Written by renowned data science experts Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett, Data Science for Business introduces the fundamental principles of data science, and walks you through the "data-analytic thinking" necessary for extracting useful knowledge and business value from the data you collect. This guide also helps you understand the many data-mining techniques in use today. Based on an MBA course Provost has taught at New York University over the past ten years, Data Science for Business provides examples of real-world business problems to illustrate these principles. You'll not only learn how to improve communication between business stakeholders and data scientists, but also how participate intelligently in your company's data science projects. You'll also discover how to think data-analytically, and fully appreciate how data science methods can support business decision-making. Understand how data science fits in your organization–and how you can use it for competitive advantage Treat data as a business asset that requires careful investment if you're to gain real value Approach business problems data-analytically, using the data-mining process to gather good data in the most appropriate way Learn general concepts for actually extracting knowledge from data Apply data science principles when interviewing data science job candidates

Designing and Conducting Business Surveys provides a coherent overview of the business survey process, from start to finish. It uniquely integrates an understanding of how businesses operate, a total survey error approach to data quality that focuses specifically on business surveys, and sound project management principles. The book brings together what is currently known about planning, designing, and conducting business surveys, with producing and disseminating statistics or other research results from the collected data. This knowledge draws upon a variety of disciplines such as survey methodology, organizational sciences, sociology, psychology, and statistical methods. The contents of the book formulate a comprehensive guide to scholarly material previously dispersed among books, journal articles, and conference papers. This book provides guidelines that will help the reader make educated trade-off decisions that minimize survey errors, costs, and response burden, while being attentive to survey data quality. Major topics include: Determining the survey content, considering user needs, the business context, and total survey quality Planning the survey as a project Sampling frames, procedures, and methods Questionnaire design and testing for self-administered paper, web, and mixed-mode surveys Survey communication design to obtain responses and facilitate the business response process Conducting and managing the survey using paradata and project management tools Data processing, including capture, editing, and imputation, and dissemination of statistical outputs Designing and Conducting Business Surveys is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in designing and/or conducting business or organizational surveys at statistical institutes, central banks, survey organizations, etc.; producing statistics or other research results from business surveys at universities, research organizations, etc.; or using data produced from business surveys. The book also lays a foundation for new areas of research in business surveys.

Student-Friendly Coverage of Probability, Statistical Methods, Simulation, and Modeling ToolsIncorporating feedback from instructors and researchers who used the previous edition, Probability and Statistics for Computer Scientists, Second Edition helps students understand general methods of stochastic modeling, simulation, and data analysis; make o

Contemporary biomedical and clinical research is undergoing constant development thanks to the rapid advancement of various high throughput technologies at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. These technologies can generate vast amounts of raw data, making bioinformatics methodologies essential in their use for basic biomedical and clinical applications. Bioinformatics for biomedical science and clinical applications demonstrates what these cutting-edge technologies can do and examines how to design an appropriate study, including how to deal with data and address specific clinical questions. The first two chapters consider Bioinformatics and analysis of the human genome. The subsequent three chapters cover the introduction of Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Systems biomedical science. The remaining chapters move on to critical developments, clinical information and conclude with domain knowledge and adaptivity. A coherent presentation of concepts, methodologies and practical tools that systematically lead to significant discoveries in the biomedical and clinical area Real examples of cutting edge discoveries The introduction of study types and technologies for all the DNA, RNA and protein levels

To get ahead in today's hyper-competitive marketplace, your business has to take advantage of the data you already have and mine that data to give you new insight, metrics, and clues to what drives successful customer interactions. In Pro SharePoint 2013 Business Intelligence Solutions, you'll learn exactly how to unlock that magic, build business intelligence facilities on SharePoint, and glean insights from data to propel your business to the next level. To understand the various business intelligence offerings in SharePoint 2013, you need to understand the core SQL Server business intelligence concepts, and the first part of the book presents a comprehensive tutorial on those fundamentals. Pro SharePoint 2013 Business Intelligence Solutions then focuses on specific SharePoint business intelligence investments including: Visio Services Excel Services SQL Server Reporting Services Business Connectivity Services Power View and PerformancePoint Services Authors Manpreet Singh, Sha Anandan, Sahil Malik, and Steve Wright walk you through all of this material comprehensively in practical, hands-on format, with plenty of examples to empower you to use these products in your real-life projects. As compelling as SharePoint and SQL Server business intelligence are together, the challenge always has been finding people who understand both SharePoint and SQL Server well enough to deliver such business intelligence solutions. With this book in hand, you become part of that select group. Get your copy of Pro SharePoint 2013 Business Intelligence Solutions today!

Companies face the challenge of measuring and analyzing the near-overwhelming quantities of data generated from their online businesses and then using that data to gain critical insights into their customersvto drive sales. Adobe Analytics (formerly SiteCatalyst) provides product and content managers, marketers, and analysts with real-time intelligence on customers’online behavior, helps businesses anticipate what their customers will want, personalizes their onlinev experience, and delivers relevant content across web and mobile channels. This quick lookup guide by Adobe Analytics expert Shane Closser uses clear, concise explanations and an easy-to-use format to jump in and start using Adobe’s powerful web analytics tool. You’ll learn the quickest way to: Create metrics Run and set options for reports Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns Engage and retain customers Track customers through the conversion funnel Share reports and set up dashboards

Score your highest in biostatistics Biostatistics is a required course for students of medicine, epidemiology, forestry, agriculture, bioinformatics, and public health. In years past this course has been mainly a graduate-level requirement; however its application is growing and course offerings at the undergraduate level are exploding. Biostatistics For Dummies is an excellent resource for those taking a course, as well as for those in need of a handy reference to this complex material. Biostatisticians—analysts of biological data—are charged with finding answers to some of the world's most pressing health questions: how safe or effective are drugs hitting the market today? What causes autism? What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease? Are those risk factors different for men and women or different ethnic groups? Biostatistics For Dummies examines these and other questions associated with the study of biostatistics. Provides plain-English explanations of techniques and clinical examples to help Serves as an excellent course supplement for those struggling with the complexities of the biostatistics Tracks to a typical, introductory biostatistics course Biostatistics For Dummies is an excellent resource for anyone looking to succeed in this difficult course.

An up-to-date look at point and figure charting from one of the foremost authorities in the field If you're looking for an investment approach that has stood the test of time—during both bull and bear markets—and is easy enough to learn, whether you're an expert or aspiring investor, then Point and Figure Charting, Fourth Edition is the book for you. Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, this practical guide will help you grow your assets in any market. In this reliable resource, the world's top point and figure charting expert, Tom Dorsey returns to explain how traders and investors alike can use this classic technique—borne out of the irrefutable laws of supply and demand—to identify and capitalize on market trends. Describes, step-by-step, how to create, maintain, and interpret your own point and figure charts with regard to markets, sectors, and individual securities Explains how to use other indicators, including moving averages, advance-decline lines, and relative strength to augment point and figure analysis Reveals how to use this approach to track and forecast market prices and develop an overall investment strategy Skillfully explains how to use point and figure analysis to evaluate the strength of international markets and rotate exposure from country to country Today's investment arena is filled with a variety of strategies that never seem to deliver on what they promise. But there is one approach to investment analysis that has proven itself in all types of markets, and it's found right here in Point and Figure Charting, Fourth Edition.

Make the most of Visio 2013– without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to master Visio and use it to build powerful, useful diagrams, org charts, and flowcharts of all kinds! Even if you’ve never used Visio before, you’ll learn how to do what you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Visio has never, ever been this simple! Who knew how simple Visio 2013 could be? This is the easiest, most practical beginner’s guide to using Microsoft Visio 2013...simple, reliable instructions for doing everything you really want to do! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn: Master new tools for creating intuitive, visually appealing diagrams Learn high-efficiency touch features for Windows 8 and tablets Create business and engineering diagrams, flowcharts, maps, floor plans, network diagrams, schedules, and more Instantly set or change diagram designs with enhanced templates and themes Simplify diagramming with built-in shapes and stencils–or create your own Craft more sophisticated diagrams with containers, callouts, screentips, and layers Import external images, from SVG graphics to AutoCAD drawings Visually present Excel spreadsheet data in Visio drawings Dynamically update diagrams with real-time data to support better decision-making Share diagrams to improve team collaboration

Help your organization determine the value of its customer relationships with Segmentation and Lifetime Value Models Using SAS. This book contains a wealth of information that will help you perform analyses to identify your customers and make informed marketing investments. It answers core questions on customer relationship management (CRM), provides an overall framework for thinking about CRM, and offers real-world examples across a variety of industries.

Edward C. Malthouse introduces you to a number of useful models, ranging from simple to more complicated examples, and discusses their applications. You'll learn about segmentation models for identifying groups of customers and about lifetime value models for estimating the future value of the segments. You'll learn how to prepare data and estimate models using Base SAS, SAS/STAT, SAS/IML, and SQL.

Marketing analysts, CRM analysts, database managers, and anyone looking to address the challenges of allocating marketing resources to different customer groups will benefit from the concepts and exercises in this book. Analysts will learn how to approach unique business problems. Managers will gain a sense of what's possible and what to ask of their analytics departments.

This book is part of the SAS Press program.

How to make simple sense of complex statistics--from the author of Numbers Rule Your World We live in a world of Big Data--and it's getting bigger every day. Virtually every choice we make hinges on how someone generates data . . . and how someone else interprets it--whether we realize it or not. Where do you send your child for the best education? Big Data. Which airline should you choose to ensure a timely arrival? Big Data. Who will you vote for in the next election? Big Data. The problem is, the more data we have, the more difficult it is to interpret it. From world leaders to average citizens, everyone is prone to making critical decisions based on poor data interpretations. In Numbersense, expert statistician Kaiser Fung explains when you should accept the conclusions of the Big Data "experts"--and when you should say, "Wait . . . what?" He delves deeply into a wide range of topics, offering the answers to important questions, such as: How does the college ranking system really work? Can an obesity measure solve America's biggest healthcare crisis? Should you trust current unemployment data issued by the government? How do you improve your fantasy sports team? Should you worry about businesses that track your data? Don't take for granted statements made in the media, by our leaders, or even by your best friend. We're on information overload today, and there's a lot of bad information out there. Numbersense gives you the insight into how Big Data interpretation works--and how it too often doesn't work. You won't come away with the skills of a professional statistician. But you will have a keen understanding of the data traps even the best statisticians can fall into, and you'll trust the mental alarm that goes off in your head when something just doesn't seem to add up. Praise for Numbersense " Numbersense correctly puts the emphasis not on the size of big data, but on the analysis of it. Lots of fun stories, plenty of lessons learned—in short, a great way to acquire your own sense of numbers!" Thomas H. Davenport, coauthor of Competing on Analytics and President’s Distinguished Professor of IT and Management, Babson College "Kaiser’s accessible business book will blow your mind like no other. You’ll be smarter, and you won’t even realize it. Buy. It. Now." Avinash Kaushik, Digital Marketing Evangelist, Google, and author, Web Analytics 2.0 "Each story in Numbersense goes deep into what you have to think about before you trust the numbers. Kaiser Fung ably demonstrates that it takes skill and resourcefulness to make the numbers confess their meaning." John Sall, Executive Vice President, SAS Institute "Kaiser Fung breaks the bad news—a ton more data is no panacea—but then has got your back, revealing the pitfalls of analysis with stimulating stories from the front lines of business, politics, health care, government, and education. The remedy isn’t an advanced degree, nor is it common sense. You need Numbersense." Eric Siegel, founder, Predictive Analytics World, and author, Predictive Analytics "I laughed my way through this superb-useful-fun book and learned and relearned a lot. Highly recommended!" Tom Peters, author of In Search of Excellence

This is the digital version of hte printed book (Copyright © 1997). Software testers require technical and political skills to survive what can often be a lose-lose relationship with developers and managers. Whether testing is your specialty or your stepping stone to a career as a developer, there's no better way to survive the pressures put on testers than to meet the ten challenges described in this practical handbook. This book goes beyond the technical skills required for effective testing to address the political realities that can't be solved by technical knowledge alone. Communication and negotiation skills must be in every tester's tool kit. Authors Perry and Rice compile a "top ten" list of the challenges faced by testers and offer tactics for success. They combine their years of experience in developing testing processes, writing books and newsletters on testing, and teaching seminars on how to test. The challenges are addressed in light of the way testing fits into the context of software development and how testers can maximize their relationships with managers, developers, and customers. In fact, anyone who works with software testers should read this book for insight into the unique pressures put on this part of the software development process. "Somewhere between the agony of rushed deadlines and the luxury of all the time in the world has got to be a reasonable approach to testing."—from Chapter 8 The Top Ten People Challenges Facing Testers Challenge #10: Getting Trained in Testing Challenge #9: Building Relationships with Developers Challenge #8: Testing Without Tools Challenge #7: Explaining Testing to Managers Challenge #6: Communicating with Customers—And Users Challenge #5: Making Time for Testing Challenge #4: Testing What's Thrown Over the Wall Challenge #3: Hitting a Moving Target Challenge #2: Fighting a Lose-Lose Situation Challenge #1: Having to Say No

Decision Trees for Analytics Using SAS Enterprise Miner is the most comprehensive treatment of decision tree theory, use, and applications available in one easy-to-access place. This book illustrates the application and operation of decision trees in business intelligence, data mining, business analytics, prediction, and knowledge discovery. It explains in detail the use of decision trees as a data mining technique and how this technique complements and supplements data mining approaches such as regression, as well as other business intelligence applications that incorporate tabular reports, OLAP, or multidimensional cubes.

An expanded and enhanced release of Decision Trees for Business Intelligence and Data Mining Using SAS Enterprise Miner, this book adds up-to-date treatments of boosting and high-performance forest approaches and rule induction. There is a dedicated section on the most recent findings related to bias reduction in variable selection. It provides an exhaustive treatment of the end-to-end process of decision tree construction and the respective considerations and algorithms, and it includes discussions of key issues in decision tree practice.

Analysts who have an introductory understanding of data mining and who are looking for a more advanced, in-depth look at the theory and methods of a decision tree approach to business intelligence and data mining will benefit from this book.

This book is part of the SAS Press program.

Provides conceptual information about the SAS programming language, as well as step-by-step examples that illustrate the concepts.

Create dynamic business intelligence (BI) solutions for SharePoint faster and with more capabilities than previously possible. With this book, you’ll learn the entire process—from high-level concepts to development and deployment—for building data-rich BI applications with Visual Studio LightSwitch, SQL Server 2012, and a host of related Microsoft technologies. You’ll learn practical techniques and patterns necessary to use all of these technologies together as you build an example application through the course of the book, step by step. Discover how to solve real problems, using BI solutions that will evolve to meet future needs. Learn the fundamentals of SharePoint, LightSwitch, and SQL Server 2012 Get a solid grounding in BI application basics and database design principles Use LightSwitch to build a help desk app, including data model design and SharePoint data integration Build a tabular cube with Microsoft’s Business Intelligence Semantic Model (BISM) Dive into the data visualization stack, including Excel and SQL Server Reporting Services Create reports with Excel Services, Report Builder, and PowerView Use tips and tricks for setting up your BI application development environment

Implement Oracle Business Intelligence Applications Provide actionable business intelligence across the enterprise to enable informed decision-making and streamlined business processes. Oracle Business Intelligence Applications: Deliver Value Through Rapid Implementations shows how to justify, configure, customize, and extend this complete package of BI solutions. You'll get a technical walkthrough of Oracle Business Intelligence Applications architecture--from the dashboard to the data source--followed by best practices for maximizing the powerful features of each application. You will also find out about stakeholders critical to project approval and success. Optimize performance using Oracle Exalytics In-Memory Machine Deliver timely financial information to managers with Oracle Financial Analytics Enable a streamlined, demand-driven supply chain via Oracle Supply Chain and Order Management Analytics Provide end-to-end visibility into manufacturing operations with Oracle Manufacturing Analytics Optimize supply-side performance through Oracle Procurement and Spend Analytics Use Oracle Human Resources Analytics to provide key workforce information to managers and HR professionals Track the costs and labor required to maintain and operate assets with Oracle Enterprise Asset Management Analytics Maintain visibility into project performance via Oracle Project Analytics Provide actionable insight into sales opportunities using Oracle Sales Analytics Enable superior customer service with Oracle Service Analytics

Today, more mediated information is available to more people than at any other time in human history. New and revitalized sense-making strategies multiply in response to the challenges of "cutting through the clutter" of competing narratives and taming the avalanche of information. Data miners, "sentiment analysts," and decision markets offer to help bodies of data "speak for themselves"—making sense of their own patterns so we don’t have to. Neuromarketers and body language experts promise to peer behind people’s words to see what their brains are really thinking and feeling. New forms of information processing promise to displace the need for expertise and even comprehension—at least for those with access to the data. Infoglut explores the connections between these wide-ranging sense-making strategies for an era of information overload and "big data," and the new forms of control they enable. Andrejevic critiques the popular embrace of deconstructive debunkery, calling into question the post-truth, post-narrative, and post-comprehension politics it underwrites, and tracing a way beyond them.

Solar Energy Forecasting and Resource Assessment is a vital text for solar energy professionals, addressing a critical gap in the core literature of the field. As major barriers to solar energy implementation, such as materials cost and low conversion efficiency, continue to fall, issues of intermittency and reliability have come to the fore. Scrutiny from solar project developers and their financiers on the accuracy of long-term resource projections and grid operators’ concerns about variable short-term power generation have made the field of solar forecasting and resource assessment pivotally important. This volume provides an authoritative voice on the topic, incorporating contributions from an internationally recognized group of top authors from both industry and academia, focused on providing information from underlying scientific fundamentals to practical applications and emphasizing the latest technological developments driving this discipline forward. The only reference dedicated to forecasting and assessing solar resources enables a complete understanding of the state of the art from the world’s most renowned experts. Demonstrates how to derive reliable data on solar resource availability and variability at specific locations to support accurate prediction of solar plant performance and attendant financial analysis. Provides cutting-edge information on recent advances in solar forecasting through monitoring, satellite and ground remote sensing, and numerical weather prediction.

This book helps readers obtain an in-depth understanding of statistical theory by working on and reviewing solutions to interesting and challenging exercises of practical importance. Unlike similar books, this one incorporates many exercises that apply to real-world settings and provides much more thorough solutions. The exercises and selected detailed solutions cover from basic probability theory through to the theory of statistical inference. By mastering the theoretical statistical strategies necessary to solve the exercises, readers will be prepared to successfully study even higher-level statistical theory.

"QlikView for Developers Cookbook" empowers you to elevate your QlikView development skills beyond the introductory level. Through practical recipes, this book provides hands-on exercises covering topics like advanced visualizations, data modeling challenges, and script writing. This is an ideal resource for developers looking to master QlikView's functionalities and apply advanced techniques. What this Book will help me do Master techniques for creating advanced visualizations in QlikView. Improve your applications by applying best practices in data modeling. Learn to script and automate tasks effectively within QlikView. Enhance performance optimization to deliver faster QlikView applications. Implement robust security measures for your QlikView solutions. Author(s) Stephen Redmond is a seasoned QlikView developer with over seven years of experience in designing and implementing business intelligence solutions. His expertise encompasses advanced scripting, data modeling, and visualization techniques, making him an authority on QlikView development. Stephen's hands-on approach in teaching helps practitioners achieve excellence in their use of QlikView. Who is it for? This book is tailored for individuals with a foundational knowledge of QlikView who want to advance their skills. Whether you're a developer at a QlikView customer, partner, or QlikView itself, or someone aiming to become an expert in QlikView development, this book is crafted for you. It assumes you have a basic understanding and are eager to solve complex problems and create advanced solutions.