The Business Analytics Center at Georgia Institute of Technology – Scheller College of Business recently hosted a dinner to discuss the importance of data-driven decisions for business leaders. The event was held on January 26th, with support from North Highland Worldwide Consulting and Tableau.
Teradata’s Chief Analytics Officer, Bill Franks, delivered the keynote address, which emphasized the importance of translating data analysis into action. “Analytics cannot replace execution,” he said. “At the end of the day if it’s not used, it’s not valuable.”
In addition to his work at Teradata, Franks serves as a faculty member at the International Institute for Analytics, and has published two books of data analysis, Taming The Big Data Tidal Wave and The Analytics Revolution. In his keynote address, Franks acknowledged that making actionable choices based on data can at times be uncomfortable, offering advice to move leadership in this direction. “Start with consulting and coaching,” he said. “Think about the benefits in stages and build up over time.”
After the address, discussion leads from various industries helped facilitate an exercise for 50 business analytics professionals to develop a plan for implementing Franks’ advice in their own companies. A wide variety of organizations were represented at the event, including representatives from North Highland, Tableau, Cox Enterprises, ApolloMD, and the Business Anlaytics Center. Also involved were master’s students from the new Business Analytics club.
Scheller College Dean Maryam Alavi commented on the importance of fostering analytical and innovative mindsets for solving complicated business problems. “I’m proud to say that Scheller College of Business is committed to preparing principled leaders who are analytically skilled, innovative, entrepreneurial, and can manage technology in a global setting,” she said.