Fundamentals of Big Data and Business Analytics Assignment

June 2022 Examination

Question 1a

Answer 1a:

INTRODUCTION

Big data refers to structured and unstructured massive, difficult-to-manage data volumes
that overload companies on a daily basis. More precisely, big data is the type of data sets which
are complex and too huge on which traditional data processing application can’t handle.

Why businesses even require Big data analytics and its management?

 Huge unstructured data like videos and image forms is generating daily.
 It helps to predict market trends and future needs can be predicted.

 It can help in target the correct customers

CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

Big data is a new technology paradigm for data that is produced at a high volume, rate and
variety.

 Some Examples where businesses uses Big Data:

 Social Networking (Merchant Review Big Data Data Analysis and User
behavior Analytics – Majorly useful to E-commerce/retail businesses)

 Social Media Analytics: It would be difficult for small businesses to analyze their
review data as the data is too large and unstructured.
 Large data sets in popular social media sites which can be considered as big data and can
be analyzed by different analytical tools.
  Use to Target client and future predictions. Extract valuable insides of client as what
he might require and when? Can used to target client and predict future demand.
 Real-time Interaction with reasonable pricing
 This all can increase sales of the company’s products exponentially can able to
market the product efficiently.

For Example: The Facebook ad feature is a sophisticated analytical tool that analyses user
behaviour on various e-commerce websites and targets them with contextual adverts that may
entice them to buy.

 Detecting Financial Fraudulent and Other urgent Activities using

Streaming Analytics (Majorly helpful to Healthcare businesses

and Financial Industry)

Streaming analytics is continuously extracting useful information from the streaming data. It has
great potential in various industries.

 Streaming Analytics Embedded in sensors can interpret and monitor patient behavioural
changes and physiological changes.
 Alters can be given to caretakers in case of any urgency.
 In financial Industry where electronic transaction needs to be monitored under financial
regulations and immediate action is required in the events of suspicious and fraudulent
financial activities.
 In general Big can be useful in follows in detecting frauds:
o Leverage data to detect suspicious activities
o Recognizing them in advance.

For Example: In insurance industry that receives lot of claims and when needs to disburse the
claim. In such case the industry can access data gained from different sources like records, social
media and criminal record. If any suspicious case found the claim can be rejected as it can be
fraud.
  What Kind of Infrastructure is needed to Store and Maintain Big

Data?

Big data is the huge repository of data which is having the following characteristics like
capabilities of data processing (MapReduce), handles large amount of data etc. Some of the
infra needed to cater such characteristics are:

 Managing Big data: In terms of volume, workloads hardware design can be set. Higher
RAM, HDD and CPU Speed would be required.
 Primary infrastructure is the computer or (VM) with relevant storage and RAM
available to cater infrastructure software like Hadoop.
 Hadoop an open source Big data Management software used to manage, distribute,
catalogue and query data across horizontally scaled multiple users.
 HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System) is used as file storage system to handle
trillion bytes of parallel data.
 Storing Big Data: Generally HDFS is been used as storing partner and is scalable,
widely accessible, tied and backward compatible, supports cloud.
 Handling Big Data: Apache Hadoop library plays a crucial role in managing. In-build
features at the application layer of hadoop Yarn, MapReduce, HDFS, OS level etc. helps
in handling big data.
Question 1b

Answer 1b:

INTRODUCTION

Generally for business Big Data is used in the decision-making process to uncover useful
insights from the raw data.

Cloud computing It is the on-demand access to computing resources including data storage,
servers (virtual and physical), applications, networking capabilities, development tools etc.

Leveraging Cloud:

Cloud computing allows businesses to take use of highly available cloud infrastructure without
ignoring the underlying physical infrastructure.

Cloud analytics and solutions:

Cloud analytics is the process of using analytic algorithms in the cloud to analyze data in a
public cloud or private and then delivering a desired result.

CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

Cloud computing has aided the evolution of big data by providing networking, computational,
and storage capacity. It has improved accessibility, data security, parallel processing,
scalability, resource virtualization, and data storage integration and has reduced the costs
of infrastructure such as hardware, buildings, utilities, and the construction of big data
centers.

 How are Cloud Platforms for Growth of Big Data?

Big data and cloud computing are closely linked. Cloud computing generally focuses on elastic,
on-demand, scalable, and pay-per-use self-service models, whereas big data is more about
extracting data.

 Cloud computing delivers elastic on-demand integrated computer needed resources,

storage, and processing capability to analyze large data.
  Cloud computing can leverage big data to save and process data in the cloud.
 For continuous data management, the cloud provides on-demand services and
resources.
 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a
service (SaaS) are the generally used models for big data analytics.
 Analytics as a service (AaaS) and Cloud analytics can be done on demand using cloud
rather than traditional way of analyzing on-premises data which is time consuming.
 By Virtualization it Saves time efforts and Cost: Virtualization is the process of turning
storage, virtual desktop, server’s operating system, and network resource into a virtual
representation.
 Virtualized big data applications like Hadoop offer advantages that physical infrastructure
cannot match in terms of resource usage, cost, and data management.

 How companies leverage cloud to build a efficient analytical

solution:

Analytics-related concerns such as processing, data collection and storage are becoming
increasingly important in system design.
  Business Planning (Peak Demand Analysis): period when demand for
your company's products or services peaks dramatically then Cloud
infrastructure may assist plan and scale business.
 Upgrade Business Processing and Resource Planning Powers With
Cloud Computing Infrastructure (Business Process Re-Engineering):
For medium-sized organization, cloud infrastructure can also help
compete for access to today's most powerful enterprise software over
SaaS.
 Data Mining, farming and Warehouses: Companies can leverage using
Data warehousing which is the process of combining data and organizing
into a single database, whereas data mining is the process of extracting
significant information from databases.
 Disaster Recovery and Cost-Effective Data Protection: Without
investing more in their in-house infrastructure, companies able to back up
crucial data to the cloud.
 As shortcut for Big Data Analytics And Processing (Competitive
Advantage and its Analysis)

CONCLUSION
So, this can be concluded that, Cloud computing has the potentially revolutionize the entire
big data system. So, all these cloud features help grow big data in its journey just by providing
the relevant infrastructure.
Question 2 a

Answer 2 a:

INTRODUCTION

Digital payments are becoming more prevalent while usage of cash is falling. Digital products
such as electronic wallet, payment applications and purchase now pay later and account-to-
account (A2A) payments are gaining popularity.

Mobile Wallets like PayTM, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay have become the forerunners of
digital payment Industry.

What is Mobile Analytics?

It entails monitoring and analyzing data generated by mobile platforms, apps and mobile
sites. The analytics solution can allows measure, track and analyze how your mobile users
interact with mobile apps and sites.

Why Mobile Analytics even required?

Purpose is to keep customers engaged, track sales, analyze the preference of visit, track web-
links visited by user, m-commerce activities and analyze screen flow.

CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

How it is useful for the Growth of Mobile Payments?

 Track New and Active users and their Percentage: Able to attract new users thus
growth of the app users also tells the periodic popularity/traffic of the app service during
the day by tracking active users and its Percentage.
 Ensure an efficient pricing and services offering: by tracking and analyzing user’s data
efficient pricing can be kept by mobile service providers and their offerings.
 Provide better personalized services and customer monitoring: Payment options
grown by doing the UPI payments after long monitoring of customer experience.
  Adding to customer experience by digital payments companies can customize the
services that they offer.
 Unlock opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling: target customer can be notified
at right time when they are looking for a payment option to a retailer.
 Optimize their marketing outreach by reaching out to the right customer.
 Enhanced with data led insights these can be done by analyzing following factors:
o Session of Usage and Average usage duration: Tells when an app is
Opened; session is counted as one and its average
o User retention and Bounce Rate: users still using the app after a certain
period of time are called user retention which can be noted down using
mobile analytics.

 Some metrics which can be tracked to check the status of digital

payment evolution:

Some of the fundamental task of mobile analytics tool is to collect data, capture it and help to
generate reports that can be meaningful to business.

 Tracking of User Behaviour of Digital Payment app:

User behaviour tracking is a piece of software that monitors how users interact with a mobile
application. Digital Payment companies used these behaviour reports to improve their services
and applications. These useful insights was used to add features as per user requirements,
the useful insights are:

o Viewed screens during a session

o In a single session, the number of screens viewed
o If user is experiencing technical difficulties.
o The number of times a person uses a payment app.
  Tracking of payment app user by Real-time Analytics:

With the increase in the popularity of mobile phones and mobile Web, business organisations
want to know more about the behavior of the user. Real-time analytics tools refer to software
tools that analyse and report data in real time.

The following are some real-time analytics tools:

Mixpanel: is a web-based and cross-platform solution. It's a business analytics solution that
keeps track of how users engage with mobile web apps.

Geckoboard: It is a real-time dashboard that can report, collect, display and share data that is
important for business in real time.
Question 2 b

Answer 2 b:

INTRODUCTION

The future of digital payments lies in significantly securing and simplifying the user
experience while growing acceptance in 2 and 3 tier cities. Mobile wallets are useful, but they
still need the user to be able to understand the technicality involved using smart-phone and
take payment action digitally.

Why there is Need of enhancement of Digital Payments in Tier 2 or 3 cities?

 Overcome Theft of Cash and Tax Evasion

 Control printing of fake currency
 Secure, convenient and fast payment solution
 Verification of Money's Source
 Accountability of payment done

Business analytics can be used to increase reach of digital payments. It is the process through
which companies analyze data using technological and statistical methods in order to improve
strategic decision-making and obtain insights.

Defining Some Analytics Solution which can be used to enhance reach of

digital payments in small cities:

 Descriptive Analytics Solution: It is the type of analyzed based on historical data

utilizing two essential methodologies to find patterns and trends: data mining and data
aggregation. Visual data representations such as line, bar, and pie charts are drawn and
they provide valuable insights and easily understood by anyone on their own.
  Predictive Analytics Solution: It employs probability to generate predictions
about what may occur in the future. It uses data mining and additionally it also
incorporates machine learning and statistical modeling techniques to predict future
events based on historical data.

 Prescriptive Analytics Solution: It shows them the optimum alternative from the
raw result. It uses a number of statistical, mathematical methodologies and also draws
significance on computer science. It closely connected to both predictive and descriptive
analytics, but focuses on actionable insights more rather than data monitoring.

The most relevant and possible analytical solution which can enhance reach of digital
payments within tier 2-3 cities is “Prescriptive Analytical Solution”. Let’s explain why and
how it can be useful.

CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

 Some Reasons why such Analytical Solutions is Useful for

enhancing digital Payments:
 Prescriptive analytics can evaluate latest data continuously and automatically and to
provide better choice options and enhance forecast accuracy.
 Helps in Identifying right Customer at right time to offer Mobile wallets: Due to
real-time customer information, companies can make focus on potential digital savvy
customers and notify them at right time use their wallets.
 Helps Retaining wallet customers and speed up need of future payments: By
monitoring mobile wallet usage and focus on those who are likely to churn and design
encouraging complain to get their attention back. It helps to focus on future requirements.

 Any companies that wants to implement major marketing strategy like Google Pay,
PayTM UPI needs to penetrate their reach can use predictive analytics.

 Helps in Decision Making: Prescriptive analytics can help corporate account units
improve their ability to make decisions that support external strategy and internal
excellence.
  Helps focuses on specific areas lacking: Prescriptive analytics can also give companies
an advantage by allowing them to forecast and make judgments in a few key areas.

CONCLUSION
So, this can be concluded that, Digital payments is very important for growth of nation and has
the potentially revolutionize payments altogether. So, such possible analytical solutions of
mobile analytics mentioned and explained above can be used to accelerate the growth of
digital payments in tier 2-3 cities.

Question 3 a

Answer 3 a:

INTRODUCTION

Data analysts can use business intelligence (BI) and business analytics (BA) both to assist
businesses make better and data-driven decisions and process its data.

Business intelligence (BI): Companies uses business intelligence (BI) as technology and
systems to share and visualise operational business data. BI can reveal trends and patterns in data
that would otherwise be hidden.

Business analytics (BA): It is the application of historical business data and statistical
models to better forecast why things happen in a company. It includes technologies for solving
business problems using statistical models, data analysis and other quantitative methods.
 Comparison Business Intelligence (BI) Business Analytics (BA)
Factors

Purpose Uses historical data to determine what Uses such data to determine
happened in company why actually those things
happened

Analysis Provides descriptive analysis of data Provides predictive analysis of

type data

Tools BI tools are less advanced than BA More mathematically advanced

Methods Dashboards, Scorecards, Data mining,

Reporting(Metrics/KPIs) Automated Statistical/Quantitative Analysis,
Altering/Monitoring Machine learning
Usage Used to understand how past business Used to determine data why
operations and processes affect Key processes affected the KPIs in
Performance Indicators (KPIs) such way and help build models.
Users and Business users use this and knowledge Business analytics, Data

Knowledge generation is done manually. Scientists, IT business users use

this and automatic knowledge
generation
generation

CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

In e-commerce, supply chain management focuses on obtaining manufacturing, raw

materials, and distributing the correct product at the right time.

 How BA/BI can they help optimize supply chain of an e-commerce

business venture, let’s find out?

 Future demand and pricing forecasting like material, supplies, fuel and different
components affecting cost to guarantee proper supply.
  Illuminate plant schedules, truck routes, stock levels, and other supply chain
components by using prescriptive analytics to
 Visibility to External Data: data collected from e-commerce system shopper provides
early signs of promotional response, interest, and competition threats.
 Contextual Data Sourcing: Tightly linked cloud applications provide a superior
foundation for comprehensive supply chain BI, as well as reduced time lag.
 Understanding past demand examples of product - via supply chain channels, as well
as forecasting future test questions.

 Possible Outcomes of BA and BI to Enable Supply Chain business

Objectives:
Let’s assume a use case of e-commerce Company named ABC Inc . which wants
to reduce its delivery time and track other supply chain related activities. (Example Image as
Follows):

 Track customer order cycle: It is the time between receiving an order

and delivery is referred.
 Smarter logistics: lure customers and supplier by satisfying its needs
related to product irrespective of location.
 Track cash to cycle time, which is the time between and receiving
payment for sales it’s purchasing.
  Keep track of ABC inc. days of supply, which is the amount of Time
Company can go without reordering or refilling.
 Track overdue payments- This is how company can keep track of when
customers pay.
 Keep track of turnover to see how well company can convert working
capital invested in inventory into earnings.
 Track inventory velocity to find out which items are underperforming
and which best sellers are.
 Keep track of your gross ROI (return on investment), which is the total
earnings gained from your inventory purchases.

CONCLUSION
So, this can be concluded that such possible properties and outcomes of BI/BA can leverage e-
commerce industries very positively and hence is the reason of their growth. Their supply chain
management can be easily and smartly handled using BA/BI tools and techniques.

Question 3 b

Answer 3 b:

INTRODUCTION

The primary work of transportation and Logistics businesses is to plan, supervises, and
manages the supply chain of another company. They work generally during storage, transport,
and procurement/distribution process.

In transportation and Logistics Businesses, Analytics can be used to

benchmarking operations, validating data, finding anomalies, enabling for mobile reporting and
finding insight into global logistics etc.

Supply chain management focuses on obtaining manufacturing, raw materials, and

distributing the correct product at the right time. A highly effective supply chain management
system is required for companies operating in a highly competitive global marketplace.
Why Analytics Required in Supply Chain:
Ineffective planning, Shipment delays, and uneven supplies can all increase a company's supply
chain costs. The following are some of the difficulties that transport Company’s face:
o Numerous logistics methods and Global supply chain visibility
o Demand volatility management
o Cost fluctuations in a supply chain

CONCEPT AND APPLICATION

The information gathered using analytics by companies by capturing changeable client demand,
external circumstances, and the activities of the partners is beneficial and enhance operational
efficiency. Let’s find out how Analytics can be useful to maintain Demand-Supply Balance
Ongoing and Some Methodologies to optimize it.
 Inventory management to control client demand : As a result of globalization
demand volatility has increased.
For Example: to compete better in the market retailers, transport industries require daily
or real-time forecasting. Advanced supply chain analytics can be used to more precisely
describe and monitor supply and estimate demand accordingly. It's also used to arrange
service and goods inventory flows.

 Smarter logistics: It can lure customers and supplier by satisfying its needs related to
product irrespective of location. Because clients are located all over the world and in
order to stay competitive in business multiple touch points like powerful analytics-
driven 'control metrics' allow real-time monitoring of essential events and key
performance indicators (KPIs).

 Cost reduction through improved logistics and sourcing: Logistics,

Materials, and sourcing are the primary areas where analytics-driven insight can help
reduce costs.
 Mix of Prescriptive analytics tools: combination of numerical models,
requirements, business rules, historical data, factors, and machine learning computations
to improve supply chain operations.

 Some Analytical Methodologies to Optimize Supply Chain:

 Tracking of products by Real-time Analytics (Finished Inventory

Analytics): With the rise in popularity of mobile phones Real-time analytics software
is software that analyses and reports data in real time while supply or delivering products.
 A location-based tracking tools (Transportation Analytics) stores
information about the location of mobile devices (or the location of user). These tools are
software applications for mobile devices, and they continuously monitor the location of
the devices. GPS Tracking, Geologi , Placed are some location tracking tools/apps.
 PESTLE Analysis can be done for analyzing external factors of Supply Chain:
Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental (PESTLE)
analysis can be done so that possibilities or challenges to company making it a very
strong business analysis tool or technique.
 Analysis of SWOT: Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats are abbreviated as
S.W.O.T. Done by People in the firm that have varied mindsets and viewpoints in order
to access and react to a changing environment.
  Analyze the System: System analysis is a systematic problem-solving process for
gathering and evaluating data, identifying system flaws, identifying business challenges,
and breaking the system down into smaller sections.

CONCLUSION
So, this can be concluded that use of such properties and outcomes of analytics can leverage
transport and logistics industries effectively and hence able to support its supply chain
operations. Using mentioned Analytical Methodologies supply chain management can be
easily and efficiently handled.

References and Image Links:

https://www.code-n.org/wp-content/uploads/archive/2013/12/
BIgDataProcess.png

https://www.splunk.com/content/dam/splunk2/images/data-insider/cloud-
analytics/di-cloud-analytics-image1.svg

https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BS.png

https://appinventiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2021/12/warehouse-order-
performance-2.png

https://www.slideteam.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1280x720/k/e/
key_applications_of_digital_supply_chain_analytics_slide01.jpg