Business analytics: Radical shift or incremental change?

Abstract

Business analytics systems are seen by many to be a growing source of value and competitive advantage for businesses. However, it is not clear if increasingly advanced analytical capabilities create opportunities for radical change in business or just represent an incremental improvement to existing systems. What are the key questions that researchers should be focusing on to improve our understanding of analytics? And are IS programs teaching students the right things to be successful in this environment? This panel aims to take stock of technological possibilities, practical experience and leading research to assess the current state and future direction of business analytics. In doing so, it will bring together senior researchers and industry representatives to share the leading challenges, opportunities and good practice that they see.