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Meh, in the real world, the boundaries aren't so clear. In most organizations, data science or analytics will likely play all these Potemkin-ish roles to varyi
by tharne 5y ago
Meh, in the real world, the boundaries aren't so clear.
In most organizations, data science or analytics will likely play all these Potemkin-ish roles to varying degrees, while also adding real value to the business.
Sure, you may do some "decision laundering" for an executive, but that executive may then go on to help champion data science and develop a data-driven culture because by doing him or her a solid every now and again, you build a relationship. Favor trading may seem dirty or impure to a lot people, but it's also how a lot of great work gets done.
And sure, your org will likely use data science as marketing with a healthy does of McKinsey-inspired corporate BS thrown in. This does not and generally will not preclude the organization from also using data science productively and appropriately.
Anyone who thinks you can rise above petty politics to do some sort of "pure" data science is going to find themselves, frustrated, ineffective and burnt out.
- konschubert 5y ago> but that executive may then go on to help champion data science and develop a data-driven culture That's not an end in itself, though, is it?
- SQueeeeeL 5y agoYeah, financial consulting firms basically played this game for a long time; but they know the game, always give a report that satisfies the person who brought you in. Luckily most "data scientists" also learn pretty quick who butters their bread and 'correct' their results accordingly. Those who aren't 'team players' tend to not get brought into meetings with the higher ups, and eventually move onto real jobs.
- slt2021 5y agothis doesn't sound like science, or data science. sounds more like consluting services
- SQueeeeeL 5y agoDid you read the article? This was essentially it's point about most corporate DS operations. Science is boring and takes a long time, but building a regression model on an excel sheet is easy and doesn't burn too many brain cells