Operationalizing Big Data Insights

This capstone unit focuses on integrating diverse small‑business data sources, building and testing the supporting infrastructure, and converting analytic results into operational change. Students will learn to pilot workflows, create user-focused presentations and dashboards, and plan organizational implementation while avoiding common strategic and technical pitfalls.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and synthesize data from multiple small‑business sources (e.g., Google Trends/Maps, Facebook, Twitter, weather feeds, machine sensors, transaction and finance datasets) to produce actionable insights aligned to strategic questions
• Apply data engineering and analytics techniques to collect, clean, transform, and model datasets, and execute pilots or tests to validate analytic approaches and operational workflows
• Demonstrate the ability to design and deliver clear, user‑centered reports and dashboards that communicate analytical results and distribute insights to appropriate stakeholders
• Evaluate organizational readiness and develop a practical implementation plan that addresses infrastructure, stakeholder involvement, common pitfalls, and steps to incorporate analytic learning into business operations