Big Data Foundations for Small Business

This unit introduces why big data matters to businesses of all sizes, breaks down core concepts (the four Vs), and surveys the common data types, sources, and analytic possibilities relevant to small business. Students will learn how to link data to strategy, assess infrastructure and skills needs, and design simple workflows to turn data into actionable insights in preparation for deeper technical and analytic work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how big data can create measurable business value for small businesses by identifying and prioritizing at least three concrete use cases and linking each to expected outcomes
• Classify and map at least five real or hypothetical data sources (structured, activity, sensor, semi/unstructured, and public data) to their data type and explain implications for collection and quality
• Evaluate infrastructure and resourcing options for a small business scenario by recommending an approach that compares at least three criteria (cost, skills required, scalability, and governance) and justifies the choice
• Demonstrate the data-to-insight process by producing a concise plan that identifies data sources, analytic steps, key stakeholders, and delivery channels to convert insights into fact-based business decisions