Preparing Big Data Business Analysts for the IT project management profession
Preparing Big Data Business Analysts for the IT project management profession

Summary/Abstract: The primary role of the big data business analyst is to generate insights that convert the potential value of big data into tangible business value. Big data business analysts are seeking opportunities to apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to solve business issues and to present the insights in an understandable format for the decision-makers of the 21st century enterprise. This paper outlines one educational framework for preparing big data business analysts for the IT project management profession. It is based both on results from a pilot graduate course on IT Business Analysis conducted at NBU Sofia Bulgaria, and on review and analysis of global professional trends and the existing industry demand for big data business analysts in Bulgaria.The success of the pilot course is justified by the number of participants, their feedback and the achievement of the initial set of educational objectives. The industry demand lifecycle is evaluated by critical review of the latest industry standards and professional publications from recognized authors, and by analysis of actual public records and statistics.The authors are identifying the knowledge areas and the educational approaches, used by business analysts from the IT industry for transforming data into meaningful information and for developing reports that enable the managers in charge of advertising, customer service, finance, sales andmarketing to make better business decisions.The educational framework includes hands-on exercises and applications of advanced performance management techniques and tools used for business analysis of the challenges and opportunities by market segments and locations, supply chain and price competitiveness.This paper also presents one possible curricula for new development of graduate courses for preparing of big data business analysts for the IT project management profession. The authors are suggesting appropriate educational formats for best delivery of the proposed new courses.

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