Analytics - Death Of The Master Builder?

[CharlieTriangle]

By our Senior Consultant Matt Ranson.

In pre modern times Master Builders were responsible for all forms of construction and were considered experts in all manner of vocations.  In modern times however, the need for bigger and better came to the fore and as such the intricacy of building a structure has  increased with architects pushing the boundaries of construction with buildings like the Shard and the Shanghai Tower. The complexity and size of projects is too much for one person and as a result the roles have been split.

These days construction teams consist of many roles from architects to builders, structural engineers, plumbers, decorators, civil engineers, interior designers to name but a few.

What's this got to do with Analytics?

The same situation is occurring in Analytics. As short as 10 years ago one person would have the entire skill set to run an analytics team.

In the days of PowerPlay one only needed knowledge of a few tools such as PowerPlay Client, PowerPlay Web and  PowerPlay Transformer. These skills would easily allow a team to provide and support a business with all their information needs.  Recent years have seen an explosion in analytics and with this comes increased complexity......

Read the rest of this post here: http://triangleinformationmanagement.com/analytics-death-of-the-master-builder/

[Lynn]

I'm not really sure what point the author is trying to convey through these observations. Personally I think there is still a master builder who has the vital role of visionary.

This person is the main architect as well as the glue that helps hold the other teams together to ensure that cohesive, comprehensive, and extensible solutions are developed. Although perhaps not "hands-on" in every area, he or she will have significant detailed contributions in at least some areas. He or she will have strong appreciation for the SDLC with significant knowledge and appreciation for all the various stages, and keen attention on standards and best practices.

While project managers deal with elements such as budgets, people and timing aspects, the "master builder" maintains focus on the technical big picture of what is developed and how it all hangs together.

If you don't have one then you may well end up with a hodge-podge environment.