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"?

More Cyber Monday tips

Taken from:

Here are three more tips

"4) Buy gift cards ONLY from sources you know and trust. Don’t buy cards from online auction sites -- the cards could be fakes.

5) Be stingy with your personal information, and use only secure sites. Don't email your credit card number, account number, or other financial information. Email isn't a secure way to transmit numbers

6) Don't give out your credit card or other financial information in exchange for an unsolicited “free” or “sale” offer of the newest tech gadget, a gift card, a seasonal job or a holiday vacation rental."

The internet is full of spams and potholes. Getting a $50 Wal-Mart gift card from an auction site for $20 may seem like a great deal until you find out it is a bogus offer - and somebody took your $20 and you can't use the gift card!!!

Look for the https - or similar indicator that the site is secure!!!

I don't look at the wonderful "offers" that frequently pop-up in the margin of sites. Some (and that is too many) are spam sites.

Cyber Monday hints / suggestions

Taken from:

http://oxford-ct.patch.com/articles/better-business-bureau-offers-cyber-monday-tips-poll

This article has twelve tips for shopping on line - explicitly for Cyber Monday, but also for other online shopping.

Here are the first three tips:

1. "Know who you're dealing with. Deal with well-known online sellers as much as you can. If you’re trying out a retailer you are unfamiliar with, at least confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number before you buy. It comes in handy if you have questions or problems later.
2. Know what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product and (even though it can be painful), the fine print.
3. Check out the terms and conditions. Can you return the item for a refund if you're not satisfied? Who pays the shipping costs? Is there a restocking fee? Print and save records of your online transactions, including all emails to and from the seller."

(From 1 above) There are sites that imitate real sites. There are sites that imitate Amazon.com - and other major etailers. (Note - references exist for the terms "etailer" and "e-tailer" - meaning an electronic retailer company).

(From 2 above) And ... the descriptions online are generally good - but you need to do your homework.

(From 3 above) And ... for the third tip, do get the terms and conditions!!! My wife bought something online - and after it didn't come for a 'long' time, she checked out the conditions and found that they etailer had a note that it could be up to 90 days for delivery!!!

Cyber Monday historical perspective

About 12 years ago, "Cyber Monday" came into being. With the already famous "Black Friday" as the big kickoff to the Christmas / Holiday shopping season on the day after Thanksgiving, it was discovered that many people did a lot of their online shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Historical perspective:

Twelve years ago, many home users were using dial up technology (yes, remember that) like AOL online. While reading email and surfing the net were part of the AOL (and other) experiences, the speed wasn't really there.

So, many people did their shopping analysis - and then at WORK on the Monday after Thanksgiving, using their employers HIGH SPEED INTERNET, they went shopping - so "Cyber Monday" was the idea that when users could get to faster internet connection, they could go shopping on line.

In this day (2011) where most users have fairly high speed connections at home (with cable companies or with high speed DSL connections), dial up connectivity is pretty much dead. So, in reality, we can (and do) go shopping on line almost anytime. (My wife did a major shopping purchase online on "Black Friday" instead of going into the busy, crowded stores.)

So, the name "Cyber Monday" still exists - and many people will use their employers high speed internet today to go shopping; but it is not the same as the fight against dial up connections!!!

Gifts for the tech folks!!

Taken from:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45344179/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

While this article has ten interesting articles, I think the "Office Chair Bed" might be on my list!!! There are times when a quick ten minute nap might just keep me going for hours!!!

Google's Top Secret Lab

Taken from:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221796/Top_secret_Google_X_lab_rethinks_the_future?source=CTWNLE_nlt_pm_2011-11-14

Seemingly Google is at work on many ideas - From: "The lab, dubbed Google X, gives researchers an opportunity to work on developing technologies that might lead to people riding elevators into space some day or have a dinner plate report one's dinner menu to Google+."

There are a lot of robotic research projects - including the robotic, unmanned car!!! (Imagine looking at the car coming towards you with no driver!!!).

I've wanted us to look at future ideas - what is now, will be old soon - technology keeps changing - and we need to anticipate the technology of the future and see how we can incorporate it into business for a competitive advantage.

iPad at work; Kindle at play

Taken from:

http://blogs.cio.com/tablet-pcs/16619/ipad-work-kindle-fire-play?source=CIONLE_nlt_insider_2011-11-14

The article suggests that the two tablets really do not compete all that well with each other. The iPad with the bigger screen (and huge leap in applications) can be more of a business machine. The Kindle Fire with the smaller screen - and with thousands (millions?) or electronic books is more for ebook reading and other activities.

The article notes that a huge number of people are planning on buying a tablet device for Christmas.

The tablet wars can be interesting!!!! Stay tuned!!!

Business Intelligence throws a party

Taken from:

http://www.information-management.com/blogs/business_intelligence_social_media-10021292-1.html

The blogger starts out with this statement:

"As much as we love to ruminate on the frontiers of transformational computing trends like big data or cloud, the field of information management has really become as much about observing the way people work as anything else. That has made it all the more interesting to watch social behavior begin to collide with the business application world."

I think that statement is an eye-opener. IT is really about how people work? Really? In some respects, YES!!! How do people use data, what data is relevant to them, how do they manipulate it, (and ... how does it manipulate them).

Google versus Apple

Taken from:

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/10/8739058-5-reasons-google-is-sweating-apple

In this interesting article - that (1) the Apple Siri search option on the iPhone 4.s will be taking away search revenue ad revenue from Google. (2)Apple is also developing a mapping application that would take away from the Google Maps; (3) Apple Television is coming along; (4) While Google Wallet is here, the new Apple shopping app might be a better and faster was to shop and (5) Apple has 80 billion - which can be used for research and development - while Google has recently laid off some R&D folks.

Taken from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz17lbjOFn8

This video looks at Omni Touch!!! A wear-able - project on to any surface (including your hand). We (compute users) will probably be almost 'hardware' free in the future - any surface (or ... no surface at all with holograms)!!!