4 Facts on COVID-19 and Business Data Analytics
The Increased Demand for Business Data Analytics Skills During the Pandemic
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Digital transformation is critical to business longevity. The COVID-19 pandemic made this clearer than ever. As a result of the global health crisis, the demand for and usage of Business Data Analytics has never been higher.
1. Almost 50% of Data Pros Say Analytics Have Taken on New Importance
In 2020, Sisense conducted a survey that included 500 data professionals in the U.S. They were asked about how their use of data analytics was affected by the COVID-19 crisis. “Forty-nine percent of those surveyed said analytics were more or much more important than ever,” explained the 2020 State of BI & Analytics Report by Sisense.
2. The Use of Business Data Analytics is On the Rise
There’s no doubt that the use of business data analytics is on the rise in 2021. But why? This is primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it drove and is driving digital transformation.
“The pandemic is a reality check for businesses that have been reluctant to embrace digital transformation and now find themselves woefully unprepared,” explained BDO U.S. “...digital laggards are now scrambling to migrate their operations and workforce to a virtual environment. While fast and furious is the name of the game when it comes to digital innovation, fast and frantic can lead to mistakes.”
A business data analyst can help ensure organizations don’t make costly mistakes when quickly implementing new technologies. One way they accomplish this is by predicting future business outcomes with data that was gathered before the pandemic.
Keep Learning: How Business Analysts Handle Big Data
3. Data Analysts Predict Future Outcomes with Pre-Pandemic Data
There are a variety of ways business data analysts are leveraging data to benefit organizations as the pandemic plays out. One is by predicting business outcomes with past data rather than merely reacting to the current crisis. For example, Sisense said that 45 percent of companies are currently using pre-pandemic data to predict future outcomes in their response to the pandemic.
The University of Washington pointed out that McKinsey & Company discovered that analysts and other professionals could use data that existed before the coronavirus pandemic developed to offer their clients much-needed insights. However, the company should add “its own human parameters and assumptions to (the data) afterwards,” stated U of W.
Curious about how to transform data into insight? Check this out.
Business Analysts Should Establish Themselves as Data Experts
Almost 70 percent of C-suite executives are making it a point to invest in more technology during the current pandemic, per CMS Wire. As a result, business data analytics skills are in high demand. If business analysis professionals want to remain in-demand themselves, they should become established as data analysis experts.
By earning IIBA’s Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA®- CBDA), business analysis professionals can inform employers of their passion for and competencies in performing business analysis on analytics initiatives during the pandemic and beyond. The certification helps organizations identify skilled business data analytics professionals who can help them navigate digital disruptions and new trends in digital transformation.
By earning IIBA’s Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA®- CBDA), business analysis professionals can inform employers of their passion for and competencies in performing business analysis on analytics initiatives during the pandemic and beyond. The certification helps organizations identify skilled business data analytics professionals who can help them navigate digital disruptions and new trends in digital transformation.
Explore IIBA’s Guide to Business Data Analytics for a deeper understanding of Business Data Analytics concepts and save up to $175 off CBDA exams only available for a limited time!*
*Terms & Conditions: The discounted exam fee offer is applicable when you purchase the IIBA®-CBDA exam between March 25 to July 31, 2021 and applies to the IIBA®-CBDA exam and the IIBA®-CBDA exam rewrite fee. Note: the exam cannot be taken the same day as the exam fee purchase.
About The Author:
Isabel Feher-Watters is the Certification Programs Manager at IIBA® and has 20+ years' experience building talent and leadership in the workplace through learning, certification, and credentialing programs and practices. She holds a professional certification as a Certified Association Executive (CAE®), Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)™, and a Change Management Registered Practitioner (CMRP®). Isabel is passionate about learning and professional development in the Business Analysis community.