Turning Data into Better Decision Making: Asking Questions, Collecting and Analyzing Data in a Personal Analytics Project

In this project, students asked and attempted to answer questions about themselves by collecting and analyzing data. With the prevalence of big data and business analytics, managers have data and quantitative information available more immediately than ever. However, managers need to understand how to use this information. In this project, students developed questions in an area of their choice such as fitness, health, or academics. For 8 weeks students then collected data that was designed to answer these questions. Finally, students applied descriptive analytics, regression, and data visualization techniques to answer their posed questions. Students have been positive about the assignment, and we share lessons learned from both the students and the faculty.