Is the assumption that better data causes better decisions credible?

It depends.

If evidence to the contrary of an individuals aspiration comes to light, and that individual refuses to update their expectations or aspiration, then even the most pristine, accurate, precise and real time data will fail to change their mind.

If evidence to the contrary of an individuals aspiration comes to light, and that individual updates their expectations or aspirations accordingly, then it will be effective at changing their mind.

The key element that decides the effectiveness of data is the human.

Great data can cause great managers to make better decisions.

Great data doesn’t cure ignorance.

Maybe the broader commentary on the value of Big Data has more to do with optimism and pessimism about how our human systems change than it does with the ability of the technology to deliver.

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I’m Christopher Berry.
I tweet about analytics @cjpberry
I write at christopherberry.ca