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Business Intelligence Capstone Mastery Reflection - Business Intelligence Master’s Program

COURSE CONTENT & PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS

     It is the final Mastery Reflection post and I must say that it is bittersweet. So much knowledge has been absorbed, expectations have been exceeded, and yet so much is yet to be explored. The Business Intelligence Master of Science program has granted me the opportunity to build upon my experiential Business Intelligence (BI) knowledge, while introducing me to new concepts, methodologies, models and plans. 

     Specifically, here was my original outlook on what I expected to learn from the program:

• Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership will reiterate the integral roles that professional development, personal branding, social intelligence, and sound writing skills play in mastering one’s field. o Improve APA research skills and communication styles for academic success o Enhance problem-solving skills using a more strategic, non-emotional perspective

• Foundations of Business Intelligence (BI) will enhance experiential knowledge of business intelligence using a more academic and technical approach. o Improve technical conversations with other analysts and with BI systems vendors o Gain insights on BI project management 

• Enterprise Data Management will teach database design and data models, how to effectively communicate “complex technical information to a range of non-technical audiences” (Full Sail University, 2017). o Gain more insight on Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) o Gain knowledge on Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) o Gain training on Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and Supply Chain Management (SCM)

• Business Intelligence Technologies will improve comprehension of business intelligence systems design and data warehouse creation, as well as data warehouse management. o Gain insights on data cubes and data marts o Learn about statistical tools necessary to effectively analyze enterprise data o This will enhance my experiential learning in my current BI position

• Business Intelligence Analytics will increase knowledge of analytics and strengthens knowledge of statistical techniques. o Learn about predictive analytics o Apply predictive analytics to solve some data issues at work and improve on-demand reporting for customers o Explore whether Bayesian paradigm and Bayesian statistical methods can improve my current analyses for reporting purposes 

• Data Mining will teach effective ways to extract data and identify patterns. o Provide insightful summaries which influence strategic decision-making o Gain a broader perspective on reporting and project management issues associated with data extraction o Apply appropriate data mining concepts to daily tasks and measure effectiveness

• Patterns and Recognition will provide advanced knowledge of identifying patterns using statistics and an understanding of data structure. o Use data structure knowledge to identify limitations with using Oracle Business Intelligence, Business Intelligence and Microsoft SQL Management Studio o Use knowledge as a foundation to manipulate data for workarounds. o Use course to further capstone project preparation.

• Process Modeling and Analysis will reiterate the importance of sound business analysis and process improvement. o Apply proper use of business intelligence systems appropriate for respective companies or industries. o Explore DSS and key performance indicators (KPIs) further. o Improve current reporting and KPIs for recruiting and employee metrics through appropriate process modeling

• Data Visualization and Creative Reporting will sharpen presentation of complex analyses and reports to diverse audiences. o Learn more about dashboards and web-based reports o Use dashboards for on-demand reporting o Automate web-based report for frequently requested reports

• Business Intelligence Leadership and Communication Skills will refine investigative abilities which allows opportunities to create effective data analysis plans. o Apply “skills necessary for successful BI Professionals including listening, negotiation and meeting management” (Full Sail, 2017). o Finalize program capstone o Practice technical communication with BI associates 

• Business Intelligence Case Studies will allow opportunities to apply the BI skills and processes that I have acquired throughout my coursework to diverse array of business issues. o Explore appropriate use-cases for reporting, analyses and testing theories o Select and evaluate cases in detail based on issue at hand and proposed solution o Concisely summarize case results

• Business Intelligence Capstone will grant the opportunity to showcase lessons learned throughout the BI Master’s program. o Present data warehouse, key findings, thesis, recommendations and executive dashboard using sound data visualization skills o Exemplify “technical competence” (Full Sail, 2017) in capstone presentation and at work through technical communication when presenting new ideas o Provide a dashboard at work for on-demand reporting and provide snapshots of valuable data which measure key HR performance.   

     Needless to say, the program met my original expectations, in that, I hoped to apply what I learned in my BI career to improve current processes, enhance my overall position, and to be groomed for roles which required an elevated skillset.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

     Beyond my expectations, I was able to grow my perspective so that it is well-rounded and multifaceted; as it encompassed leadership views, analyst insights, consultant recommendations, identifying challenges and developing models for process improvement. Presentation and visualization skills also matured from strictly professional to professionally engaging. So much so, that I used my improved skills to present current and future states of a reporting process to my client, helping them cut down their client spend research from 40 hours to 5 minutes. 

     My wording was changed from passive to confident; my data maintenance approach was instead used as a foundation for innovation and providing insights. And, lastly, being able to repeatedly rise to occasions under pressure, while working full-time as a consultant, as well as helping to run a business, and ensuring that I am completing assignments and engaging with my classmates—trained me to manage my time in a way that I may not have otherwise explored. 

     The BI Master’s Program has prepped me for the real world by all BI standards. It has encouraged me to continue being a life-long student and bridge any skills gaps standing in between my current professional self and the future elevated leader I aspire to be in the BI industry. Gaining certificates from Lynda.com do not only show that I take professional development seriously, but are credentials that I can list on resumes and applications to validate my background in BI. 

     Personal branding which may have appeared to be unrelated to BI prior to being in the program, is now a must. Actively seeking advice from my personal Board of Directors does not only shape the professional I am but it also helps me to increase my opportunities for showcasing my expertise and using my voice in the industry.

APPPLICATION

     So, how will I apply all that I have learned? I will not. For I have already begun applying everything I learned in 12 courses—from Foundations of Business Intelligence, all the way to my Capstone. And, to me, that is the epitome of a successful academic career. Knowing that I have a high ROI and I had already begun seeing the benefits of such a program, so early on, means that my work, sleepless nights, sacrifices, and resilience have not been in vain.

     One week ago, I secured an Operations Intelligence job where I will use Business Intelligence for operational efficiency, to increase sales, and to provide insights to leadership, including the CEO, for two chains of 3.000 restaurants. Without my newly acquired Master of Science Business Intelligence Degree, I would not have already analyzed 10 top fast food restaurants from the QSR 50 list. In addition, without my constant practice of data analysis, I may not have quickly analyzed sales data for a small business which enabled proper distribution of their products to their clients, while being understaffed.

     So, upon graduation, I will continue to use everything I have learned to diversify my BI knowledge and career pursuits. And in doing so, I will enjoy the many career directions that I can explore while using and applying the concepts of Business Intelligence. I am thankful to have learned from the best in the industry and hope to maintain relationships with all of my professors and as many classmates as possible. Still onward, still upward!

  REFERENCES

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved June 2, 2019, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

Marr, Bernard (2017). Big Data in Practice How 45 Successful Companies Used Big Data Analytics to Deliver Extraordinary Results (pp. 25-30). West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved June 2, 2019.

Richelle Desire LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/richelledesire

©2019 Richelle Desire

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Business Intelligence Case Studies

     This month in Business Intelligence Case Studies (ICS), I had the opportunity to explore case studies which were directly related to compiling my capstone project. In the course, Big Data in Practice by Bernard Marr, 45 companies were assessed to show how effectively they used Big Data Analytics to solve some of their most challenging issues. Challenges the companies faced were not only enormous financial liabilities, but could also cost human lives.      Other areas of exploration which I later was tasked with creating, included Gap Analyses, Cost-Benefit Analyses, PESTEL and SWOT Analyses, along with Business Problem / Opportunity Identification, and outlining an Implementation Process for the company in question, as part of its Data Informed Solution. Respectfully, I must state that I found this course one of the most rewarding courses as. It directly relates to my current Business Intelligence career. I also believe that it prepares students for the Business Intelligence Capstone the most and could be considered its pre-requisite. Of course, placing that course right before the capstone course is strategic.      My expectation was to be able to practice the capstone process as much as possible and gain awareness on requirements to build my solution plan. I am pleased that the ICS course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas: • Analyze large corporations and their application of big data to solve real-world operational issues • Understand how big data is applied based on solution goal and industry • Learn how to outline the true value of a solution plan in a qualitative and quantitative manner • Understand what solutions are worth pursuing for maximum benefit to the organization and what may not be viewed as crucial to the organization’s bottom-line (this is beyond the assignment and was based on a conversation with my professor) • Explore resources for sound research and be aware of the template for the solution plan • Gain knowledge on how the proposal should flow for optimal comprehension on an executive level but also based on industry standards      On a personal note, I wish I had more time to explore this course. As a matter of fact, I wish I had more time to explore all my courses. I was thrilled to know that this degree can be completed at an accelerated rate, as all my previous degrees were accelerated both online and in the classroom. However, now that I have gone through the Business Intelligence program—and can compare it to my previous Master’s Degree program which was also accelerated—I would have preferred a more traditional timeline and format. There is a lot to consume, though I did not find that part the most challenging. Experiencing challenges, working full-time, helping a friend run their business, and being in grad school all while dealing with normal life changes that many grad students face, seemed almost impossible to juggle at times.      But overall, I tried not to complain too much, as I recognize that the opportunity to go to college, and to even get two Masters Degrees, are indeed a privilege and I dare not take it for granted. Furthermore, as a woman who is of Afro-Caribbean decent, who grew up in a small village on an island, and is often times the minority in every room—whether by race, ethnicity or gender—I am grateful that I have helped open a door, or window for someone else who looks like me in the technology industry.      Finally, I am proud that my fellow classmates and I have made it this far and feel honored to have gained the respect of our knowledgeable professors—all of whom are experts in the technology industry and in business overall. I will actually miss the program and its lessons—but that might be because I am a student of life and never pass up an opportunity for edification.      Today, specifically, I can reflect and know that I grew my intelligence in another area of business—in Business Intelligence. Like what I did there?      I look forward to completing my capstone and graduating. Onward and upward!   References Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved May 7, 2019, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

Marr, Bernard (2017). Big Data in Practice How 45 Successful Companies Used Big Data Analytics to Deliver Extraordinary Results (pp. 25-30). West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved May 7, 2019.

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Business Intelligence Leadership & Communication

Course Content & Personal Expectations

This was one of my most difficult months. The course itself was easy, insightful and refreshing. However, I experienced a domino effect of personal challenges that made it seem like success as a working student would be unattainable with such a limited schedule. Still, I persevered. I realized this month, that completing this degree was not just about getting good grades and listing more credentials on my resume, but instead learning how to model a behavior of excellence even when it seems too difficult to do. 

Ironically, one of the leadership practices I learned about this month in my Business Intelligence Leadership & Communication (BIL) class was “Model the Behavior.” This practice was in the book, “The Leadership Challenge,” and lists four other practices to help leaders foster great, influential relationships with their followers. 

My expectation was to gain an advanced knowledge of communicating in a Business Intelligence environment and learning more lessons about leadership. I am pleased that the BIL course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

• Highlighting mutual values and establishing communication channels which enable leaders and followers to work toward shared goals for the good of the organization 

• Five practices such as Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart can be used to engage teams and accomplish extraordinary things at organizations

GRIT & Ambition for Exemplary Leadership

Beyond this, I learned that “GRIT” and ambition are important ingredients to exemplary leadership, as they help leaders to display resilience in the face of adversity.  Life is not perfect so being able to persevere despite challenges at-hand, are crucial to longevity as a leader.

Concept Application to Personal Career

The leadership concepts learned will not only help me cultivate better working relationships which lead to greater accomplishments, mutual respect and a display of excellence; but specifically, it will help me gain a higher adoption rate for a new reporting process that I will be establishing in the next few weeks.  Overall, my expectations were met and, in some ways were exceeded while learning how to excel as a leader.

Lastly, I look forward to not only use my newfound knowledge throughout the Business Intelligence program and in my professional life, but also to open my eyes to other opportunities where I can methodically exemplify the leadership concepts learned. 

I am looking forward to my next course, Business Intelligence Case Studies. Onward and upward!

References

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  March 27, 2019, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

Krouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary 

Things Happen (pp. 46-292). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved March 30, 2019.

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Process Modeling & Analysis Mastery Update

This month in my Process Modeling and Analysis (PMA) class, I gained a more in-depth understanding of sound business analysis and process improvement. 

My expectation was to gain an advanced knowledge of business intelligence systems appropriate for respective companies and industries

I am pleased that the PMA course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

 Apply proper use of business intelligence systems appropriate for respective companies or industries. 

 Explore DSS and key performance indicators (KPIs) further. 

 Improve current reporting and KPIs for recruiting and employee metrics through appropriate process modeling

My expectations were met and, in some ways, were exceeded while learning about different types of process models such as discrete-event simulation flow charts, Pricing Analysis and Decision Analysis. Interestingly I started a new job where I am responsible for establishing a reporting process that would make reporting client costs easier at a large corporation. In the third week, I saw first-hand how a process fails without a good model and how much more time and effort tasks can take as a result. I was also able to add more BI terms to my Mastery Glossary which will serve me long after graduation. 

Lastly, I look forward to not only use my newfound knowledge throughout the Business Intelligence program and in my professional life, but also to open my eyes to other opportunities where I can use process models to not only establish new processes but to also enhance existing models.

Looking forward to my next course, Business Intelligence Leadership and Communication. Onward and upward!

Reference:

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  February 27, 2019, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master 

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Patterns & Recognition Mastery Journal Update

This month in my Patterns and Recognition (PTR) class, I gained a more in-depth understanding of recognizing patterns as they relate to data.

My expectation was to gain an advanced knowledge of identifying patterns using statistics and an understanding of data structure. 

I am pleased that the PTR course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

 Gain knowledge with regards to Initial Condition Uncertainty which is the uncertainty that initial conditions are unknown or masked by too much noise and therefore cannot be used for calculations

 Gain knowledge on Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) in HR to analyze complex org charts and show formal reporting and collaborative relationships to achieve business goals

 Learn more about various analytical tools for analyzing engagement data on social media

 Discuss network maps in technical terms including Minimum Spanning Tree (MST)

 Build upon Bayes’ Theorem for predicting probability of expressions and subsequently, the likelihood of outcomes

My expectations were met and, in some ways, exceeded while learning about their technical network patterns. I was also able to add more BI terms to my Mastery Glossary which will serve me long after graduation. 

Lastly, I look forward to not only use my newfound knowledge throughout the Business Intelligence program and in my professional life, but also to open my eyes to other opportunities with social media management as well as prospective future business ventures.

Looking forward to my next course, Process Modeling and Analysis. Onward and upward!

Reference:

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved February 3, 2019, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master 

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Data Visualizations & Creative Reporting Mastery Journal Reflection

This month in my Data Visualization and Creative Reporting (VCR) class, I gained a more in-depth understanding of visualizations as they relate to data and consumption. 

My expectation was to sharpens my presentation of complex analyses and reports to diverse audiences.

I am pleased that the VCR course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

 Gain knowledge with regards to creating and learning more about dashboards and web-based reports in Tableau and Power BI

 Use dashboards for on demand reporting

 Share my stories and dashboards with colleagues 

 Automate web-based reports and understand which visuals are best for presenting various insights

My expectations were met and, in some ways, were exceeded while learning about dashboards, infographics, industry standards, and assessing visuals.

Lastly, I look forward to not only use my newfound knowledge throughout the Business Intelligence program and in my professional life, but also to open my eyes to other opportunities with designing visuals that are audience, industry, brand and purpose driven while ensuring that data quality is not compromised.

Looking forward to my next course, Patterns & Recognition. Onward and upward!

Reference:

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  October 22, 2018, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

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Data Mining Mastery Journal Update

This month in my Data Mining class, I gained a more in-depth understanding of extracting data, identifying patterns, and discovering ways that data mining can be useful to society. 

My expectation was to learn about data mining and data models, and how to effectively communicate my findings to a diverse audience. I also expected that the course would “examine how data mining tools, techniques, and intelligent processes are used to… yield information, insight, and enterprise intelligence” (Full Sail University, 2018). 

I am pleased that the Data Mining course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

• Provide insightful summaries which influence strategic decision-making 

• Gain a broader perspective on reporting and project management issues associated with data extraction

• Apply appropriate data mining concepts to daily tasks and measure effectiveness

• Discover new ways such as photo mining on social media, which can enhance data models and data analysis in an unconventional way

My expectations were met and, in some ways, were exceeded while learning about mining web images which can then be used for 3D models based on photo orientation and measurements. I thought that was rather interesting and could influence innovation in the architectural, art exhibition and design industries. This may even be useful in event planning. 

As I continue my journey, I will apply all that I have learned in Data Mining to my current and future positions in Business Intelligence. 

Looking forward to my next course, Patterns and Recognition. Onward and upward!

Reference:

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  November 4, 2017, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  August 26, 2018, from https://www.fullsail.edu/courses/bin580-data-mining

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Enterprise Data Management Mastery Glossary Update

Enterprise Data Management: BI Mastery Glossary Terms

image

This month in my Enterprise Data Management class, I came across a few essential terms for my BI Mastery Glossary. Here are the terms below along with their definitions. Please note that the terms have been directly sourced from various sites and the definitions have not been edited. I have created usage / examples using my own words.

Data Warehouse Architecture

Data Warehouse Architecture encapsulates facets of data warehousing for an enterprise or business environment which consists of three tiers: bottom, middle and top.

Source: Chegg.com

Used in a sentence: A poor data warehouse architecture could cause inaccurate analyses and could influence bad decision-making.

Data Governance

Data governance (DG) is the overall management of the availability, usability, integrity and security of data used in an enterprise. A sound data governance program includes a governing body or council, a defined set of procedures and a plan to execute those procedures.

Source: TechTarget.com

Used in a sentence: Every organization who plans on leveraging big data to track KPIs should have a data governance committee to define their metrics.

Data Integrity

Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency (validity) of data over its lifecycle.

Source: DigitalGuardian.com

Used in a sentence: Data integrity is crucial to accurate analyses.

Data Collection

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

Source: ORI.HHS.gov

Used in a sentence: Proper data collection can provide valuable insights.

Data Storage

Data storage is a general term for archiving data in electromagnetic or other forms for use by a computer or device.

Source: Techopedia.com

Used in a sentence: Data storage devices include flash drives, hard drives and compact discs (CDs).

Data Mining

Data Mining is an analytic process designed to explore data (usually large amounts of data - typically business or market related - also known as “big data”) in search of consistent patterns and/or systematic relationships between variables, and then to validate the findings by applying the detected patterns to new subsets of data.

Source: Statsoft.com

Used in a sentence: After data collection, hypotheses can be tested using data mining methods.

Data Management

Administrative process by which the required data is acquired, validated, stored, protected, and processed, and by which its accessibility, reliability, and timeliness is ensured to satisfy the needs of the data users.

Source: BusinessDictionary.com

Used in a sentence: Every database requires proper data management.

Dimensional Modeling

A database model that focuses on decision support outcomes rather than the normal relationships between data sets as in an entity relationship (ER) model.

Source: PCMag.com

Used in a sentence: Dimensional modeling which is used mostly for reporting makes data retrieval from a database easier.

Fact Tables

A fact table is the central table in a star schema or snowflake schema of a data warehouse and stores quantitative information for analysis.

Source: TechTarget.com

Used in a sentence: Both star and snowflakes schemas includes fact tables which point to various dimension tables.

Kimball BI/DW Life Cycle

The Kimball BI/DW Lifecycle methodology also known as the Business Dimensional Lifecycle approach provides an overall roadmap depicting the sequence of high level tasks required for successful DQ/BI projects.

Source: KimballGroup.com

Used in a sentence: The Kimball BI/DW Lifecycle methodology was developed in the 1980s.

ETL (Extraction, Transform, Load)

ETL is short for extract, transform, load, three database functions that are combined into one tool to pull data out of one database and place it into another database.

Source: Webopedia.com

Used in a sentence: ETL is used as a data integration method used to move data from one database to another.

I look forward to growing my BI Master Glossary in the coming months.

©2018 Richelle Desire

References:

Data Warehouse Architecture (2017). In Chegg. Retrieved July 29, 2018, fromhttps://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/data-warehouse-architecture-3

Data governance (n.d.). In TechTarget . Retrieved July 29, 2018, fromhttp://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/data-governance

Data integrity (2018). In Digital Guardian. Retrieved Retrieved July 29, 2018, from https://digitalguardian.com/blog/what-data-integrity-data-protection-101

Data Collection (2018). In Responsible Conduct in Data Management. Retrieved May 27, 2018, fromhttps://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/n_illinois_u/datamanagement/dctopic.html

Data Storage (2018). In Techopedia. Retrieved July 29, 2018, from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23342/data-storage

What is Data Mining (Predictive Analytics, Big Data) (2018). In Statsoft. Retrieved July 29, 2018, from http://www.statsoft.com/Textbook/Data-Mining-Techniques#mining

Data Management (2018). In Business Dictionary. Retrieved July 29, 2018, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/data-management.html

Encyclopedia (2018). In PC Mag. Retrieved July 29, 2018, fromhttps://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/62297/dimensional-modeling

Fact Table (2018). In Tech Target. Retrieved July 29, 2018, from http://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/fact-table

Kimball DW/BI Lifecycle Methodology (2018). In Kimball Group. Retrieved July 29, 2018, from https://www.kimballgroup.com/data-warehouse-business-intelligence-resources/kimball-techniques/dw-bi-lifecycle-method/

ETL - Extract, Transform, Load (2018). In Webopedia. Retrieved July 29, 2018, from https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/ETL.html

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Enterprise Data Management Mastery Journal Update

This course’s Mastery Reflection is listed below and is posted on my Tumblr at: http://richelledesirebusinessintel.tumblr.com

This month in my Enterprise Data Management class, I gained a more in-depth understanding of enterprise data management.

My expectation was to learn about database design and data models, and how to effectively communicate “complex technical information to a range of non-technical audiences” (Full Sail University, 2017).

I am pleased that the Enterprise Data Management course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

 Gain training on Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and Supply Chain Management (SCM)  Gain knowledge on Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)  Gain training on Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and Supply Chain Management (SCM)  Strategies / Resources  Conduct analyses including cost analyses of BI Vendors  Learn more about ETL  Learn more about dimensional modeling and star and snowflake schemas

My expectations were met and, in some ways,, were exceeded while learning about Master Data and Metadata as well as data governance. I was also able to add more BI terms to my Mastery Glossary which will serve me long after graduation.

Lastly, I went ahead and purchased the ebook versions of the course textbooks because I found that they were both directly related to my tasks on the job. Having the electronic version on my phone means that I can access them anywhere, which is very convenient for me.

As I continue my journey, I will apply all that I have learned in Enterprise Data Management to my current and future positions in Business Intelligence.

Looking forward to my next course, Business Intelligence Technologies. Onward and upward!

Reference:

Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  July 29, 2018, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

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Mastery Reflection: Business Intelligence Technologies

This month in my Business Intelligence Technologies course, I gained a more in-depth understanding of various business intelligence (BI) solutions as well as BI case development.

 My expectation was to improves comprehension of business intelligence systems design and data warehouse creation, as well as data warehouse management.

 I am pleased that the Business Intelligence Technologies course has exceeded this goal. More specifically, this course has enhanced my palette in the following areas and will assist in performing various tasks which include:

 Gain insights on Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Extract, transform, load also known as ETL to effectively perform data transformation

Reasons BI projects succeed or fail to ensure that BI projects

How to effectively analyze a BI Suite to improve current BI functions and to confirm that offerings align with the organization’s strategy

Data marts and data warehouses to determine which option is best suited for an organization

Efficiently using strategies and resources such as leveraging Gartner Magic Quadrant to conduct a BI SWOT Analysis prior to selecting a BI solution or BI vendor

Build a BI case to gain executive and organizational support

 Overall, my expectations were met and the positive detailed feedback received from my professor motivated me to perform better in my assignments. The positive experience also encouraged me to improve my time management skills to balance long-distance traveling during weeks 3 and 4 so that assignments were completed. More importantly, I discovered that I am more interested in BI technology management as I seemed to have gravitated more towards this subject than others.

 As I continue my journey, I will apply all that I have learned in Business Intelligence Technologies to my current and future positions in Business Intelligence.

 I look forward to my next course. Onward and upward!

 ©2018 Richelle Desire 

Reference:

 •Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved  February, 25, 2018, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

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Mastery Reflection: Foundations of Business Intelligence

Last month in my Mastery: Leadership & Personal Development class, I predicted that the Foundations of Business Intelligence (BI) course would enhance my experiential knowledge of business intelligence by using a more academic and technical approach.

I am pleased that the Foundations of BI course has met this goal and more specifically enhanced my palette in the following areas:

-Technical conversations with regards to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

-PESTEL Analysis of my industry and learning more about how healthcare is leveraging data for operational process improvements and improving patient care remotely

-RISE Model for peer feedback in the BI Program and potentially at work

-Cumulative Glossary of BI Terms which expands my technical term knowledge periodically throughout my graduate career

-Discovering BI solutions through research for assignments and being able to apply my newfound discoveries in my current position

-Clear and success-proven BI Project Management process

-Earned a Visio 2016 Certificate from Lynda.com which enhanced my skillset, resume, and LinkedIn Profile as well as my overall marketability 

-Prospective Capstone Thesis Topics as I performed extensive research by industry

Needless to say, the Foundations of Business Intelligence course met my Mastery Journal Timeline expectations and goals! My only struggle in this course was that the Windows Partition posed countless technological issues for me personally. As a result, this currently requires more time to allot to fixing those issues than I would like, especially since I am proficient in both Windows and Mac operating systems and use them daily. However, I was able to find workarounds that I might be able to apply in the future and will continue pursuing solutions, should the technological issues continue.

From the course content, I learned how to use IBM Case Studies to help formulate various industries' analyses. Additionally, having a wealth of information from each industry as opposed to being assigned a specific case study helped me to compare and contrast how each industry is using business intelligence for marketing, decision-making, as well as improving goods and services offered. What I found most interesting was that some industries are much more advanced in the use of BI technology than others. I look forward to delving deeper into whether this is due to the nature of the industry and what customers expect or due to certain legal and political factors which may or may not be hindering progress; or whether this is due to the level of risk allowed by industry.

As I continue my journey, I will apply all that I have learned in Foundations of BI, for without that foundational knowledge, it would be more difficult to efficiently grasp more advanced concepts in BI and eventually formulate a solid Capstone. Specifically, I will continue to reference my BI Glossary to continue growing my library of terms, the IBM Case studies for research and inspiration, my new Visio skills for diagramming, and the RISE Model for peer and associate feedback.

Lastly, I look forward to a much-needed Winter Break and then starting my new course, Enterprise data Management. Onward and upward!

©2017 Richelle Desire

Reference:

2016 Visio Essential Training (2017). In Lynda. Retrieved December 17, 2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Visio-tutorials/Visio-2016-Essential-Training/445423-2.html 

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A Brainstorm and Research Framework can be quite insightful. While completing one last week, a SWOT Analysis and extensive research were conducted to create strategies for attaining mastery in Business Intelligence. After much research, numerous resources were identified to help me strategize my Mastery Journey. Using these resources, the following timeline was created.

©2017 Richelle Desire

https://youtu.be/VBHTZwEE32w 

References

·      Events: Strategies for Effective Research (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved

November 18, 2017, from https://orgsync.com/529/community/calendar?view=calendar

·      Business Intelligence Master of Science (2017). In Full Sail University. Retrieved

November 12, 2017, from https://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/business-intelligence-master

·      Data Science Foundations: Fundamentals (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19,

2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Big-Data-tutorials/Introduction-Data-Science/420305-2.html

·      Big Data Foundation: Building Architecture and Teams / Modern Enterprise Data

Architecture (2015). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Data-management-tutorials/Building-Modern-Enterprise-Data-Roadmap/420016-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a1%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3aenterprise+data%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%3atrue%0a

·      Business Objects (BOBJ) 401V Work Training (HCA Internal Training, confidential)

·      Building Strategic Relationships Work Training (HCA Internal Training, confidential)

·      Harvard ManageMentor Work Training (HCA Internal Training, confidential)

·      Harvard ManageMentor (Information) (2017). In Harvard Business School / Harvard

Business Publishing Corporate Learning. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://www.harvardbusiness.org/harvard-managementor

·      Tableau10 Essential Training (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/Tableau-tutorials/Tableau-10-Essential-Training/500540-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a1%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3aTableau%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%3atrue%0aproducttypeid%3a2

·      Predictive Analytics (2014). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/Data-Science-tutorials/Predictive-analytics/158656/190803-4.html

·      Statistics Foundations: 1 (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Statistics-Fundamentals-Part-1-Beginning/427473-2.html

·      Big Data Foundations: Techniques and Concepts (2014). In Lynda. Retrieved November

19, 2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Data-Science-tutorials/Welcome/158656/190767-4.html

·      Excel 2016: Macros in Depth (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/Excel-tutorials/Excel-2016-Macros-Depth/431190-2.html

·      The Basics of Data for Analytics (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/Excel-tutorials/Foundations-Data-Analysis-Understanding-basics-data-analytics/423403-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a24%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3aData+Mining%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%

·      SQL for Data Reporting and Analysis (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017,

from https://www.lynda.com/SQL-tutorials/SQL-Data-Reporting-Analysis/529631-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a9%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3aMicrosoft+SQL+Management+Studio%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%3atrue%0aproductt

·      Learning SQL Programming (2017). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/SQL-tutorials/Learning-SQL-Programming/548044-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a7%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3aMicrosoft+SQL+Management+STudio%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%3atrue%0aproducttype

·      Business Analysis Foundations: Business Process Modeling (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved

November 19, 2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Project-Management-tutorials/Business-Process-Modeling-Fundamentals/490754-2.html

·      Creating Interactive Dashboards in Tableau (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19,

2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Tableau-tutorials/Creating-Interactive-Dashboards-Tableau-10/518172-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a1%0alinktypeid%3a2%0aq%3atableau+dashboard%0apage%3a1%0as%3arelevance%0asa%3atrue%0apro

·      Oracle Business Intelligence: Building Analyses and Dashboards (2017). In Oracle.

Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://www.oracle.com/webfolder/technetwork/tutorials/obe/fmw/bi/bi1221/cad/cad12c.html#section8

·      Requirements Elicitation for Business Analysts / Implementing Active Listening Skills

(2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from https://www.lynda.com/Communication-tutorials/Implementing-active-listening-skills/410330/461489-4.html

·      Dursun, D. (2014). Real Data Mining: Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making /

The Business Problems That Big Data Analytics Addresses. N.p.: Pearson FT Press. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://ce.safaribooksonline.com/book/databases/business-intelligence/9780133551150/7dot-big-data-analytics/ch07lev1sec4_html?query=((case+study+business+intelligence))#snippet

·      Writing Technical Reports (2016). In Lynda. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Presentation-format-report/373553/549320-4.html

·      (2017). In Data Science Association. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://www.datascienceassn.org

·      Business Intelligence Professionals (2017). In LinkedIn. Retrieved November 19, 2017,

from https://www.linkedin.com/groups/40057/profile

·      Big Data, Analytics, Business Intelligence & Visualization Experts Community (2017).

In LinkedIn. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from https://solutionsreview.com/business-intelligence/top-10-linkedin-groups-for-business-intelligence-professionals/

·      Nashville Tableau User Group (2017). In Tableau. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://community.tableau.com/groups/nashville

·      (2017). In Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals. Retrieved November 19,

2017, from http://www.scip.org

·      Business Intelligence News & Trends (2017). In Papaly. Retrieved November 19, 2017,

from https://papaly.com/categories/share?id=d5bdc8b96d874d5aa59ef3605b7ccc45

·      (2017). In Feedly. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://feedly.com/i/discover/sources  

·      (2017). In ImBlackinTech. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from http://imblackintech.com

·      (2017). In Collegiate DECA - Full Sail University. Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://orgsync.com/79043/chapter

·      (2017). In Black Student Union - Full Sail University. Retrieved November 19, 2017,

from https://orgsync.com/56182/chapter

·      (2017). In Immersive Innovation - Full Sail University. Retrieved November 19, 2017,

§  from https://orgsync.com/162980/chapter

·      Apple Watch / Black Background (n.d.). In iPhone 7 Update . Retrieved November 19,

2017, from http://iphone7update.com/2015/03/peek-apple-watch-faces-staged-today/

·      Lightbulbs. Retro (n.d.). In Banggood. Retrieved November 19,

2017, from https://www.banggood.com/E27-Dimmable-COB-LED-Vintage-Retro-Industrial-Edison-Lamp-Indoor-Lighting-Filament-Light-Bulb-AC110V-p-1116000.html?gmcCountry=US&currency=USD&createTmp=1&value_ids[]=28208&gclid=CjwKCAiA9MTQBRAREiwAzmytw7sj_k4MXIML3kTKDrjuqyPqGrnROXLmW37WPHvdEcqJKyiPuNvizxoCaZQQAvD_BwE&ID=528208&cur_warehouse=CN

·      Tableau Logo Image (2017). Retrieved November 19, 2017, from www.tableau.com

·      ImBlackInTech Logo Image (2017). Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

http://imblackintech.com/application/

·      Network Image (2017). Retrieved Novemeber 19, 2017, from

https://www.risk.net/derivatives/2410145/acadiasoft-and-trioptima-tie-usher-new-margin-hub

·      Crown Image (2017). Retrieved November 19, 2017, from

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/crown?excludenudity=true&sort=mostpopular&mediatype=photography&phrase=crown

·      Fireworks Image (2017). Retrieved November 18, 2017, from

[richelledesirebusinessintel-blog]

Weekly Inspiration

This week as I delved more into Mastery by Robert Greene, I have become more aware that everyone has a life purpose. And, this purpose stems from passion. I have been exploring the 2017 Obama Foundation Summit videos on YouTube, to learn from conversations conducted with some of the world’s most influential people. After only viewing some of the videos, I think it is safe to conclude that their influence is tied to their life’s purpose; which is in turn tied to their passion.

Below, is a video of Prince Harry’s conversation as he is interviewed by Melody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments, member of Estee Lauder and Starbucks boards, and chair of DreamWorks Animation. 

©2017 Richelle Desire

References:

Greene, R. (2016). Mastery (p. 29). New York, NY: Penguin Group. 

Hobson, M. (2017). Obama Foundation Summit | Conversation with Prince Harry. In YouTube. Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://youtu.be/eIXFLLYAxSY

McLean, B. (2015, March). Why Sheryl Sandberg, Bill Bradley, and Oprah Love Melody Hobson. In Vanity Fair. Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/03/mellody-hobson-ariel-investments-fighting-stereotype

[richelledesirebusinessintel-blog]

My PLN

During my graduate career in Business Intelligence (BI), I will aim to improve my personal brand online. To accomplish this, I am making an effort to expand my Personal Learning Network (PLN). Thus far, I have edited my LinkedIn, created my personal brand logo, and will stay abreast on news and trends in BI using Papaly and Feedly. I have already found some great blogs and sites to keep me informed in the BI world. Feel free to add me on LinkedIn, and/or follow my Papaly. 

You can use the following link to view my LinkedIn profile: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richelle-desire-m-s-b200a873?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3BbFEBbxEKSQq9gkJhf95%2FMA%3D%3D

Here is a link to my Papaly board which tracks news and trends in BI:

https://papaly.com/categories/share?id=d5bdc8b96d874d5aa59ef3605b7ccc45

Here are some BI feeds I am following on Feedly:

Lastly, here is the logo which I will be using for my personal brand on this blog. It is very simple but the line graph is a representation of analytics which is directly linked to Business Intelligence and overall Data Analysis. 

If you you have not yet established your PLN, I hope this post inspires you to do the same!

©2017 Richelle Desire

[richelledesirebusinessintel-blog]

Weekly Inspiration

Jamila Parham is known as The Tech Unicorn. I personally follow her on social media and have been inspired by her as a leader as well as by her presence in the Technology Industry. Listen to this podcast below by The Grind to Greatness to find out more about why she is indeed The Tech Unicorn. 

©2017 Richelle Desire 

References:

Hodges, M. (n.d.). In The Grind to Greatness. Retrieved November 5, 2017, from http://www.thegrindtogreatness.com/podcast/g2g-2-02-interview-with-jamila-parham

Hodges, M. (2017). In G2G: 2-02 Interview with Jamila Parham. Retrieved November 5, 2017, from https://youtu.be/tS5NjQBtWDw

[richelledesirebusinessintel-blog]

by Richelle Desire. ©2017

[richelledesirebusinessintel-blog]

INTENTION STATEMENT

Growing up in Dominica, a lush, untouched island in the Caribbean with a population of less than 100,000, reading was fundamental to my strict academic studies but also one of my favorite pastimes. I can still remember borrowing a book about data from my Primary School Library (Elementary School). Though I no longer remember the title or the author of the book, I still reflect on a phrase in the book that talked about turning data into information. That phrase piqued my curiosity as I later began to understand how effortlessly hard copy documents would transition to electronic documents. Now electronic, these documents were then retrieved as data to influence strategic decision making.

 Data influences so many of our choices today both at the company and consumer level. It would be unwise and financially irresponsible for an organization to develop and market products and services without some research. 

As the consumer, when searching for a product or service that we have not yet purchased before, a simple Google search can show us a wealth of options regarding quality, pricing, geographic limitations, and so much more data.

 Even doctors can ask their patients to track their illness, progress, and triggers in apps such as Migraine Buddy as stated by TechCrunch (2014).

 So, to put it simply, the world we live in today heavily relies on data in every industry. There is an increasing need for business intelligence teams to retrieve, analyze and present data for the economic benefit of organizations and consumers alike. And, anyone familiar with supply and demand will understand that this increasing need for business intelligence teams mean “endless upward mobility” for data roles as stated by D!gitalist Magazine (2015).

 Currently, I am enrolled in a Master of Science Business Intelligence degree program at Full Sail University where I am able to explore the structure of databases and use tools to manipulate data in a way that I may not have done during my career. My intention is to use a combination of experiential learning and technical academic knowledge to improve my data analyses, use alternate methods of reporting employee data for over 200,000 of my organization’s employees, and to eventually grow into a management position where I can lead a team of analysts who influence strategic decision-making.

 I am looking forward to the next 11 classes which will increase what I know now. The opportunities which will arise as a result of an additional Master’s Degree are more than I had ever imagined for myself and require diligence and devotion even after a long day at work.

 However, I am excited to embark on this journey of mastery! And, to ensure that I am not derailed, I am applying concepts from Robert Greene’s Mastery, which provides countless approaches for mastering one’s field.

 If you would like to find out more about my journey, feel free to also connect with me via LinkedIn.

 ©2017 Richelle Desire.

 References:

 1.    (2017). In Migraine Buddy. Retrieved November 5, 2017, from http://app.migrainebuddy.com

 2.    (2014). In TechCrunch. Retrieved November 5, 2017, from https://techcrunch.com/2014/07/29/migraine-buddy/

 3.    (2015). In D!gitalist Magazine. Retrieved November 5, 2017, from http://www.digitalistmag.com/future-of-work/2015/10/16/data-analysts-scientists-more-important-than-ever-03551480