Executives in the Mist: How Data Anthropology is Lifting the Fog on Data Understanding

We live in an era where we can collect and store data on virtually anything. Machine to machine, location-based, social, and mobile data are becoming hot commodities. But what does it all mean? How will we use it?

The data we collect reflects what is happening now, not just what happened in the past. Anthropology helps us understand the “why” and “why now”. Data anthropology bridges the gap between quantified data and context. The data collection techniques and analysis used in anthropology can help us derive even more insight from existing and emerging data sources. Technology facilitates this by transforming traditionally qualitative data into quantifiable data.

In this session, we will examine how anthropological concepts and practices translate to evolving data management practices. We will show you how organizations are using technology to track, measure, and understand observational and behavioral data about their customers and internal business process.

Join us to learn what data anthropology is, how it is used and why it is an important component of a comprehensive data strategy.

What you will learn:

The meaning of data anthropology.
Key data anthropology collection and analysis techniques.
Which technologies support data anthropology.
How organizations leverage observational and behavioral data in every day practice.

Analise Polsky is a Thought Leader for SAS. As a Thought Leader, Analise is responsible for developing and delivering content on the subjects of data quality, data stewardship, data visualization, organizational development, and culture and change management. She also created courseware for SAS® DataFlux® products. Prior to joining SAS, she provided training on database and application products to private and public sector cliental in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Her training experience is bolstered by a Master’s degree in public health, as well as academic research in the fields of economics and anthropology. She has contributed to research projects in Peru, Brazil, and Mexico, and has been published in academic journals. Analise believes that learning is a never ending process, and that knowledge sharing, collaboration, and a bit of rebelliousness are essential to personal and professional success.