CHAPTER SIX A ROAD MAP TO ENHANCED ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES PROGRESSING THROUGH THE FIVE STAGES OF ANALYTICAL MATURITY Flashcards
What is the primary focus of organizations like Google, Amazon, and Netflix?
Using analytics as the basis of competition
What is a key challenge for organizations wanting to develop analytical capabilities?
Managing the complexity of software applications, technology, data, processes, metrics, incentives, skills, culture, and sponsorship
How long does it typically take to develop a steady stream of rich insights from data?
Eighteen to thirty-six months
True or False: Highly analytical companies have no further work to do to improve their analytical capabilities.
False
What is the first stage in the road map to analytical competition?
Prerequisites to Analytical Competition
What must organizations improve first to prepare for analytics?
Their transaction data environment for consistent, quality data
What type of management team is unlikely to support analytical initiatives?
A ‘data-allergic’ management team
What should organizations assess to gauge their analytical capabilities?
Strategic insight, sponsorship, culture, skills, data, and IT
What is a common misconception about analytics and technology?
That analytics are synonymous with technology
What are the three main areas organizations need to assess for analytical capability?
- Organization
- Human
- Technology
What is the significance of having a clear strategy in analytics?
To know which data to focus on and how to allocate analytical resources
Fill in the blank: Organizations initially focus on one or two areas for _______.
analytical competition
What is a critical factor for organizations to improve their performance drivers?
To quantify and improve insights into costs, profitability, growth, and shareholder value
What should managers consider to maximize strategic impact in analytics?
- Distinguishing themselves in the marketplace
- Identifying their distinctive capability
- Key decisions needing analytical support
- What information matters to the business
What is the path organizations can take if they have strong management commitment to analytics?
Full steam ahead
What is the main challenge for startups on the full steam ahead path?
Acquiring and deploying human and financial resources
What is the risk of organizations choosing the prove-it detour?
Remaining stalled indefinitely
How long may the prove-it detour add to the time needed to become an analytical competitor?
One to three years
What is an effective approach for organizations taking the prove-it detour?
A test-and-learn approach with small, tactical projects
What does a committed CEO need to articulate to drive analytical competition?
A clear and urgent need for change
What should organizations monitor to ensure strategic objectives are met?
Metrics tied to strategic enterprise objectives
What common trait do organizations that follow the full steam ahead path share?
They prioritize integrating analytics into their distinctive capability
What is the advantage of starting small in analytics implementation?
Allows for tactical applications, lower investment, and builds evidence of value
Smaller projects can lead to incremental insights that support larger initiatives.
What are the key steps in stage 2 of analytics implementation?
- Finding a sponsor and a business problem
- Implementing a small, localized project
- Documenting benefits and sharing with stakeholders
- Building localized successes
These steps help in gaining experience and support for broader applications.