Big data analysis

[Jahangir655]

One of the big trends over the past two decades has been the rise of “big data” as a precursor to the current AI boom. And what better way into the topic of AI and work? In a 2023 study, Will AI Fix Work?, Microsoft uses its unique ability to analyse aggregate user behaviour across 365, its proprietary suite of office productivity tools, thereby tapping into “trillions of … productivity signals”.

This analysis, combined with a global survey of knowledge workers, offers insights into the breakdown of a typical working day (including the slightly depressing reality around the time we spend on Teams calls – see chart). More happily, in its 2024 report AI At Work Is Here. Now Comes the Hard Part, Microsoft shows that AI is now freeing users’ time for creative tasks.


Image source: Microsoft

LinkedIn is another proponent of big data analysis. It produces a monthly Workforce list of ecuador cell phone numbers Report that analyses the hiring rate in the US market, based on which of its 214mn US-based users added a new employer to their profile in the preceding month, essentially offering real-time insights.

The expert view
An essay published in 1970 entitled The product portfolio by Boston Consulting Group founder Bruce Henderson, first brought BCG’s popular “growth share matrix” to widespread attention. This simple framework helps companies choose which products to invest in, which to ditch, and which to leave well alone. It remains in use to this day. As well as being a classic piece of consulting slideware, its enduring popularity stems from its power as a great idea from a true expert. Many thousands of other viewpoints, op-ed articles and columns are published every week, but only a tiny fraction achieve this kind of cut-through over time.