Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making

Author:
Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia

Publisher:
NEYA Global Publishing

Year:
2025

DOI:
10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025
https://doi.org/10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025

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About the Book

Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making is a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding and applying big data analytics in both business and non-profit contexts. As organizations generate and process unprecedented volumes of information, the ability to turn raw data into actionable insights has become a defining factor in achieving efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage.

The book introduces the five V’s of big data—volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value—and explains how each affects data strategy and decision-making. It covers the fundamentals of data collection, integration, and quality assurance for both structured and unstructured data, as well as the analytical techniques that transform data into meaningful knowledge: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of data visualization for communicating insights effectively.

Through case studies and real-world applications, readers learn how big data can improve customer understanding, enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks, and guide strategic planning. The text is tailored to meet the needs of organizations in developing and low-resource environments, offering solutions for overcoming challenges such as limited technical expertise, funding constraints, and inadequate infrastructure. Ethical considerations, data privacy, and responsible governance are addressed to ensure that big data practices remain accountable and sustainable.

With detailed guidance on tools and technologies—including Hadoop, Spark, SQL, and NoSQL—the book also explores emerging trends such as AI integration, real-time analytics, and sustainable data management. It is designed to help leaders, analysts, and practitioners not only understand big data but also embed data-driven decision-making into their organizational culture.

Key Topics

The five V’s of big data: volume, velocity, variety, veracity, value
Data collection methods for structured and unstructured data
Data quality, governance, and ethical considerations
Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
Data visualization techniques for decision-making
Big data tools and platforms: Hadoop, Spark, SQL, NoSQL
Real-world applications in business and non-profits
Strategies for overcoming resource and skill limitations
AI and machine learning integration in analytics
Building a data-driven culture and infrastructure

Academic Value

This book serves as both a foundational text and a practical manual for professionals, students, and researchers. It bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world application, making it a valuable resource for those aiming to apply big data analytics to strategic decision-making in diverse organizational settings.

Citation Formats

APA
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025

MLA
Kazanskaia, Anna Neya. Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making. NEYA Global Publishing, 2025. https://doi.org/10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025

Chicago (Author–Date)
Kazanskaia, Anna Neya. 2025. Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025

Harvard
Kazanskaia, A. N., 2025. Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making. NEYA Global Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025

IEEE
A. N. Kazanskaia, Harnessing Big Data: Insights for Better Decision Making. NEYA Global Publishing, 2025. doi: 10.64357/harnessing-big-data-2025

References

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https://doi.org/10.64357/sdg-tech-2025

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About the Author

Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia is an internationally recognized strategist, educator, and author with deep expertise in non-profit development, philanthropy, and social impact. As founder of NEYA Global and NEYA Global Publishing, she has authored a 100-book charity library dedicated to equipping leaders, practitioners, and communities with practical tools for lasting change. Her academic background spans philosophy, law, and technology in education and management, shaping her mission to make knowledge accessible and actionable worldwide.