Statistic errors in Business / Data Analysis

Taken from:

http://www.information-management.com/newsletters/statistics-analytics-data-quality-mistakes-10021691-1.html?ET=informationmgmt:e2823:2262124a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=IM_Daily_122711

1. Sophistication in statistics compensates for lack of data and/or business understanding. - hey - I can do the second derivative and rotate around the mean, and do advanced analysis - but ... what? You only wanted the average - or what does this mean? [Many years ago, teaching mathematics, students would divide 1000 by 50 and get something like 2000 - a little common sense would have helped!!]

2. Extracting meaning out of randomness. - there are times where there really isn't a pattern in the data (or ... you are not using the correct data - or not using the correct data in a meaningful fashion) - this might be another version of #1 - what is the business understanding - what does this really mean and imply?

3. Correlation versus causation – modeling will help uncover causal relationships. - so which came first - the chicken or the egg? Did A CAUSE B - or did B cause A - or are they just related? Did Steve fall in love with Sara; or did Sara fall in love with Steve or did they both fall in love with each other? (the article has this illustration:)

QR codes on headstones??

Taken from:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/qr-codes-grave-markers/story?id=14102071#.Tvh_VzXOV2A

While QR codes are used in marketing - how about marketing 'from the grave'? Really putting a QR code on a grave market can be a good idea - as it takes you to a webpage where you can learn more about the person. Whether QR codes survive the test of time - and in 50 years you can read about John Doe who died in 2011 from his QR code on his market, it makes for an interesting concept!!

Tablet computing Growth

Taken from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Innovation/Tablet-Computing-Experiences-Remarkable-Growth-174141/

This is this kind of adoption curve that, when multiplied by the millions, has made tablet computing the top business technology trend for 2012. Half of midsize and larger organizations expect to increase their investments in tablets at least moderately.

With the increase in interest, there is a corresponding growth in applications and development. As Apple says "There's an App for that"!!!

Top Ten Business Trends for 2012

Taken from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Innovation/Top-10-Business-Trends-for-2012-149938/

Predictions for 2012 (click on links for more information)

Trend 1: Tablet Computing Experiences Remarkable Growth

Trend 2: The Marketing Tech Revolution

Trend 3: Network and Wireless Build-Out

Trend 4: Advanced Communications

Trend 5: Business Intelligence and Big Data

Trend 6: IT Strategies Shift Toward Revenue Growth

Trend 7: Development of the Customized Cloud

Trend 8: Security Investments Remain Strong

Trend 9: The Consumerization of IT Continues

Trend 10: Hardware Investment Continues

More on these in future posts

So you plan on skipping work this week?

Taken from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Careers/Worst-Excuses-for-Missing-Work-226705/?kc=BLBLBEMNL12262011STR1

Some of the excuses that were used:

• I drank antifreeze by mistake
• Bats go into my hair
• A refrigerator fell on top of me
• A deer bite
• Brother-in-law was kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel
• My daughter stole my car (she was age 12)
• Calling in sick (when really well - taking a 'mental health day'?)

And ... some employer reactions:

• Fired workers for illegitimate excuses
• They have called their bluffs (called home / doctor / other)
• Some have driven by the employees house to verify

(Aside note - I've had students 'email' in sick - (I'm not feeling well) - and then I've run into them later in the day. It makes it hard to write a glowing recommendation!!)

Google's Pitt Patt

Taken from:

http://www.fastcompany.com/1768963/google-may-be--to-face-recognize-the-web

Google has worked with Carnegie-Mellon University and then acquired the rights to the Pitt Patt (from Pittsburgh Pattern) facial recognition application.

Google is making it an opt-in for Google Plus (Google +) - to avoid privacy issues of facial recognition with approval.

One can only start to imagine what facial recognition can mean in a varieties of uses. With Google's Android phones (with built in cameras), you can be identified. With Google Wallet technology - this can be a verification that the person making the charge / payment is who he/she is (because of the facial recognition).

Other organizations are using facial recognition - like homeland security and other governmental groups. In class we have looked at a retail store using it.

Top Paying Business Skills for IT Pros

Taken from:

http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Careers/Top-Paying-Business-Skills-for-IT-Pros-323148/?kc=CITCIEMNL12072011STR1

The first item was that "Technology plays a driving role in the automation necessary for impactful business process changes, but if those who deploy it don't know how the business works in the first place they won't be nearly as effective at their jobs". That is: IT pros need to know the business environment and how IT brings a value to that environment.

The second item is using prediction models - business analytics - the best decisions are based on the best models.

The third item is enterprise architecture. IT professionals who want to advance need solid understanding of business process workflows and technology. (The Open Group Architecture Framework [TOGAF] is given as a good start)

Skunk Works

Taken from:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/359534/When_IT_Gets_to_Play?source=CTWNLE_nlt_dailyam_2011-12-05

Skunk works are places where staff are encouraged to play. (Meaningful play that is ...)

Google Labs has been known for creating new ideas as well as Apple. This article mentions several examples, but largely looks at the success NASA's Jet Propulsion labs has had with their skunk works.

The concept is that it is a place to try (and fail if that happens) - to try out new technologies, see what might give a company or organization a competition advantage.

If you want to try some of Google's new ideas you might like this link: http://www.google.com/experimental/

Do you want an "Ice Cream Sandwich"?

Taken from:

http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2011/12/02/android-ice-cream-sandwich-review-ranks-of-mobile-os/

"Originally unveiled back in May, Google’s new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS is now here".

New operating systems almost always are faster, more robust and more fulfilling. Some features that look interesting are: easier and more functional screen lock (with sliding lock - like on the iPad and iPhone); and better text editing and spell check.

Innovation is generally good, and this looks like a very good innovation for android phone operating systems!!!

Will you invest?

Taken from:

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/facebook-said-to-be-planning-10-billion-ipo-11282011.html

So, Facebook is planning an IPO (initial public offering) of stock? Will you invest?

While users of Facebook get it for free; the data is valuable. Ads are tailored for users. With millions of users and ads customized based on their status, profile and usage, Facebook looks to gain a great deal of revenue from the ads - and here 10 billion in stock.

I think it would be a great investment.

Android phone spies on users

Taken from:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2068225/Secret-app-installed-millions-Android-phones-reads-messages.html

The article notes that there is software on Android phones that keeps track of keystrokes, all Google searches, your browsing and your messages. Supposedly the company uses the data to analyze the effectiveness of the phones and software and does not save the data; but ... what if they do?

Over the years, technology has developed so that we can 'spy' almost anytime / almost anywhere. Our cars have GPS units that keep track of where we are, our speed, and driving habits; video cameras exist in parking lots, stores and more (yes, they do help catch bank robbers and convenience store thefts); and our phones are being tapped. If I tell my wife (or a very close friend) that "person X is a jerk" (or some stronger language), can I eventually be sued for libel? If I express a very personal 'dark secret' (if I had any), will my phone save that - and eventually if I run for president, it will come out?

Is George Orwell from the novel 1984 correct when he stated that "Big Brother is watching you"?