Why is data so important?

Despite being about as prevalent as electricity, it can be difficult to adequately explain how critical data is to the modern world. From business operations to tackling the environmental crisis, data is the key to unlocking insight and developing intelligent solutions across every sector. Although Big Data has been in the news for at least a couple of decades, other types of data are now getting air time as well. Open…

The current (November 2014) United States election reminds us that sophisticated data science techniques are employed on the public in attempt to influence opinion and persuade votes. The slick television advertising, debate prevarications, and policy position distortions and exaggerations have soured many citizens on the current state of modern democracy. Indeed, most feel we are not getting the straight scoop - the…