Practical guidance for managers for getting projects started and
presenting the results when the project's done
This book provides an integrated framework for communicating the value of
business analytics, focusing on a four-stage methodology to help with:
(1) communicating the value proposition,
(2) building the business case,
(3) creating the execution plan, and
(4) measuring the value.
- Provides a plan for the execution of a successful business analytics program
- Reveals how to communicate the value of a project once it's done
- Presents an integrated framework for communicating the value of business
analytics
Targeted toward the senior management team, this book explains what business analytics
is and the value it can bring to your organization.
EVAN STUBBS is the Regional Product Manager for Analytics at SAS Australia/New
Zealand. A key champion for innovation and improvement, he advises organizations across
multiple industry sectors and assists companies in achieving best practice in analytics.
He has successfully applied analytics in a highly varied range of situations, from
implementing an analytics-based policy planning toolkit within a large government
department to creating the vision, market specifications, and demand forecasts for a
concept car.
Table of Contents
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
Chapter 1 Introduction and Background 1
The Power of Information 1
Modern-Day Magicians 3
The Secret of Success 5
Notes 7
Chapter 2 The Importance of Business Analytics 9
Introduction 9
Business Analytics: A Definition 10
Role of the Organization 13
Reasons behind Strategic Planning 17
Business Analytics and the Traditional View 25
Business Analytics and the External View 28
Business Analytics and the Internal View 35
Business Analytics and the Customer View 39
Fostering Innovation and Invention 44
Delivering Value through Renewable Return 46
Summary 51
Note 51
Chapter 3 The Challenges of Tactical Delivery 53
Introduction 53
Core Vocabulary 54
Common Team Structures 66
Roles and Responsibilities 68
Challenges of Applying Business Analytics 83
Finding the Path to Profitability 85
Selling the Value of Analytics 86
Meeting and Overcoming These Challenges 90
The Four-Step Framework 97
Note 97
Chapter 4 Defining the Value of Business Analytics 99
Introduction 99
Why You Need to Define the Value 100
Different Types of Value 103
Role of the Business Case 108
Identifying Tangible Value 115
Identifying Intangible Value 131
Simulating Business Cases 134
Practical Example: Reducing Churn in Telecommunications 140
Summary 143
Chapter 5 Communicating the Value Proposition 147
Introduction 147
Why You Need to Plan Your Communication Strategy 148
Need for a Communication Strategy 154
Awareness and Information Relevancy 158
Organizational and Societal Cultural Considerations 163
Conceptual Relevancy 172
The Path to Persuasion 178
Practical Example: A Forecasting Model for Planning 182
Summary 185
Note 187
Chapter 6 Creating the Execution Plan and Delivering Value 189
Introduction 189
Why You Need an Execution Plan 190
Role of the Execution Plan 194
Establishing Direction 195
Delivering to the Plan 215
Dealing with Resource Constraints 216
Planning for Success 220
Practical Example: Social Network Analysis 229
Summary 231
Chapter 7 Delivering the Measurement Framework 235
Introduction 235
Why a Measurement Framework Is Essential 236
Role of the Measurement Framework 241
Measuring What Is Important 247
Establishing a Measurement Framework 260
Delivering the Measurement Framework 263
Advanced Measurement Concepts 268
Practical Example: The Ongoing Growth of an Analytics Team 278
Summary 281
Chapter 8 Bringing It All Together 285
Introduction 285
Sarah’s Challenges 286
The Light-Bulb Moment 288
Transforming the Organization 292
Summary 296
Glossary 299
About the Author 317
Index 319
322 pages, Hardcover