Guest lecture for SWEN422 (Human Computer Interaction)

Abstract: Even as data availability has grown exponentially and analytical capabilities have advanced rapidly many decision-makers complain about not having the information they need to make good decisions. One explanation for that paradox is that data is often communicated in a way that is not well tailored for the intended target audience. This talk will explain why successful data communication relies on having a good understanding of the intended target audience, including what they know and think about the domain and about data. Another common complaint from decision-makers is that the data that is communicated to them in a way that is not particularly interesting or insightful. The talk will also provide tips for avoiding that problem and creating data communications that are interesting and impactful.

Bio: Mary Ellen Gordon has spent her career helping students, colleagues, and clients become wiser with data. She has taught data science, business analytics, and market research courses as well as other business courses for several universities and other educational institutions. She founded and led market research and analytics teams at Apple, Flurry Analytics, and Market Truths, and has recently published a business analytics textbook. Mary Ellen holds a Ph.D., M.B.A., and B.Sc. in marketing. She was formerly a full-time staff member at Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Canterbury and has also taught courses for Waikato University, Cardean University, Educasia, and the University of Massachusetts.

Textbook: Business Analytics: Combining data, analysis and judgement to inform decisions https://www.amazon.com.au/Business-Analytics-Combining-judgement-decisions-ebook/dp/B0BTQ4CZC5

Zoom link: https://vuw.zoom.us/my/swen422