Enterprise Analytics: Optimize Performance, Process, and Decisions Through Big Data

14. Building a Global Analytical Capability

Thomas H. Davenport

Analytics are being used successfully by companies around the globe to reduce risk, uncover new growth opportunities, and make existing business lines more efficient and profitable. Although the use of analytics is expanding, in most multinational companies there is little coordination of the organization’s analytical initiatives. Substantial geographic variation in analytical approaches occurs within the same company. Some impressive analytical work takes place at corporate headquarters, and little goes on outside the home country—and sometimes vice versa. Teams typically operate independently within countries, business units, and functional areas, based on local conditions and ...