Sociology and Data-Driven Decision Support

• In Event: 2147 - Sociological Problem-Solving across Sectors (e.g., Business, Academia, Government)

Abstract

In the era of Big Data, Data-Driven Decision Support plays an increasing role in government as well as in business world. Competing on analytics and squeezing out the last ounce of juice from available pool of data is the new rule of the game in business world. Government sector and health and human services are also unpressured to catch up.
However, technologists and data scientists soon realized that the real challenge in DDDS is not just big data technology. A critical piece of the puzzle is the methodology and theoretical perspective (not high speed number crunching) which guide the data processing so data is turned into information and information is infused into business intelligence and academic knowledge. This is where social science, especially sociology and psychology become important.
This presentation will demonstrate two examples of how sociology is applied in DDDS using visual analytic, a big data technology. The first is an on-line visual analytic tool focusing on measuring economic impact of substance abuse prevention services. The second is an interactive visual analytic service designed for DDDS enabling government agencies make policy and management decisions to combat Opioid Overdose Pandemics

Author

• Xiaoyan Zhang, Lumis Corporation