Overview
Introduction
This phase of the project provides you with the opportunity to explore a business issue/problem. This phase is similar to establishing a research question or hypothesis. The importance of this phase cannot be overstated as it concentrates on comprehending the objectives of the data mining project from the business perspective. Once the objectives are understood, a formal problem definition can be constructed along with a preliminary plan, both of which can be used as the guidelines for the overall objectives.
Background
The data miner will usually be part of a team that is exploring a business problem. In this exercise, you are the team, so you will want to plan well. Gaining an understanding may require research that would typically come from subject matter experts or other team members. Regardless of the team configuration, establishing a firm foundation supported by defensible research is key to moving forward.
You are encouraged, although not required, to explore a novel problem or one within your organization to which this work may offer some value or benefit. Your audience for the entire project is C-level executives and other decision makers.
Goal
The goal is to perform a comprehensive review of a business problem. This process will aid you in the understanding of where to obtain data, how much data is available, and what data you will ultimately use as part of your later analysis.
Instructions
Requirements
- After choosing your Project Topic, conduct a comprehensive literature review (or business understanding according to CRISP-DM) of the problem being addressed. This will support the initial phase, providing key insights that will influence how you build your model(s) and the inputs you will identify as most influential. The outcome must be a thorough understanding from the business perspective providing you with keen insights going forward.
- Using the CRISP-DM and Bui (2020) textbooks as guidelines, submit a business understanding paper outlining the problem or issue you wish to address. This assignment must be at least 5 pages and include at least 8 scholarly sources other than the course textbooks. The work done in your idea summary must be able to contribute to this effort, although you are not to simply cut and paste that work.
- Use current APA style guidelines.
- Follow the CRISP-DM framework (helpful with establishing the paper sections, steps, issues to address, etc.).
- Remember your audience and write accordingly.
Primary References
CRISP-DM 1.0. (1999). Retrieved from https://www.the-modeling-agency.com/crisp-dm.pdf.
Bui, Y. N. (2020). How to Write a Master’s Thesis (3rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications. ISBN: 9781506336091
Sample Secondary References
This effort must reflect a keen understanding of the issues as well as the identification of adequate data necessary for the DM process (representative of the CRISP-DM model shown above). Sources of data can be found in many places, including those identified in handout materials and the DM textbook/DVD. If you are seeking to address an issue at work, you may also be able to obtain information from lines of business within your organization.
| Domain data | Internet |
| Public data sites | Work-related SMEs |
| Textbook and DVD tutorials | Work-related data |
| Journal articles |
If using work-related data, check with your appropriate management to determine if it is proper to use company data.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
