The Talent Equation: Big Data Lessons for Navigating the Skills Gap and Building a Competitive Workforce

Introduction: Big Data and HR

Big data is a big differentiator. Every day, according to IBM, the world creates 2.5 quintillion bytes of data. For the record, quintillion has 18 zeros. IBM contends that 90 percent of the data published today has been created in the last two years alone. Much of that data can be used to make smarter, faster and higher-yielding business decisions.¹

Large companies are undoubtedly familiar with the applications of big data, but until recently the focus has been primarily on the consumer end. Every click of our mouse and swipe of our credit card leaves behind a trail of data, and companies are racing to collect it, store it, and learn from it. As a result, segmenting consumer behavior first through sales receipts ...