Each tiny business action or decision based on analysis is rigorously measured so that we can learn whether the analytical model has the intended consequence. This build-measure-learn cycle is key to ensuring that we are converging on the right outcome even if it diverges from the original goal.

Big Data Agile Analytics is continuously focused on actionable, insightful, and disruptive knowledge discovery. It is very easy to find yourself doing interesting data analysis that is not necessarily impactful analysis. Delivering results every few days enables us to continuously evaluate the usefulness and impactfulness of the results.

The best Big Data Agile Analytics are not simple answers to singular questions. Rather they are the complex heart of powerful solutions to challenging business problems. Examples like using machine learning on traffic flow data in real-time to reduce gridlock and traffic jams or using dynamic, real-time bioinformatics embedded in a sports bra to detect breast cancer in women are at the pinnacle of such solutions thinking.

High ethical standards are needed to endure the inevitable scrutiny that analytics undergo. Standards include ensuring personal privacy and enabling individuals to control their own data. They also include radical transparency by the organization conducting the analysis. Democratic access to available data is key as is the use of open data standards among other considerations.

Consider your analytics programs and processes against these disciplines. How well are you creating frequent and continuous value from the data today? How excited are your business stakeholders about the disruptive things they can do because of analytics? How well are your analytical models and discoveries core to innovative solutions to complex business problems?

How to start or what can you do to get better?