Blog about Intelligent, data-driven organizations

The 32 most important products of a BI team

The 32 most important products of a BI teamMarch 2024Weekly reports are no longer enoughAn intelligent, data-driven organization does not allow itself to be surprised. It is sensitive, smart, fast and agile. It makes decisions based on reliable data. And that data is available to everyone at all times. Because in a world where new competitors appear daily, markets become saturated, and digitization offers new opportunities but also poses new challenges, weekly reports are no longer enough. The BI team can deliver many more products than you think. We’ve inventoried them for you. There are as many as 32 of them. In this blog, you’ll find them all.

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The 15 biggest hurdles in Business Intelligence

The 15 biggest hurdles in Business IntelligenceFebruary 2024BI success hinges on the answers you formulateImplementing Business Intelligence in an organization involves several major hurdles. The size of the hurdle depends on the size, BI maturity, resources, culture in the organization and the organization’s business environment, among other things. Large organizations often have a lot of data and so, for example, you are much more likely to have performance problems. In old-fashioned organizations that are still far from the mindset of data-driven work, you will more often encounter resistance from employees. Thus, every organization has its own obstacles and challenges. Below are some of the most common obstacles you will encounter during the implementation of BI. Its success hinges on the answers you manage to formulate to these challenges. Don’t choke on BI, avoid a false start and delve deeper into the list.

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The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2024

The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2024December 2023The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2024Welcome to the age of algorithm omnipotence. On the cusp of 2024, we see Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data applications reaching new heights. AI is integrating deeper into various industries, changing work. Databases are a thing of the past within the field of Business Intelligence, and the metaverse will change the way we socialize, work and experience the digital world. Developments in the field of AI are extra exciting at a time when there are quite a lot of geopolitical changes (on the way). The lines between fake and real will become increasingly blurred. This as we intentionally or unintentionally move toward an era of algorithm omnipotence. In addition, how to actually be human in this age where AI seems to be calling the shots is becoming an increasingly important issue. In line with this, the call for ethics is becoming louder. The black box of AI must be opened further.

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Rabobank Real Estate Finance switches to data-driven PDCA

Rabobank Real Estate Finance switches to data-driven PDCAOctober 2023From actionable insights to data-driven workingWithin Rabobank, Rabo Real Estate Finance finances large and small real estate entrepreneurs and projects throughout the Netherlands. In 2022, the size of this commercial real estate portfolio was approximately EUR 21 billion. In doing so, it provides suitable financing solutions for development, construction, transformation, renovation and investment properties. And it facilitates entrepreneurs in doing business in future-proof real estate and achieving healthy returns. The collection, disclosure, analysis and combination of various datasets are central to this. In this case you can read how Rabo Real Estate Finance successfully applies data-driven working and how they continuously monitor the figures in 6 steps using the PDCA cycle.

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Harness the power of Generative AI, but remain critical and vigilant

Harness the power of Generative AI, but remain critical and vigilantSeptember 2023ChatGPT: simple instructions for ringing textsSince the overpowering launch of ChatGPT by the company OpenAI in late 2022, the genie is out of the bottle. Everyone in the tech and media sector is overwhelmed by this new, exceptionally powerful technology. ChatGPT’s achievements are therefore very impressive at first glance. The “language virtuoso” needs only a few simple instructions to cough up rambling texts or program code. It can also effortlessly analyze data and create graphs in no time. Theologian, data expert and AI evangelist Jack Esselink follows developments closely. In his lectures, presentations and in this blog, he preaches above all to keep a sober eye on all the arts and crafts. “It’s not all hosanna, of course. ChatGPT sometimes misses the mark completely and sometimes hallucinates adrift. Ethical dilemmas impose themselves.”Generative AI definitionLearn more about Artificial Intelligence10 tips for businessArtificial Intelligence book

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AI is a systems technology with a huge impact

AI is a systems technology with a huge impactJune 2023Never underestimate the power of data-driven innovation’Organizations massively underestimate the power of data-driven innovation.’ This states Prof. Dr. Frans Feldberg, professor of Data-Driven Innovation at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. According to him, there is still a world to be won. The use of data and analytics to improve existing business is commonplace, but too few organizations exploit the opportunities to truly innovate by developing new data-driven products and services. ‘You really don’t have to explain to managers anymore how important data is. For example, most organizations use data to optimize the supply chain to maximize the customer experience. The fact that you can also use data to stay relevant by developing new business models is a real eye-opener for many organizations.’

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Every euro you invest in technology, you also invest in people

Every euro you invest in technology, you also invest in peopleMay 2023Avoid unbridled investment in unproven technology70% of all BI projects fail. There should be a great deal of concern. Organizations keep building data warehouses and data lakes. Despite the huge data mountains, 75% of executives don’t trust their own data (source: HFS Research). They ignore the data and make decisions irrationally. To close the gap between people and technology, the data literacy gap, Thomas Abramse and Caroline Raaijmaakers, data coaches at Passionned Group, are taking to the barricades. Out of every euro you want to invest in a BI project, you should immediately skim half a euro and reserve it for training and education. That’s the only way to develop employee data literacy. Investing in data literacy does require a different mindset. Our data coaches explain how.

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The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2023

The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2023January 2023Welcome to the new realityWe still have to bite through the bitter apple. Turbulent geopolitics with military might, a new cold war, mega-inflation, an (imminent) recession and the accumulation of crises, some of them self-inflicted, threw a lot of spanner in the works last year. With this predominantly negative sentiment, it is surprising that the IT industry still managed to pull promising AI and BI technology out of the hat this year. As always, Passionned Group reviews the latest big data-based trends for you for relevance, feasibility and practical applicability. We hereby give you the most important BI, AI & Big Data trends.

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Data mesh makes the central BI department and data warehouse obsolete

Data mesh makes the central BI department and data warehouse obsoleteNovember 2022And Now for Something Completely Different: Data MeshThe term data mesh is popping up more and more often. Few, however, can explain exactly what it is and what it stands for. If you talk to data engineers and architects about the data mesh, data pipelines, connectors, controllers and processors soon dominate the conversation. That’s nice if you’re a “techie”, but as a business manager, you want to be able to make sense of things and see the complete picture in front of you. And as an architect, you want to understand how a data mesh fits into the enterprise architecture. Multinational companies like Netflix, Zalando, VistaPrint and Intuit are enthusiastic. But what does this philosophy entail, and isn’t data mesh just another hype? We wanted to find out and asked the experts Rick van der Linden and Daan van Beek of Passionned Group.

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7 ways to escape fake news

7 ways to escape fake newsSeptember 2022Sharpen yourself with a data-driven, critical basic attitudeFake it until you make it. Thanks to Photoshop and smart filters, we can create our own, relatively harmless made-up world. Fake news, on the other hand, is different. By combining text, images and sound with artificial intelligence, you can do fun things, but you can also mix a poisonous cocktail. A cocktail that affects our cherished Western democracy and breaks down the social cohesion in our society. Everyone should therefore be super alert to all kinds of fake news and deepfakes. But how do you avoid getting caught up in a web of stories? Resilience to an unhealthy narrative starts with developing a critical mind. Passionned Group’s always positive-critical thinking tank sat down and came up with 7 thoughtful considerations with which you can become media wise and data literate.

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The 20 best tips for pure decision making

The 20 best tips for pure decision makingAugust 2022Fight the top 20 biases and make better decisionsWe are poor decision makers and our brains function only moderately, according to numerous studies. The process of decision making has long been a black box, but step by step we are gaining more insights. Now that data-driven work is becoming the norm, improving decision making is a must. That’s why we crawl into the brains of decision makers to see what decision making is, how the brain works and what you can do to combat biases. Why do educated and generally wise managers and dedicated, motivated employees make bad decisions? How do you prevent biases and noise during the crucial process of decision making in organizations? This blog is about decision making and the tough fight against biases. Consult our 20 tips and immediately take your first step towards better decisions.

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Without data analysis, BI is pointless

Without data analysis, BI is pointlessJune 2022Never underestimate the importance of data analysis”Does BI still cover the bill?” is what you regularly hear in the corridors. Especially when the promised return on investment in data warehouses, data lakes and KPI dashboards is disappointing and nobody understands why. Almost always this uncertainty stems from poor or forgotten data analysis. “Without data analysis, BI is an empty shell. A pointless and soulless initiative without substance.” This is what the CEO Daan van Beek and associate partner Thomas Abramse of Passionned Group state in a duo interview based on research and years of experience with clients.

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Data analytics in sports: a practical example

Data analytics in sports: a practical exampleJune 2022Data is revolutionizing sportsThe world of professional sports is starting to take advantage of working with large volumes of (big) data. Let’s take soccer as an example. More and more soccer stadiums have been equipped with advanced, GPS-based systems, like TRACAB, for example. This AI-supported system has been used in over 125 stadiums, including many stadiums in the Premier League and the Bundesliga. Together with devices like accelerometers and heartbeat sensors, they provide the data that monitor the performance and effectiveness of players (Rejec, 2016). What is Data Analysis?The 5-biggest pitfalls in predictive-analyticsThe BI & Analytics Guide 2024Passionned AcademyData Science Book

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The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2022

The top 7 BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2022January 2022Working remotely is here to stayAfter another challenging year of faltering supply chains and skyrocketing commodity prices, material shortages and exploding energy prices, the specter of inflation “suddenly” haunts us. But for those who look on the bright side, like the techno-optimists, this artificially perpetuated crisis offers plenty of opportunity. If wages get too high, algorithms and robots will gradually be able to take over our jobs. But that will rapidly accelerate the process of dehumanization and desocialization. And then a picture of a dystopia looms: a nasty society in which technocrats are in charge and pessimists rule the roost. Passionned Group remains positive as always and identifies the most important BI trends, big data trends & AI trends of 2022. IT trends that should make life more enjoyable and work better.

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The mobilizing power of the data revolution

The mobilizing power of the data revolutionNovember 2021Datacratic working stimulates a democratic organizationData helps chart the real-world impact of existing measures and adjustments, and to democratically determine next steps and actions to be taken. Making data more accessible to more employees, creates a democratic foundation for everyone to draw their own conclusions from. The effectiveness of measures can be monitored real-time and with an eye on the whole. People can look with you, help decide, enabling collaboration and co-operation. All with an eye on radically or incrementally implementing improvements. Datacratic organizing isn’t just IT’s new plaything. Datacratic working matches what people in the workplace have long felt and known.How to tame the data bull?Big Data and the 5 VsHow can Big Data add value?The ethics of Big DataBig Data Masterclass

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Improve your agility with AI: learn from the McDonald’s case

Improve your agility with AI: learn from the McDonald's caseNovember 2021PDCA is never an end in itselfAccelerating and putting your irons in the fire when it’s hot is a hallmark of data-driven working. The cycle doesn’t determine the speed of action, but the urgency to make new plans (Plan), new actions (Do), a new Check, or new adjustments do. It’s not solely about completing the cycle, because that would make PDCA an end unto itself.7 lessons learned from the McDonald’s caseSix advantages of data-driven workingLearn more about PDCAArtificial Intelligence book

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The datacratic PDCA

The datacratic PDCAOctober 2021Link your data to improvement cyclesConnect data with continuous improvement and PDCA and your organization blossoms all over again. People will enjoy their work more because they will regain control. Datacracy is a promising and already proven way of working that every organization should embrace immediately. However, many companies still have a long way to go before they have a datacratic culture. Structure, processes and people’s behavior will all have to change. A datacratic PDCA also start with the people. Datacratic working signals a movement and the thinking can be mastered by anyone. Be aware of the 5 main pitfalls Plan Do Check Act model reinvented Learn how KPIs fit into the PDCA improvement cycle Data Science Book

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The top 7 BI trends, big data trends and AI trends 2021

The top 7 BI trends, big data trends and AI trends 2021January 2021The latest business trends and technology trends: a fresh perspectiveAfter a challenging year for many businesses (not to mention governments and individuals) and an economy straining to preserve itself, many organizations are now surveying the landscape. What new investment opportunities have presented themselves, and which business trends or technology trends should they definitely take advantage of? Employees and governments are also refocusing: they might choose an entirely new career and/or invest in (re)training. Think in opportunities and new perspectives will present themselves. Passionned Group has, as usual, charted the most important business trends and technology trends while offering all the support an organization needs to be able to face the future. While this list is not exhaustive, we’ve identified the following seven business and technology trends for 2021 that organizations and individuals will definitely have to consider.AI is commonplaceNeed for real-time data growsEverything as a Service5G rollout continuesOur training courses

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5 reasons controllers should delve into AI

5 reasons controllers should delve into AISeptember 2020AI is here to stayArtificial Intelligence is a hot topic. Applications based on machine learning make the news on a near-daily basis. Smart police cameras steered by algorithms can register drivers holding cell phones with great precision. Algorithms can dynamically determine the real-time prices for taxi rides, hotel rooms, airplane seats, and so on. High-frequency traders are getting rich as they sleep by letting their secret algorithms do the work. Meanwhile, the Dutch Bank, IRS, and other services are experimenting with big data and algorithms. But why should controllers delve into artificial intelligence (definition)? Five reasons why a smart controller should become the data analyst of the future.AI enables new possibilitiesAlgorithms predict the futureAI makes processes efficientData literacy becoming essentialMan & machine becoming colleaguesPassionned Academy

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5 tips for data-driven working

5 tips for data-driven workingMay 2020How do you prevent the silo effect within organizations?All those different phases of the PDCA cycle and data-driven working may sound nice, but what about the implementation? How do you keep the continuous improvement cycle going? Here are five tips for successfully implementing data-driven improvement cycles.Organize feedbackAccept responsibilityEmbrace transparencyHow to institutionalize new behaviorRead our BI handbook

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8 effective ways to make data science work for you

8 effective ways to make data science work for youFebruary 2020Avoid the biggest data science pitfallsOver the past two years, the teachers of the Master of Data Science masterclass have taught dozens of learners the essential principles of data science. The experiences, feedback, and personal ambitions of our students have painted a fairly consistent picture of the data science issues plaguing the workplace. Collating all of their feedback, we’ve distilled eight data science success factors that we’d love to share with you. The key take-away: let the data work for you instead of vice versa.Learn more about Data ScienceImprove your data qualityInterim data scientistsMake the data science business caseCompare the top 24 BI vendors

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Data ethics: 5 golden principles for responsible AI

Data ethics: 5 golden principles for responsible AIJanuary 2020The dark side of algorithmsSelf-learning algorithms are making more and more business decisions independently while also becoming an ever-growing part of our private lives. Decisions made by governments, credit card companies, and banks are can now be solely based on algorithms. “Computer says no” usually means end of discussion, because the algorithm doesn’t explain itself. The public debates about the use of algorithms and AI trends occur along the intersection of IT, legislation, and ethics. Ethical data dilemmas mainly concern principles such as fairness, transparency, justification, and biases. How do we approach the ethical and moral use of algorithms in the AI-age? Although there are currently dozens of codes of conduct for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and algorithms, many people have an uneasy feeling about this new technology.

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If the data says go left, you go left

If the data says go left, you go leftDecember 2019It’s a matter of thinking aroundFrom a top-down view, data-driven management enables the (necessary) transition from the management-driven style of improvement (“papering over the cracks”) to actual data-driven improvement. Autonomous, entrepreneurial employees; short-lived, modern customer-focused strategies; and flexible structures are the contours of the intelligent, data-driven organization. They’re the same ingredients you need to be agile and adaptable. In short: how do you get from management-driven to data-driven continuous improvement?What is data-driven working? Management-driven versus data-drivenThe datacratic PDCADiscover surprising correlations with data mining Data Science Book

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When every second counts

When every second countsOctober 2019Saving lives with BI & Analytics”Life-saving BI”, some Dutch magazines called it. “A smart logistical solution, made insightful with a dashboard”, Martin Smeekes (director of ambulance care) and Anouk Schoemaker (business and BI manager) humbly describe it. However you call it, the “Call to Balloon” project earned the Safety Region North-Holland North the predicate of Smartest Organization in the Netherlands (2015). And, more importantly, 20 minutes of crucial time for patients with immediate cardiac issues that need angioplasty. Those precious minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

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The 7 biggest blunders in Business Analytics

The 7 biggest blunders in Business AnalyticsSeptember 2019Discover the success factors of Analytics & BIPassionned Group recently researched the success factors driving Business Analytics. The research also revealed a list of the biggest blunders in Business Analytics & BI projects, which hadn’t been published until now. Here are the biggest blunders to avoid. Take advantage of these experiences that come directly from our consulting practice.BI and Continuous ImprovementDon’t rely solely on the BSC Data Science BookBI training Compare the BI & Analytics tools

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Six advantages of data-driven working

Six advantages of data-driven workingAugust 2019Take back control of your workData-driven improvement cycles help you to keep making the right moves quickly and reliably. But why should people want to do this? Where do they get the intrinsic motivation to want to embrace data-driven working? Why should people want to take charge and be in control? The answer is simple: because data-driven working has a huge number of benefits. This blog will cover the six most important benefits of data-driven working.More effective feedbackReturn power to the craftMore democratic organizationsMake work more enjoyableProcess-thinking on center stageHuge performance improvementsour training courses

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Achieve 200% Return on Investments with KPIs

Achieve 200% Return on Investments with KPIsJuly 2019From task to processA large real estate company is known for having strong ambitions and is . It operates in a dynamic market with many new building opportunities and, partly because of this, the transition from a more task-oriented to a fully process-oriented organization was initiated. The corporation set itself the goal of developing a simple system of key performance indicators (KPIs), key result indicators (KRIs) and performance indicators and then implementing this. Over time, they achieved a KPI return of 200%: the number of vacant homes halved.

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Data-driven working: say goodbye to the status quo

Data-driven working: say goodbye to the status quoJuly 2019No more sacred cowsData analysis, and data-driven working in particular, enables organizations to make the most of their improvement potential. But in order to live up to their fullest potential, some proverbial sacred cows will have to be sacrificed on the altar of progress. So says Daan van Beek, founder of Passionned Group and author of management books such as Data Science for Decision-Makers. The idea of BI as a separate department, for example, is a thing of the past. “But that’s okay, because change releases new energy,” according to Van Beek.”The walls of old between BI specialists who make static reports and business managers have to be broken down. One thing is certain: if the passion and the will aren’t there, data-driven working will never really take off”, Van Beek explains. He’s quick to add that you shouldn’t paint every BI manager with the same brush, of course.5 tips for data-driven working Immerse yourself in the field of Big Data Analytics6 advantages of data-driven working Data Science Book

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E = mc2 with real KPIs

E = mc2 with real KPIsJune 2019KPIs affect profits, customer & employee satisfactionThe difference between genuine key performance indicators (KPIs) and no KPIs (or false KPIs) is night and day when you look at Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Genuine KPIs (E) directly impact the three most important result areas of the organization (mc2): profit, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. Normal (performance) indicators like revenue or profit margins don’t directly impact all three of these, or only do so with a greatly delayed effect. Take, for example, the phenomenon of college drop-outs. Students who enroll for higher education, but quit after a year or two, before finishing their studies. How do drop-outs directly impact profitability, customer (student) satisfaction, and employee satisfaction?

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The 5 biggest PDCA pitfalls

The 5 biggest PDCA pitfallsMay 2019The pattern of Plan-Do, Plan-Do keeps repeating itselfMany organizations are paying more and more attention to PDCA and continuous improvement. That’s no surprise, because this powerful improvement method leads to much better results. PDCA is embedded in the heart of every intelligent organization. If you want to successfully apply the PDCA methodology, you have to be cautious. There’s a slim margin for error. Employees have to be inspired and mobilized, feel appreciated, and be able to reflect on their actions. Without taking the right steps, the approach could fail, and your team might sour on the whole approach. Here, we’ve compiled the 5 biggest pitfalls to avoid when implementing PDCA.Plan-Do, Plan-Do ad nauseumPDCA without Try and TestPDCA without a specific improvement goalImplementing a plan with PDCAPDCA without KPIs and data analysisSmart KPI Toolkit

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The 7 principles of genuine KPIs

The 7 principles of genuine KPIsMay 2019Genuine KPIs are a needle in a haystackNot all indicators are pure KPIs. Finding the right KPIs for your business is sometimes like searching for a needle in a haystack. To make this search easier, we have described the 7 characteristics of truly unadulterated KPIs. So that you know faster where and how to find them and can then build on them. Who doesn’t want to steer based on a reliable dashboard and KPIs that you can trust blindly, have predictive value and don’t cause side effects like perverse incentives?

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Has your organization tamed the Data Bull?

Has your organization tamed the Data Bull?February 2019Holistic data management and taming bullsNot everyone gets excited about the prospect of discussing information entropy, shadow IT, and technical debt. But for Martijn Evers, it’s all in a day’s work. We had an animated discussion about holistic data management and the art of taming bulls. Together with Ronald Damhof, Martijn Evers, co-founder of i-Refact, started an online movement dedicated to perhaps the ultimate job of the future: full-scale data architect. It’s a job that has to suit you. “Usually, you’re born a data architect”, the self-appointed data missionary says. In other words: abstract thinking has to be in your genes. That’s why organizations usually call on people with real passion to fill this key role.Principles of a Business Intelligence architecture What does a data architect do?Passionned Group’s training courses Business Intelligence & Analytics Guide™ 2024Hire a Data Architect

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Wanted: Data Architects with a holistic perspective

Wanted: Data Architects with a holistic perspectiveFebruary 2019Holistic perspective on dataIn practice, Martijn Evers, co-founder of i-Refact, believes there’s a desire for data architects with a holistic vision (read part 1 of our interview here). Architects that can effortlessly switch between various modes. He jokingly refers to the contrast between a gorilla architect, who is assertive and supported by the direction, and a guerrilla architect, who doesn’t have a wide base of support in the organization due to all kinds of politically sensitive matters, and thus is forced to operate under the radar. Professional data architects should always ask themselves “are we doing the right things”, while others are still busy trying to answer the question of whether they’re doing things right. A full-scale data architect is critical and cynical, but can also be nice, without necessarily being friendly. A good data architect confronts people with the choices they make (or don’t make) and points out the possible consequences.Principles of a Business Intelligence architecture What does a data architect do? Passionned Group’s training courses Business Intelligence & Analytics Guide™ 2024Hire a Data Architect

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Data Literacy: core competency number 1 for 2024

Data Literacy: core competency number 1 for 2024January 2019Data literacy becoming crucialAs we recently pointed out, data literacy is a hot-button issue. Only 24% of the decision-makers in international business spheres indicate that they have complete confidence in their own ability to read data, work with it, analyze it, and discuss it. This alarming conclusion was drawn by the worldwide Data Literacy Project. Spoiler alert: 2019 and beyond could be the year of data literacy. The concept of literacy is a lot broader than most people think, according to Wikipedia. It’s the ability to work with information, understand it, and use it with purpose. In the Netherlands, Princess Laurentien has been working tirelessly to promote literacy since 2001. At her behest, the Foundation for Reading & Writing was founded in 2004. Although the foundation achieved successes in its fight against illiteracy, the war is far from won.

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5 essential steps for data-driven organizations

5 essential steps for data-driven organizationsNovember 2018Act based on facts and dataDo you want to stay ahead of the competition and give your customers the best possible experience? Become a data-driven organization. Instead of making decisions based on opinions, gut feeling, who yells the loudest, or because “that’s just the way we’ve always done it,” your organization will take action based on data and facts.What is data-driven working?Say goodbye to the status quoSix advantages of data-driven workingIf the data says go left, you go left Data Science Book

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