Decision Intelligence & Business Analytics
In the age of data, smart decision-making is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative. Decision Intelligence merges data science, behavioral science, and management thinking to help organisations move beyond reporting into true insight and foresight.
This Insight Pathway equips professionals with the concepts, frameworks, and case studies to use analytics as a force multiplier for better business outcomes.
Included Summaries
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Competing on Analytics – Thomas H. Davenport & Jeanne G. Harris (analytics as strategic differentiator)
This book makes the case that analytical capabilities—not gut instinct—define the winners in today’s business landscape. It profiles companies that have embedded analytics deeply into their decision-making. -
Data-Driven – Hilary Mason & DJ Patil (practical guide to becoming data-first)
Mason and Patil provide a clear and actionable guide for embedding data culture across organisations—from infrastructure to communication, hiring, and governance. -
The Data Detective – Tim Harford (thinking clearly with data)
Economist Tim Harford explores cognitive traps in interpreting statistics. He offers 10 rules for making sense of data without falling into common reasoning errors. -
How to Measure Anything – Douglas W. Hubbard (quantifying the intangibles)
This book teaches that anything can be measured—even “intangibles” like customer satisfaction or innovation risk. Essential for making better-informed bets in uncertainty. -
Analytics at Work – Thomas H. Davenport, Jeanne G. Harris, Robert Morison (embedding analytics into operations)
A practical sequel to Competing on Analytics, this book shows how to operationalize analytics within HR, finance, and supply chains—turning insights into everyday action.
Reflection & Application
Analytics isn’t just about dashboards—it’s about better choices. This pathway helps you shift from descriptive reporting to strategic foresight.
Key Takeaways:
- Competing on Analytics makes the business case for data as a competitive advantage.
- Data-Driven shows how to build the cultural and operational foundations.
- The Data Detective trains your brain to interpret stats without bias.
- How to Measure Anything breaks down the myth of unmeasurable intangibles.
- Analytics at Work turns insights into embedded, scalable practices.
Applying the Insights
To build decision intelligence in your organisation:
- Assess analytics maturity—are insights descriptive, predictive, or prescriptive?
- Invest in data literacy across roles, not just technical teams.
- Pilot a business KPI redefined with Hubbard’s quantification model.
- Audit key decisions to trace whether and how data was used.
- Empower frontline teams with real-time dashboards and analytics tools.
Great decisions aren’t born—they’re built. Use this pathway to embed data into the fabric of how your organisation sees, thinks, and acts.
“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” – W. Edwards Deming