It’s not because a dataset is big that it will be good. And it is not because we used a sophisticated algorithm that the decision will be fine

These are the notes from a talk that I delivered, recently, about the importance of data quality, and how to assess it. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/1ect9VUVbgOPt7 In my talk, I started by noting the critical role of data as a source of insight and, subsequently, as an enabler of service automation. Then, went on to note that data … Continue reading It’s not because a dataset is big that it will be good. And it is not because we used a sophisticated algorithm that the decision will be fine

Moving fast, without breaking things – leveraging big data in incumbent organisations

Back in July 2020, I examined c’s PhD thesis, looking at how incumbent firms can leverage big data. This PhD was really pleasant to read and easy to examine. So, it was with some pleasure that, last week, I came across the paper “Leveraging big data for strategic marketing: A dynamic capabilities model for incumbent … Continue reading Moving fast, without breaking things – leveraging big data in incumbent organisations

The exasperating lack of progress on women’s and girls’ digital rights

Last week, we marked yet another International Women’s Day (Yes, there’s an International Men’s day, too. Don’t worry. It’s November 19th). This is supposed to be a day when we celebrate progress in women’s rights such as gender equality or reproductive rights, and ending abuse against women. The UN chose as its theme for this … Continue reading The exasperating lack of progress on women’s and girls’ digital rights

February 2023 round-up

February was a full-on teaching month. And book writing month. And pass the Calpol and tissues month. I am soooo glad that I chose “cheerful” as my word for the year! It sure came in handy this month, reminding me to embrace the whimsical. For instance, it inspired to me go out, to look for … Continue reading February 2023 round-up

Assessing the risk of misuse of language models for disinformation campaigns

The report “Generative Language Models and Automated Influence Operations: Emerging Threats and Potential Mitigations” discusses how large language models like the one underpinning ChatGPT might be used for disinformation campaigns. It was authored by Josh A. Goldstein, Girish Sastry, Micah Musser, Renee DiResta, Matthew Gentzel and Katerina Sedova, and is available in the arXiv repository. … Continue reading Assessing the risk of misuse of language models for disinformation campaigns

Day in the Life of an Academic #14: Teaching day

Someone asked me the other day what the job of an academic looks like. We talked about the multiple sides of academic life, and the need to balance them; about how we are never truly off, even if people outside of academy (my mother included!) seem to think that we are permanently on holidays; and … Continue reading Day in the Life of an Academic #14: Teaching day

Developing professionals for the digital era

In the discussion about the paper “A Heteronomous Consumer Romance”, for the Tell Me a Story podcast, Mike Molesworth (who authored that paper) reflected on how the job of a marketer has changed as a result of the digitalisation of consumption. It’s a topic that Lee Quinn, Sally Dibb, Lyndon Simkin, Mathew Analogbei and I also discussed in the paper “Troubled Waters: The … Continue reading Developing professionals for the digital era

How are music artists adjusting to algorithmic recommendation systems?

I have written a few times, here, on the blog, about algorithmic recommendation systems. Sometimes, I focus on the technology itself. Other times, I focus on the recipients of those recommendations. Occasionally, I have looked at the impact on advertisers. However, I don’t often consider the perspective of the producer - i.e., the person / company / brand … Continue reading How are music artists adjusting to algorithmic recommendation systems?

Charging for Twitter’s API changes the nature of Twitter data from “igniter of value” to “end product”

Twitter has announced, on February 2nd, that it is ending free access to its application programming interface (API). Starting February 9, we will no longer support free access to the Twitter API, both v2 and v1.1. A paid basic tier will be available instead 🧵— Twitter Dev (@TwitterDev) February 2, 2023 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Twitter API is … Continue reading Charging for Twitter’s API changes the nature of Twitter data from “igniter of value” to “end product”