Research Paper: 1, 2 and 3

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LaMarD.BrownExampleReadingReflectionsJournalChapters1-3.docx

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Dr. LaMar D. Brown PhD, MBA

Executive MSIT

University of the Cumberlands

Course: 2019-SPR-IG-ITS530-21: 2019_SPR_IG_Analyzing and Visualizing Data_21

Chapter Readings Reflections Journal

Chapter 1: Defining Data Visualization

Summary

In Chapter 1, the author Mr. Kirk describes about the concept of Data Visualization. Data visualization was defined as the visual analysis and communication of data. The chapter also included the historical background survey definition of data visualization by various other authors.

Also, in the book was a set of fascinating recipes that of the components in that involve in the definition. The type of data that is required to be visually analyzed is important before it is being subjected to further processing before visualization.

Mr. Kirk also emphasized the significance of the art and science of making data analysis a fun filled technical and an analytical reading that encourages the use of human perception to make decisions in assistance of visual treats that come in the form of graphs, pie charts among others. The science of data visualization is defined with the implication of truth, evidence and rules that govern the process of visualizing a set of data that can be quintessential in determining the path of an enterprise or an organization.

Highlights:

Upon reading the chapter 1 in this book that was in depth into data visualization, I was able to grasp essential technical and analytical definitions and can say they are quiet telling in terms of the importance on the concept and visual representation of the definitions. The use of some of the citations was a key indicator that data visualization can be defined in various ways and can assist in technical improvements if used in way that is beneficial to all parties.

Ideas and thoughts:

The chapter was a thorough analysis of the concept. However, I was also keen on looking for live examples of visual tools or results of analysis inculcated in this defining place of the book. The big positive is the use of the concept of science and art that can be implemented in the day to day activities to introduce data visualization in any area and can help in making decisions that can set a trend for the growth of an organization. In terms of the course, it was a great read to write this review journal and can hopefully add a firm base to the things to come.

Application:

The concept of data visualization can be implemented in my current work environment. As an IT personnel, I deal with the network infrastructure and constantly come across large chunk of data that will need to be analyzed for its usage stats, bandwidth, performance and benefits of choosing the hardware or software accordingly. To best impact this, the monitoring tools such a s NetFlow helps us in verifying bandwidth over utilization or underutilization to perform a set of tasks before troubleshooting any related issues. Now, the concept of data visualization can be implemented here to introduce business analysis visualization tools such as Tableau to measure the weekly, bi-weekly, monthly statistics to make decisions. The visual analysis shows the decision maker to stick to the current bandwidth, hardware etc. or upgrade as necessary.

Chapter 2: Visualization Workflow

Summary

In chapter, Mr. Kirk explains about the workflow and path of visually analyzing data, the visualization workflow is a key concept in implementing a data visualization tool in an enterprise and the chapter benefits the reader with typical representations of the concept in mutual combination of theoretical definitions. The conceptual workflow involves around the decision forensics, assessment of the current workflow and a final analysis of potential problems.

The decision forensics speaks about sample visualization and forensically decipher the designs and pattern of data and deconstruct a puzzle to get to the root of the theme under consideration. The tactics involved is explained and the need to find hidden contexts and behind the scenes data is important. The stage of current workflow talks of the existing setup. Advantages, disadvantages, need to improve and the benefits of improved visualization analysis.

Highlights:

the author emphasizes an activity involving brainstorming the reader to perform data gathering, ideas to implement a project plan with the manager at an enterprise and to learn the underlying concept of data visualization. This provided a learning opportunity to the reader to engage in the book and analyze their situation based on this concept.

Ideas and thoughts:

The author presents us a unique way of representing data visualization through workflow models that can highly impact the decision maker to choose a path that can be totally different to the existing setup.

Upon reading the chapter 2, I was able to gather info about the use of data gathering and arrangement before processing. A quick thought on this provided the possibility of segregating data beforehand in order make the process smooth and to eliminate unusable data. This can save a lot of time and money when the size of data is large. A further benefit was to improvise the existing setup by going through the existing setup and acquire hidden data. However, this needs to be done without unintended downtime and loss to an organization.

Application:

The workflow can be implemented in my current personal space while assessing the amount of data stored in my emails coming from credit card transactions. Upon logging into my credit card activity statement, I can filter thrones that are needed. This can help benefit me to keep track of the required ones and delete the rest of junk. Nowadays, since this is visually available through graphs, it makes life easier to organize the data before acting.

Meanwhile, in an enterprise, the importance of workflow cannot be emphasized enough. The need to gather historical data is quintessential in terms of auditing and cost analysis. The most important part is the effect this has in future decision-making processes.

The next application is to perform thorough research on the hidden data that can go missing but can have a significant impact on the outcome of a project. For example, if the data usage over a weekend is not captured as it was a long weekend, it affects the next part of the report and can mislead a user to perform wrong analysis.

Chapter 3: Formulaing Your Brief

Summary

In Chapter 3, the author brings a fascinating idea of Formulation of your thoughts in brief and to analyze the context that revolves around the curiosity ad the purpose and eventually concluding with ideas and maps that define the purpose of doing the activity.

The author begins with his fascination of movies – what makes a big movie, the cast involved, technical aspects, background score, set and the need to entertain the audience in a visually pleasing way. Key decisions are to be made for each of these to make it a blockbuster.

Highlights:

The key highlights on the chapter in terms of the activity was the representation of circumstances involved around a big movie – stakeholders and audience; the constraints; consumables – frequency and setting to inculcate the rest; delivery – importance of time and format and the major part was the required resources. All these required skilled labors to assess the data and provide suitable suggestions to bring a visual spectacle to the screens.

Ideas and thoughts:

The key ideas and thoughts while reading the chapter was the unique way of analysis of the author to bring about his point of view.

In conjunction to the above points, the vision was clear through the purpose maps and ideas. The purpose was to present in a way that is appealing through caption, overlays, dialogues and balancing it with values and logic. The lollipop maps provide a key mental visualization analysis. I find that if this can be used elsewhere, it can benefit organizations to make quarterly decisions.

Application:

The concept can be applied and understood when we read the influence and inspiration of visualization explained in the chapter. The author of such vast knowledge gets inspiration and writes books, and we as readers can make use of the quantitative and qualitative variables and can implement it in our daily activities.

The overall concept of delving deep into a plan and to research the key factors and to analyses situations that stimulate the process can be crucial in determining the type of decisions that can be undertaken.

In our workplace, a lot of work goes through tiers and hierarchical models and requires analysis at each stage. The concept of formulating a brief can make sure the owners can keep track Nd govern the activities in suitable fashion that can steer the growth of the organization.

Reference:

Kirk, A. (2016). Data Visualization: A Handbook for Data Driven Design. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-4739-1214-4