We know companies are awash in data; and we know mining and using this data in the right way can turn a mediocre company into a winning one. So how, as a leader, do you make that happen? This book gives managers a concise, nontechnical overview of big data and explains how to exploit the new opportunities it creates.

"It's a required reading for managers that need a straightforward, hype-free introduction to big data, a clear and clarifying "signal" in the incredible noise around the confusing and mislabeled term." -- Forbes "Davenport has written a thought-provoking book about a current topic that is becoming more important to business and individuals every day. Summed up: Highly recommended." -- Choice magazine "The book covers all aspects of the issue, from what big data means, to whom you must hire, to what technologies to follow. It's surprisingly easy to read, given the topic, and offers good examples to ponder from startups and large firm." -- Globe & Mail "Davenport is a methodologically-sound researcher. His deep interviews and surveys of executives and data scientists set a standard for excellence in an industry where marketing bravado generally supersedes scientific rigor" -- Information Management (information-management.com) ADVANCE PRAISE for Big Data at Work: Jane Griffin, Managing Director Analytics, Deloitte Canada and Americas-- "Big Data at Work is the first and only book to describe how real organizations are using big data, extracting value from it, and combining it with other forms of data and analytics. It's an invaluable guide to planning and action." Jonathan D. Becher, Chief Marketing Officer, SAP-- "Is Big Data a buzzword or does it have practical applications in business? Big Data at Work goes beyond tech-talk to help businesspeople turn Big Data into Big Decisions." Gary L. Gottlieb, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.; Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School-- "Big Data at Work provides a terrific foundation for thoughtful planning to exploit the business opportunities created by diverse and vast sources of information. Davenport's clear approach will enlighten managers about the need to carefully mine these resources to improve operations and products while driving new and competitive strategies." Rob Bearden, CEO, Hortonworks-- "Thomas Davenport has supplied a smart, practical book for anyone looking to unlock the opportunities--and avoid the pitfalls--of big data." Adele K. Sweetwood, Vice President, Americas Marketing & Support, SAS-- "Conversational, engaging, and an exceptional guide for decision making in the big data world. Big Data at Work offers insight to the business and technology components of a big data strategy, a path to success, and best practices from across industry sectors."