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Data mining can be defined as the process of selection, exploration and modelling of large databases, in order to discover models and patterns. The increasing availability of data in the current information society has led to the need for valid tools for its modelling and analysis. Data mining and applied statistical methods are the appropriate tools to extract such knowledge from data. Applications occur in many different fields, including statistics, computer science, machine learning, economics, marketing and finance. This book is the first to describe applied data mining methods in a consistent statistical framework, and then show how they can be applied in practice. All the methods described are either computational, or of a statistical modelling nature. Complex probabilistic models and mathematical tools are not used, so the book is accessible to a wide audience of students and industry professionals. The second half of the book consists of nine case studies, taken from the author's own work in industry, that demonstrate how the methods described can be applied to real problems. Provides a solid introduction to applied data mining methods in a consistent statistical framework Includes coverage of classical, multivariate and Bayesian statistical methodology Includes many recent developments such as web mining, sequential Bayesian analysis and memory based reasoning Each statistical method described is illustrated with real life applications Features a number of detailed case studies based on applied projects within industry Incorporates discussion on software used in data mining, with particular emphasis on SAS Supported by a website featuring data sets, software and additional material Includes an extensive bibliography and pointers to further reading within the text Author has many years experience teaching introductory and multivariate statistics and data mining, and working on applied projects within industry A valuable resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of applied statistics, data mining, computer science and economics, as well as for professionals working in industry on projects involving large volumes of data – such as in marketing or financial risk management.

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The purpose of this book is to provide a practical approach for IT professionals to acquire the necessary knowledge and expertise in data modeling to function effectively. It begins with an overview of basic data modeling concepts, introduces the methods and techniques, provides a comprehensive case study to present the details of the data model components, covers the implementation of the data model with emphasis on quality components, and concludes with a presentation of a realistic approach to data modeling. It clearly describes how a generic data model is created to represent truly the enterprise information requirements.

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Turn unstructured data into valuable business insight Unstructured Data Analytics provides an accessible, non-technical introduction to the analysis of unstructured data. Written by global experts in the analytics space, this book presents unstructured data analysis (UDA) concepts in a practical way, highlighting the broad scope of applications across industries, companies, and business functions. The discussion covers key aspects of UDA implementation, beginning with an explanation of the data and the information it provides, then moving into a holistic framework for implementation. Case studies show how real-world companies are leveraging UDA in security and customer management, and provide clear examples of both traditional business applications and newer, more innovative practices. Roughly 80 percent of today's data is unstructured in the form of emails, chats, social media, audio, and video. These data assets contain a wealth of valuable information that can be used to great advantage, but accessing that data in a meaningful way remains a challenge for many companies. This book provides the baseline knowledge and the practical understanding companies need to put this data to work. Supported by research with several industry leaders and packed with frontline stories from leading organizations such as Google, Amazon, Spotify, LinkedIn, Pfizer Manulife, AXA, Monster Worldwide, Under Armour, the Houston Rockets, DELL, IBM, and SAS Institute, this book provide a framework for building and implementing a successful UDA center of excellence. You will learn: How to increase Customer Acquisition and Customer Retention with UDA The Power of UDA for Fraud Detection and Prevention The Power of UDA in Human Capital Management & Human Resource The Power of UDA in Health Care and Medical Research The Power of UDA in National Security The Power of UDA in Legal Services The Power of UDA for product development The Power of UDA in Sports The future of UDA From small businesses to large multinational organizations, unstructured data provides the opportunity to gain consumer information straight from the source. Data is only as valuable as it is useful, and a robust, effective UDA strategy is the first step toward gaining the full advantage. Unstructured Data Analytics lays this space open for examination, and provides a solid framework for beginning meaningful analysis.

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This is the first book devoted entirely to Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), which is a non-specific algorithm, similar to evolutionary algorithms, such as taboo search and ant colonies. Since its original development in 1995, PSO has mainly been applied to continuous-discrete heterogeneous strongly non-linear numerical optimization and it is thus used almost everywhere in the world. Its convergence rate also makes it a preferred tool in dynamic optimization.

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Of all the skill sets that support the shift from a traditional management role to a more collaborative approach, none is more relevant than that of the role of the facilitator. The beliefs, behaviors, and practices of facilitation are precisely what all leaders need to acquire and put into action. In Facilitating to Lead! renowned facilitation expert Ingrid Bens applies her proven concepts of facilitation to the leadership role and demonstrates that facilitation is an effective work style, not merely a meeting technique. Throughout the book, Bens outlines the organizational and personal benefits of facilitative leadership and includes useful checklists to help leaders determine the situations when facilitative leadership is most appropriate to apply. Because empowerment is a core issue in the implementation of facilitative leadership, the book presents a four-level model that reframes empowerment from a vague concept to a concrete structuring tool.

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Facilitating with Ease! is an updated version of the best-selling resource that offers easy-to-follow instructions, techniques, and hands-on tools that team leaders, consultants, supervisors, and managers have used to learn the basics of facilitation. Complete with worksheets on CD-ROM that can be customized to fit your personal needs, it's a complete facilitation workshop in a take-home format. Facilitating with Ease! shows you how to run productive meetings with skill and authority and includes the information needed to train others in your organization to become confident facilitators as well. The book is filled with dozens of exercises, surveys, and checklists that can be used to transform anyone into an effective facilitator.

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Those who serve the public trust must take special care to ensure they make ethical and responsible decisions. Yet the realities of bureaucracies, deadlines, budgets, and demands for quick results make the payoffs for dealing formally with ethics seem unclear. Since its original publication, The Responsible Administrator has guided professionals and students alike as they grapple with the challenges of making ethical, responsible decisions in real world situations. This new edition includes information on coping with new demands for accountability, as well as new cases and examples, an examination of current issues relevant to administrative ethics, and supplementary materials for professors. Cooper’s theoretical framework and practical applications and techniques will help you consider all of the factors involved in a decision, ensuring that you balance professional, personal, and organizational values. Case studies and examples illustrate what works and what does not. The Responsible Administrator helps both experienced and novice public administrators and students become effective decision makers, provides them with a solid understanding of the role of ethics in public service and the framework to incorporate ethical and values-based decision making in day-to-day management.

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In this thoroughly revised edition of his classic book, Alan Weiss shows how consulting fees are dependent on only two things: value provided in the perception of the buyer and the intent of the buyer and the consultant to act ethically. Many consultants, however, fail to understand that perceived value is the basis of the fee, or that they must translate the importance of their advice into long-term gains for the client in the client's perception. Still others fail to have the courage and the belief system that support the high value delivered to clients, thereby reducing fees to a level commensurate with the consultant's own low self-esteem. Ultimately, says Weiss, consultants, not clients, are the main cause of low consulting fees.

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Leveraging Good Will shows how nonprofit organizations can access the extraordinary resources of businesses, and how for-profits can benefit from partnering with nonprofits. Written by Alice Korngold—an expert in matching business professionals with nonprofit organizations—this important resource clearly demonstrates how nonprofits can gain valuable experience, expertise, relationships, and funding that will elevate and advance their organizations while businesses can build stronger relationships with the community and develop the next generation of leaders. Filled with illustrative examples and real-life success stories, Leveraging Good Will is an insider’s guide to what it takes for nonprofits to transform their organizations through partnerships with businesses. Step by step, the book outlines how to create a solid plan based on proven-in-practice techniques.

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Wired for Good is a nuts-and-bolts guide to strategic technology planning for nonprofit organizations—no matter how large or small. This book leads nonprofits through a planning process that will help them align their technology use with their mission and strategic goals, determine what the appropriate technology tools are to meet those goals, and how the technology will be implemented and supported over time. This essential guide also shows how to win support for a strategic technology plan within an organization, evaluate a plan's effectiveness, and help staff and other stakeholders adapt to the changes new technology will bring about. Wired for Good shows nonprofit professionals how to Get their organization ready for the strategic technology planning process Dispel the myths surrounding technology planning Understand the benefits of strategic technology planning Overcome organizational resistance to strategic technology planning Define the roles and responsibilities of staff and other key stakeholders in creating a successful plan Make the best use of volunteers and consultants Find the funds to support technology implementation