Competing on Analytics

In this summary, you will learn

• What competing on analytics means
• How companies become analytic competitors
• What makes data useful and meaningful
• Why recruiting and retaining the right analysts is crucial

getAbstract rating

Why you should read Competing on Analytics

This excellent book explains exactly what competitive analytics are and what you need to know to implement them. Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris divide it into two sections. The first five chapters constitute a handy guide to analytics: how high performance companies use them (and why underperforming companies do not), how to become a true analytic competitor, and how to use analytics to assess external and internal company processes. The second section gives you a roadmap to analytical competition: Why analysts are crucial to your success, the ins and outs of technology, and some thoughts about the future. The authors use many examples of true analytic competitors, such as Harrah’s Entertainment, Google, Procter & Gamble and Amazon, to illustrate their message. getAbstract finds that this interesting book is written in clear language for the general reader, but is sophisticated enough to engage those with more expertise.

About the Authors

Thomas H. Davenport holds the President’s Chair in Information Technology Management at Babson College, Massachusetts, and is an author, speaker and consultant. Jeanne G. Harris is a senior executive research fellow and a director of research at a major consultancy’s business performance think tank.