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The Accused Algorithms



 algorithm coding

In light of the election results last week and the continued protests in New York, and in fact across the country, I feel this quote from a very interesting article is very prevalent to a lot of changes happening across the globe in 2016, and the vital role media and social analytics play in determining outcomes.

It appears the easy way to transfer blame, is to put it on the algorithms built and designed to measure personal persona through social media, but as this article rightly points out, that is not the purpose of an algorithm.  

However it does make me think even more about the value of real-time data and its benefits, as well as the results when value-rich data isn't utilized or optimized at the time of collection...

Credit Tim O'Reilly  - Media In The Age Of Algorithms

{The essence of algorithm design is not to eliminate all error, but to make results robust in the face of error.


Jenni Kavanagh
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Which Skillset Do You Need: Data Science or Advanced Analytics?

According to our 2020 US Data & Analytics Salary Guide, there has been a recent uptick in leadership roles within the Data & Analytics industry. Stemming from the skillset which is equally balanced between technical and communicative abilities, this field is fast approaching a 50/50 gender split. These are the leadership roles for which businesses are seeking employees who can translate business objectives into actionable insights, and yet, too often businesses think this is the role of the Data Scientist. As Data Science, Machine Learning, and other terms in the Data industry change to encompass new roles, it is imperative businesses understand what skillset they need to fill which role. So, here’s a quick comparison to help navigate which role has the best skillset for your needs. TRADITIONAL DUTIES OF A DATA SCIENTIST  Understand one or more coding languages such as R, Hadoop, SQL, Apache Spark, etc.Able to collect, gather, and analyze Data from past and current applications for business recommendations.Craft statistical models for planning and implementing strategies. While it’s true these three duties are similar to an Advanced Analytics Skillset, the advanced skillset takes things a bit further.  TRADITIONAL DUTIES OF A CHIEF DATA OR ANALYTICS OFFICER As this role leans a bit more toward the Advanced Analytics skillset, let’s take a look at where it jumps off from the traditional Data Scientist role. Create a Data Strategy and communicate the vision of that strategy.Create Data access policies and strategize with business executives. Oversee a variety of functions including Data Management, Data Governance. Whether the title is Chief Data Officer or Chief Analytics Officer, these are the high-level roles which might report to the CEO or COO rather than the CIO. The Chief Data Officer falls within the senior executive team and is responsible for not only the Data Strategy and its governance, but explaining its benefits in clear language to the other executives. WHEN BUSINESS & CANDIDATE EXPECTATIONS ALIGN  Though Advanced Analytics teams have remained strong during the pandemic, and the field is ever-changing as businesses understand which skillset they need for what job, there has been some turnover in the past.  So, why the turnover if it’s an expanding field? The answer is two-fold in that oftentimes, the candidate and business expectations aren’t aligned. And to that end, it often stems from businesses believing once they’ve hired someone their problems are solved.  However, when the right person with the right skillset is in the right place. And when businesses understand that person can help them solve the problem once there is a strategy and processes in place, then the two are more efficiently aligned.  WHERE TO LOOK FOR ADVANCED ANALYTICS & INSIGHT ROLES If you’re a candidate and have five years or more experience in the Analytics industry, there is a huge growth in demand from EdTech and TeleHealth enterprises. As businesses have gone online and virtual, it’s important to have someone in place who can navigate the changing nature of education and medicine within the Data & Analytics field. One of the key ingredients businesses hunger for are candidates who can blend statistical analysis with the communication skills. For businesses, candidates want to grow with the business and have the opportunity to make an impact. In our recently released 2020 Salary Guide we discuss each specialism; what’s working, what isn’t, and how businesses can hire and retain top talent to keep their projects on track and their businesses running smoothly. If you’re interested in Data and Technology, Risk or Digital Analytics, Life Science Analytics, Marketing and Insight, Data Science, or Computer Vision, we invite you to check out our current vacancies. If you’d like to learn more, contact one of our expert consultant. For our West Coast Team, contact us at (415) 614 - 4999 or send an email to sanfraninfo@harnham.com.   For our Mid-West and East Coast teams contact us at (212) 796-6070 or send an email to newyorkinfo@harnham.com.  

Jenni Kavanagh

Jenni Kavanagh

30. July 2020

Computer Vision in Our Day-to-Day Lives

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Mairead Holt

Mairead Holt

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Kristianna Chung

Kristianna Chung

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Stephanie Brooks

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