Database Reference
In-Depth Information
2.1 Data Analytics Lifecycle Overview
The Data Analytics Lifecycle is designed specifically for Big Data problems and data
science projects. The lifecycle has six phases, and project work can occur in several
phases at once. For most phases in the lifecycle, the movement can be either forward
or backward. This iterative depiction of the lifecycle is intended to more closely
portray a real project, in which aspects of the project move forward and may return
to earlier stages as new information is uncovered and team members learn more
about various stages of the project. This enables participants to move iteratively
through the process and drive toward operationalizing the project work.
2.1.1 Key Roles for a Successful Analytics Project
In recent years, substantial attention has been placed on the emerging role of the
data scientist. In October 2012, Harvard Business Review featured an article titled
“Data Scientist: The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century” [1], in which experts DJ Patil
and Tom Davenport described the new role and how to find and hire data scientists.
More and more conferences are held annually focusing on innovation in the areas
of Data Science and topics dealing with Big Data. Despite this strong focus on the
emerging role of the data scientist specifically, there are actually seven key roles
that need to be fulfilled for a high-functioning data science team to execute analytic
projects successfully.
Figure 2.1
depicts the various roles and key stakeholders of an analytics project.
Each plays a critical part in a successful analytics project. Although seven roles are
listed, fewer or more people can accomplish the work depending on the scope of the
project, the organizational structure, and the skills of the participants. For example,
on a small, versatile team, these seven roles may be fulfilled by only 3 people, but a
very large project may require 20 or more people. The seven roles follow.
•
Business User:
Someone who understands the domain area and usually
benefits from the results. This person can consult and advise the project
team on the context of the project, the value of the results, and how the
outputs will be operationalized. Usually a business analyst, line manager, or
deep subject matter expert in the project domain fulfills this role.
•
Project Sponsor:
Responsible for the genesis of the project. Provides the
impetus and requirements for the project and defines the core business
problem. Generally provides the funding and gauges the degree of value
