‘Big data’ is a hot topic around the virtual boardroom table, but navigating statistical information and analytical tools can be a daunting task.

An upcoming webinar will offer an introduction to big data analytics, including how to handle high-dimensional data and build predictive models that control for bias.

Ejaz Ahmed, Dean for the Faculty of Mathematics and Science at Brock University, will lead ‘Big data analytics: Wisdom or folly’ on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. as part of the free weekly Business Breathers webinar series facilitated by the Goodman School of Business’ Goodman Group.

Business Breathers feature 30 minutes of live industry and faculty expert-led discussions, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer period. Topics focus on leadership, management and innovation, as well as the financial and social impacts of trending topics.

Ahmed said it’s important for business professionals to understand how analytics can be used to advance business practices.

“Being able to predict financial, operational and transactional information is a lucrative skill,” he said. “Model selection, post-estimation and prediction is imperative for anyone conducting an analysis. For example, to best target customers through email, the analytics team must collect and analyze data to monitor consumer behaviour. Based on their customers’ purchasing history, the retailer can predict their next purchases and provide them with personalized offers.”

Ahmed is an internationally known scholar and an established researcher who focuses on big data, predictive modelling, data science and statistical machine learning. His book, Big and Complex Data Analysis, has become a globally respected publication for data scientists and statisticians.

Everyone is welcome to attend Business Breathers webinars. Interested participants are asked to register online. A confirmation email will provide a Lifesize link to access the webinar at the date and time it is planned.

Upcoming Business Breathers:

Big data analytics: Wisdom or folly
Presented by Ejaz Ahmed, Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University
Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.

Creative infusions for your work and life
Presented by Stephanie Barnes, Chief Chaos Organizer, Entelechy
Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.

Positive forward motion in the COVID-19 era: Maximizing emotionally effective leadership in the FAST Lane
Presented by Lesley Calvin, Founder at Lesley Calvin Consulting
Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m.