Business Intelligence with Applications in R

Preface

PRELIMINARY AND INCOMPLETE

In the ever-evolving business landscape, the capacity to harness data effectively determines the trajectory of success. “Business Intelligence with Applications in R is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering a comprehensive exploration of the tools, techniques, and methodologies that form the backbone of Business Intelligence (BI). This textbook is tailored for students, professionals, and enthusiasts eager to delve into the realm of BI, providing a solid foundation in the principles of data analysis and decision-making.

At the heart of this textbook is a commitment to practical learning, exemplified by the consistent use of the “Absenteeism at Work Data Set” as an ongoing case study. This real-world dataset not only brings to life the abstract concepts discussed and challenges readers to apply their knowledge in a practical context. Each chapter is crafted to incrementally build your expertise, starting with an introduction to some of the powerful tools for BI - R, RStudio, and Posit.Cloud.

The journey begins with “Data Preparation and Cleaning with the Tidyverse,” where we emphasize the critical role of clean, well-organized data in BI. As we progress to “Data Visualization in Business Intelligence,” we explore the power of visual narratives in making complex data accessible and actionable. The textbook then delves into “Formal Approaches to Modeling and Model Building in Business Intelligence,” providing a framework for constructing models that can predict and influence business outcomes.

“Data Mining in Business Intelligence” rounds off our exploration, introducing techniques to uncover hidden patterns and insights from vast datasets. Throughout these chapters, the Absenteeism at Work Data Set serves as a constant reference point, demonstrating how each technique can be applied to solve real-world problems and make informed decisions.

This textbook is not just about learning concepts; it’s about applying them. By revisiting the Absenteeism at Work case study across different chapters, we aim to cement your understanding of BI principles and enhance your ability to apply these concepts in diverse scenarios. From data visualization to predictive modeling, the insights gained and the challenges encountered with this dataset will deepen your comprehension of BI, equipping you with the skills to tackle real-world business challenges.

Welcome to the fascinating world of Business Intelligence. We invite you to embark on this practical journey, where theory meets application, and data-driven insights pave the way for informed decision-making.