Introducing the producer - Jinfo Research Focus "Data analytics - ready your information service"
Jinfo Blog

By Catherine Dhanjal, Andrew Lucas

Abstract

The Jinfo Research Focus "Data analytics - ready your information service" launches this month. We ask the producer, Andrew Lucas, what his background and experience will bring to the Focus and what the Focus will offer in terms of helping information professionals to advise and support strategies around data use, management and value.

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The Jinfo Research Focus "Data analytics - ready your information service" is launching this month.

In it we will focus on the changing environment of data analytics, how information professionals are becoming involved or taking the lead in data analytics projects, what skills and expertise are needed for successful projects and how we can establish and measure the value of data.

We asked Andrew Lucas, long-term Jinfo collaborator and contributor, to work with us as producer on this Research Focus.

Jinfo: What's your background?

Andrew Lucas: I am a contributing editor to Jinfo and have written widely about big data and data analytics, as well as reviewed a number of data analytics products. I am also a consultant with global experience in the online business information market. I have worked in executive roles for a number of leading business information companies, including Dow Jones, Factiva and Thomson Reuters. My expertise includes strategy, business development and M&A, as well as content licensing and managing third-party distribution.

As a consultant, I have undertaken numerous projects in the content and information sectors. I am also the managing director of the Africa Alert news monitoring service, which provides the latest local and international business and economic news from across Africa.

Jinfo: What will the Research Focus bring to readers?

Andrew Lucas: Data analytics, big data and data mining are currently some of the big themes for information practitioners.

Businesses, governments and other organisations are all exploring ways they can make better use of their data assets. For information managers it is important to be able to play a part in an area which is often seen as the remit of the technology group, one of the themes that was explored in the Research Focus "Strategic Alignment of IS and IT" earlier in the year.

The Jinfo Research Focus "Data analytics - ready your information service" will give readers who are coming fresh to the subject an understanding of the key concepts in data analytics.

We will also look at the role of the information manager in data analytics and what new skills are required.

On a practical level, we will explore how you can enhance the value of your internal data by combining it with public data, we also consider how you go about selecting a data analytics platform. Finally, we will look at the codes and ethical requirements of using data which may contain personal details.

The Jinfo Research Focus "Data analytics - ready your information service" runs from October- December 2016.

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