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In today’s data-driven world, organisations constantly seek ways to turn raw data into actionable insights and business value. Whether you’re a data scientist, analyst, or business leader, understanding how to leverage data effectively is essential. The following five books offer expert insights into data strategy, analytics and the real-world application of data-driven decision-making. From foundational principles to advanced methodologies, these books will help you unlock the true potential of data and drive meaningful impact in your organisation.
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'Drive RAPPID Results From Data' by Karl Dinkelmann & Zjaén Coetzee is a practical guide for business leaders looking to unlock the full potential of data for growth. It stresses that data-confident leadership is crucial for driving real value, and leaders must take ownership of data initiatives to enhance decision-making and competitiveness. The book helps leaders understand their critical role in driving data-led growth and provides frameworks for making confident investments in data analytics. It emphasises aligning teams and leadership to maximise the impact of data-driven projects and improve the bottom line. With proven techniques, the book offers actionable steps for building data-confidence and delivering measurable results, making it a valuable resource for leaders seeking to harness the power of data in their organisations.
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'Data and Analytics Strategy for Business' is a comprehensive guide for organisations seeking to leverage their data to drive business success. It begins by showing how to choose data projects that align with organisational goals and build a strong business case for investing in data initiatives. The book then walks readers through five "waves" of organisational data maturity, offering a roadmap from initial quick wins to becoming a leading innovator that outperforms competitors using data. The book emphasises the importance of building consistent, high-quality data sources that create business value, while also exploring how automation, AI, and machine learning can enhance performance and decision-making. With real-world examples and case studies, Data and Analytics Strategy for Business provides a step-by-step guide to designing and implementing a data strategy that delivers measurable results.
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'Data Strategy' by Bernard Marr is an essential guide for businesses looking to leverage data as a strategic asset. This book explains how to create a robust, data-driven approach that allows organisations, from small businesses to large multinationals, to unlock the full potential of their data. It covers how to collect, manage, and use data effectively to generate valuable insights that can drive business growth and success in the digital economy. Now in its second edition, 'Data Strategy' includes updated insights on understanding customers and markets, and how to deliver intelligent products and services. With numerous case studies and real-world examples, Bernard Marr provides expert advice on gaining a competitive advantage in a data-driven world, making it a must-read for any organisation aiming to thrive in the digital age.
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In 'Data Strategy: Turning Advocates into Change-Makers', Tiankai Feng offers a unique perspective on creating a sustainable data strategy by focusing on the human elements of data work. The book combines optimism with a candid look at common data strategy mistakes, providing valuable insights for CxOs, operational staff, data experts, business users, and even students. Tiankai emphasises the importance of turning advocates into active change-makers within organisations. Recognising that people are emotional, irrational, and impulsive, the book highlights the critical role individuals play in the success of any data strategy. Tiankai presents an actionable framework, the Five Cs - Competence, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Conscience - which links human needs with business objectives. This framework helps organisations build a more effective and sustainable data strategy by addressing the human aspects of data work.
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'Analytics the Right Way' offers a clear, concise, and practical guide for business leaders who want to harness the power of analytics to drive business impact. In today’s data-rich environment, many leaders are overwhelmed by excessive dashboards, jargon and complex machine learning concepts, often leaving them confused about how to use the data effectively. This book aims to cut through that noise by providing a three-part framework that connects the realities of modern business with the principles of statistics, computer science, machine learning and AI. The book uses real-world examples from the authors’ experiences as consultants, educators, and professionals in various organisations. It also incorporates vivid hypotheticals, including scenarios involving green aliens and skydiving, to help readers understand foundational analytical and statistical concepts and apply them practically within their organisations. Ultimately, 'Analytics the Right Way' equips leaders with the tools and mindset needed to transform data into actionable insights that deliver tangible business value.
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'Drive RAPPID Results From Data' by Karl Dinkelmann & Zjaén Coetzee is a practical guide for business leaders looking to unlock the full potential of data for growth. It stresses that data-confident leadership is crucial for driving real value, and leaders must take ownership of data initiatives to enhance decision-making and competitiveness. The book helps leaders understand their critical role in driving data-led growth and provides frameworks for making confident investments in data analytics. It emphasises aligning teams and leadership to maximise the impact of data-driven projects and improve the bottom line. With proven techniques, the book offers actionable steps for building data-confidence and delivering measurable results, making it a valuable resource for leaders seeking to harness the power of data in their organisations.
2
'Data and Analytics Strategy for Business' is a comprehensive guide for organisations seeking to leverage their data to drive business success. It begins by showing how to choose data projects that align with organisational goals and build a strong business case for investing in data initiatives. The book then walks readers through five "waves" of organisational data maturity, offering a roadmap from initial quick wins to becoming a leading innovator that outperforms competitors using data. The book emphasises the importance of building consistent, high-quality data sources that create business value, while also exploring how automation, AI, and machine learning can enhance performance and decision-making. With real-world examples and case studies, Data and Analytics Strategy for Business provides a step-by-step guide to designing and implementing a data strategy that delivers measurable results.
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'Data Strategy' by Bernard Marr is an essential guide for businesses looking to leverage data as a strategic asset. This book explains how to create a robust, data-driven approach that allows organisations, from small businesses to large multinationals, to unlock the full potential of their data. It covers how to collect, manage, and use data effectively to generate valuable insights that can drive business growth and success in the digital economy. Now in its second edition, 'Data Strategy' includes updated insights on understanding customers and markets, and how to deliver intelligent products and services. With numerous case studies and real-world examples, Bernard Marr provides expert advice on gaining a competitive advantage in a data-driven world, making it a must-read for any organisation aiming to thrive in the digital age.
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In 'Data Strategy: Turning Advocates into Change-Makers', Tiankai Feng offers a unique perspective on creating a sustainable data strategy by focusing on the human elements of data work. The book combines optimism with a candid look at common data strategy mistakes, providing valuable insights for CxOs, operational staff, data experts, business users, and even students. Tiankai emphasises the importance of turning advocates into active change-makers within organisations. Recognising that people are emotional, irrational, and impulsive, the book highlights the critical role individuals play in the success of any data strategy. Tiankai presents an actionable framework, the Five Cs - Competence, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Conscience - which links human needs with business objectives. This framework helps organisations build a more effective and sustainable data strategy by addressing the human aspects of data work.
5
'Analytics the Right Way' offers a clear, concise, and practical guide for business leaders who want to harness the power of analytics to drive business impact. In today’s data-rich environment, many leaders are overwhelmed by excessive dashboards, jargon and complex machine learning concepts, often leaving them confused about how to use the data effectively. This book aims to cut through that noise by providing a three-part framework that connects the realities of modern business with the principles of statistics, computer science, machine learning and AI. The book uses real-world examples from the authors’ experiences as consultants, educators, and professionals in various organisations. It also incorporates vivid hypotheticals, including scenarios involving green aliens and skydiving, to help readers understand foundational analytical and statistical concepts and apply them practically within their organisations. Ultimately, 'Analytics the Right Way' equips leaders with the tools and mindset needed to transform data into actionable insights that deliver tangible business value.
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