DATA MINING AND DATA WAREHOUSING

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Data warehousing and mining are aspects of information systems. Most companies are now aware of the benefits of creating a data warehouse that serves as the central repository of all data collected from disparate sources including those pertaining to the companies finance , manufacturing , sales and the like. The data warehouse is usually built from data collected through the different departments Of the enterprise and can be accessed through various online analytical processing (OLAP) tools to support decision making .

Data warehousing can be described as the process 3/12/12 of extracting , transferring and integrating data spread across multiple external database and even operating systems with a view to facilitate analysis and decision making. Complementary to the functions of data warehousing , many companies resort to data mining as a strategic tool for reaching new levels of business intelligence. Using algorithms to analyze data in a meaningful way , data mining more effectively leverages the data warehouse by identifying hidden relations and patterns in the data stored in it .

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Such mined data pertaining to the vital areas of he organization can be easily accessed and used for different purposes. For example, staffing for different times of the day can be planned as can the number of checkout counters that need to be kept open in the retail stores, to ensure efficiency as well as effectiveness. We can see that data mining helps to clarify the underlying patterns in different business activities, which in turn facilitates decision making.

3/12/12 Uses of library & Internet for data collection

Collecting data and disseminating this information through is one of the processes that require time and a mastery of skills. Collecting up-to-date data is essential for the preparation, development and completion of your assignment. Without relevant data to support your points, they will still count as invalid no matter how viable they are.

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There are traditional means of data collection that students can use for their conceptual support. Libraries contain a vast amount of books, journals, dissertations and other printed materials, both published and unpublished. If they opt to look for information that they have authored themselves, students can conduct interviews, surveys and questionnaires with a group of respondents they have selected themselves

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The Internet is one good source for data as well. Most universities and associations have online databases where several of their published materials are posted. With online research, students can easily look for any data around the different parts of the globe. There are various methods of interacting with professionals who have online portfolios as well using e-mails, chats and forums, among others.

Students can start looking for official Web sites of 3/12/12 press associations, organizations and private sector groups to look for up-to-date information. This will also ensure that the information they have acquired comes from legitimate sources. Another advantage that the Internet has is its ability to update any information in real-time. In referencing online sources, students must provide the complete URL of the source, as well as the exact date they have accessed the information.

Qualitative Techniques

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Qualitative research is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences, but also in market research and further contexts. Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the reasons that govern such behaviour. The qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often needed than large

Participant Observation

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A major research strategy which aims to gain a close and intimate familiarity with a given area of study (such as a religion, occupation) through an intensive involvement with people in their natural environment is known as participative observation. The method originated in the fieldwork of social anthropologists and in the urban research of the Chicago School. Such research involves a range of well-defined, though variable methods: informal interviews, direct observation, participation in the life of the group, collective discussions, analyses of personal documents produced within the group, self-analysis, results from activities undertaken off or online, and life-histories. Although the method is generally characterized as qualitative research, it can (and often does) include

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Traditional participant observation is usually undertaken over an extended period of time, ranging from several months to many years, and even generations. An extended research time period means that the researcher is able to obtain more detailed and accurate information about the individuals, community, and/or population under study. Observable details (like daily time allotment) and more hidden details (like taboo behavior) are more easily observed and interpreted over a longer period of time.

Non- Participant Observation

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Non-participant, or direct observation is where data are collected by observing behaviour without interacting with the participants. It is a research technique whereby the researcher watches the subjects of his or her study, with their knowledge, but without taking an active part in the situation under scrutiny. This approach is sometimes

3/12/12 Non-Participant observers may or may not use structured forms but are often more likely to do so. In this type of study, often several trained observers make brief sampled observations over periods of time, and observation forms help to ensure consistency of the data being recorded. Non-participant observation is often used to study focused aspects of a setting, to answer specific questions within a study.

This method can yield extensive detailed data, over many subjects and settings, if desired, to search for patterns or to test hypothesis developed as a result of using other methods. Observational data may be coded into categories,

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