must-read resource for anyone who is serious about embracing the opportunity of big data."

- Craig Vaughan

Global Vice President at SAP

"This book goes beyond data analytics 101. It's the essential guide for those of us (all of us?) whose businesses are built on the ubiquity of data opportunities and the new mandate for data-driven decision-making."

- Tom Phillips

CEO of Media6Degrees and Former Head of Google Search and Analytics

"Data is the foundation of new waves of productivity growth, innovation, and richer customer insight. Only recently viewed broadly as a source of competitive advantage, dealing well with data is rapidly becoming table stakes to stay in the game. The authors' deep applied experience makes this a must read--a window into your competitor's strategy."

- Alan Murray

Serial Entrepreneur; Partner at Coriolis Ventures

"This timely book says out loud what has finally become apparent: in the modern world, Data is Business, and you can no longer think business without thinking data. Read this book and you will understand the Science behind thinking data."

- Ron Bekkerman

Chief Data Officer at Carmel Ventures

"A great book for business managers who lead or interact with data scientists, who wish to better understand the principles and algorithms available without the technical details of single-disciplinary books."

- Ronny Kohavi

Partner Architect at Microsoft Online Services Division