A Higher Calling

This chapter presents the life cycle of data analytics in the context of an organization aiming to profit from data science. The life‐cycle view is designed to help data scientists help decision‐makers. The chapter considers each step of the cycle in turn. The work of data science takes place in complex organizational settings, which can both promote and limit its effectiveness. Sometimes simultaneously. Data scientists and chief analytics officers (CAOs) must be aware of and, over time, improve several components of the overall “organizational ecosystem.” The term data‐driven has invaded the lexicon. One sees extravagant claims for data‐driven marketing, data‐driven human resources, and data‐driven technologies. Smart data scientists and CAOs invest considerable time in educating themselves and decision‐makers at all levels about this powerful concept and working together to advance it across the organizations. With this background, the chapter helps data scientists and CAOs become more effective.