Analyzing the Big Data - Research Paper Example

Big Data Introduction In any organisation, the maintenance of data has become a core requirement given that most institutions have the core of their businesses entrenched in the management of their data. Considering the explosion of data that has been witnessed in the current global economy among various organisations, the analysis of such large data sets (big data), has thus, been recognised as the core basis upon which different organisations will compete. As such, it will underpin the new waves of the growth of productivity, consumer surplus, and innovation based on the identifiable criterion by the respective organisations. The most basic definition of big data has been the assemblage of large and complex data sets that present difficulty in their analysis through the use of database management tools that are on-hand or traditional applications for data processing. In this study, the core aspect is to provide a literature review on big data as addressed by different scholars in the field with a view of integrating the same towards the consideration of a revolutionised management of organisational data. The analysis of big data has received a great momentum and by studying three independent articles on the same, an in-depth and critical review is sought after so as to supplement the available knowledge base. Research Problem In a study by Hsinchun et al., the key aspect is the provision of a framework upon which the evolution, application and emergence of big data analytics can be identified for use in an organisational setting. Thus, big data is defined in relation to its capabilities and key characteristics. The problem of study is anchored on the concept that the opportunities that are associated with data in most organisations has led to the generation of interest significantly in big data (Hsinchun et al. 2). This is because the techniques of big data, its methodologies, practices and applications, as noted in this study are mainly founded on the basis of helping enterprises to better understand the nature of their businesses; thus, be able to make timely decisions. In the second study by Estes, the key concept addressed in the article is the understanding of the automation of big data. This is because the key concern is in relation to the use to which big data has been put to use by different organisations that also find the concept of an automated understanding hard to comprehend. Therefore, the study seeks to distinguish that an understanding of automated data cannot be built without the structuring of big data that is rampantly used manually by different organisations (Estes 1). Subsequently, considering that big data is too big, but, accumulates at a faster rate or velocity, besides appearing in numerous forms, the study also sought to provide a contextual understanding of the data elements for the achievement of useful information. In the third study by Regalado, the key concern is the understanding of the need for big data by organisations considering that there is a constant change in the nature of conducting businesses due to the presence of artificial intelligence resulting from adopting big data. Theoretical positions or relevant models Regalado through a descriptive analysis of the topic of big data theoretically relates his study to an illustration by Earl Isaac and William Fair in relation to the pooling of resources to set up a company. Accordingly, he builds on the concept of optimisation technology to illustrate that the same has been widely and acceptably used in the reshaping of decision making by businesses (Regalado 2). On the other hand, Estes, theoretically relates the understanding of the automation of big data to the structuring and restructuring that takes place in relation to the understanding of how people perceive time and space, and the elements of knowledge that have become more available due to the application of big data. Hsinchun et al., on its part models the study into three key concepts; evolution of big data, its application and the emerging research out of the same. In this, big data is perceived as a linkage between the enhancement of e-commerce and the other aspects of business due to its ability to enhance the move to bigger data impacts. Data gathering and data collection In nearly all of these studies, the data that is used to back up the opinions and positions are obtained through secondary data collection techniques. The researchers in the stated studies have largely depended on secondary sources of information such as books, journals and electronic materials related to the respective organisations or industries under discussion to formulate strong arguments and support over the same. However, the study by Hsinchun et al., appears to be more integrative considering that it sought to include data from different perspectives and organisations. Theoretical contributions of the articles The researchers in these three studies can be high regarded for their theoretical contributions to the field of big data that can be largely considered to be a part of the reason as to why they perceive big data manipulation by organisations in a more casual and manual manner to being out of context considering the massive changes attributed to the same. Big data is considered as a great move in the information technology field and experts in various industries, whether, health, agricultural, banking or industrial appear to be more inclined towards the attainment of healthy transactional goals in the respective operational fields. Therefore, the attribution of big data to massive technological changes in organisations is largely perceived as the basis of the theoretical contributions to which these studies are based upon. Subsequently, the studies, through the highlighting of the contributive factors of big data show the various characteristics to which data generation in organisations can be obtained in a manner that would ensure relational development and governance of various structures of business and government institutions. Contribution towards advancement of knowledge By analysing the goals and objects of the study by Hsinchun et al., it is easily perceived that, through the combinational effect of business intelligence and big data analytics, it is capable of highlighting the necessary areas of transformation that an organisation may undergo when faced with the massive nature of data that the current economy presents. Qualitatively, this massive presentation of data can be viewed as a direct move to enhance organisational ability to evolve in various aspects that allow for the fragmentation of sources of information and systems of legacy. In the studies by Estes and Regalado, the contribution made to qualitative analysis of information by organisations is considered from the perspective that it would be easily comprehended when data analysis and other aspects related to data are integrated into the understanding of how data analytics would impact on the adoption of information through the installation of appropriate software that could enhance ease of analysis. Estes, for instance, relates his concept of data automation to the four concepts of awareness creation, reading of appropriate data schematics, relating of the obtained facts to the anticipated analysis and finally, comprehension of the automation process. Regalado, on his part has his study being related to the generational understanding of how companies enhance the manipulation of data for use in the enhancing of optimisation of technological means adopted by a respective organisation. Conclusion Generally, the concept of big data while appearing as an enormous factor in the business market, particularly, in relation to information technology, it can be perceived as an apt means by which organisations can uniquely position themselves so as to meet the data needs of their respective clients. In this manner, it is probable to envision the utilisation and exploration of big data as an avenue by which technology can be robustly leveraged so as to support in the provision of secure and highly available platform for big data (Hsinchun et al., 25). Works cited Estes, Tim. "Automated Understanding—The Future Of Big Data." KM World 21.9 (2012): 10. Business Source Premier. Web. 12 May 2014. Hsinchun, Chen, Roger H. L. Chiang, and Veda C. Storey. "Business Intelligence And Analytics: From Big Data To Big Impact." MIS Quarterly 36.4 (2012): 1165-1188. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 12 May 2014. Regalado, Antonio. "The Power To Decide." Technology Review 117.2 (2014): 61-62. Business Source Premier. Web. 12 May 2014. Read More