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Drowning in Data
21/3/01



Cranfield School of Management has set out to address the problems inherent in the area of data overload in its forthcoming one day conference on the 22nd March. Along with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting), the school has formulated a new method of data use and performance measurement, designed specifically to combat data overload.

As Cranfield has identified, in the quest for knowledge, it is easy to end up measuring everything but learning little. Retailers, for example, collect enormous amounts of customer data from a variety of sources. But what are they doing with it? Is it meaningful and do they analyse it to leverage advantage, competitively or otherwise?

This new approach to data involves:


  • Stakeholder satisfaction - who are they and what are their wants and needs?
  • Strategies - what strategies are in place to satisfy the key stakeholders and their wants and needs?
  • Processes - which processes are critical to enable us to execute the appropriate strategies?
  • Capabilities - what do we need to operate and enhance the processes identified?
  • Stakeholder contribution - what contributions are required from stakeholders to ensure that the capabilities are maintained and developed?


The day will attempt to outline how this can allow for the effective translation of data to information, enabling decision-makers to augment their analysis of a situation. To help with the explanation, Cranfield have drafted in an experienced team to share insights and learning, including:
  • Andy Neely, Prof. Operations Strategy and Performance, Cranfield School of Management.
  • David Jacques, Information Systems Manager, Autoglass.
  • Mark Watkins, Senior Director Organisational performance, Bank of Scotland.
  • Trisha Jones, HR Director, W F Electrical plc.
  • Andrew Coleman, Group Accountant, Tesco.
  • Rob Noble, Managing Director, Europebeenz.com.
  • Mike Bourne, Lecturer in Performance Measurement, Cranfield School of Management.
For further information, visit the cranfield.ac.uk website.