Tech

The Data Science Process: 7 Key Steps in Analytics Application

Published

2 years ago

November 26, 2021

sylvia J

Suppose you are a business and you want to update your products. How would you know what to invest in and what the general market trends and demands are? This is where business analytics comes in. Business analytics, simply put, is a process of identifying trends and patterns through collected data to produce conclusions through interpretation and analysis.

It allows companies to use statistics and previous data interpretation to develop solutions for business activities and can be categorized into different types. The first two types—descriptive analytics and diagnostic analytics—deal with identification and discussion of the present: current market or problems. Predictive analytics or prescriptive analytics on the other hand produce more future-based results. They either predict the future trends or suggest pathways for companies for the future. The applications of business analytics are diverse; they can be used anywhere from stock marketing to customer relationship management.

While previously done manually, the new age of expansion and advancement has allowed the field of business analytics to evolve. Multiple new programming languages and processes including data science are now being used to improve efficiency. This advancing complexity is why companies often require specialists for business analytics.

Many ambitious data scientists and business analysts seek masters in business analytics jobs. They learn the art of business analytics and database building using data science. Business analytics relies on data science, but how does it work? What happens at the backend? How does some random unlinked data is used to contribute to the business growth?

According to this Data Scientist Course tutorial, Data science is a multistep process, and each step helps in applying analytics for the real-life performance enhancement of business models. Let’s place the process under the light and discuss it in detail to answer the questions mentioned above.

Understand the Goal

Data science is all about identifying the problems before solving them. Do you want to work on making more personalized recommendations for the consumers? Or do you want to cut down redundancies in your customer service process? The questions generated will help you understand the type of data you need to refine. The data required for customer interaction will be different from when you analyze the new product your company might be considering launching. Framing the question will help you have a streamlined approach for the next process.

Collect Required Data

Data exists on various platforms. The ocean of data needs fishing the required information out. Collecting data is like collecting ingredients for a recipe. You can’t make sweet baked results if you have no sugar in the form of data. Retrieving data requires knowledge and strong command of various technical tools, programs, and programming languages. You may need to search for data using web scraping. Another way is to use Web APIs and collect data through Facebook or Twitter. Moreover, you might have to directly obtain data from CSV (Comma Separated Value) files or TSV (Tab Separated Values) files. However, using the last option requires an understanding of the special Parser format.

Clean and Explore Data

Essentially this process requires converting your data into a useable format. If the data previously existed in states which could not work with programming languages such as Python, you will need to apply SQL on it. During this step, you will be filtering data out; after that comes the extraction and replacing of values. If you come across a non-value, you would need to replace it to complete your file. Cleaning your data is a literal process. You are extracting and saving the information you actually need while scrapping the rest. The end product should be homogenous data with complete columns.

When exploring data, you will also make questions to reach your main goal to develop insights.

Cleaning and exploring data are the longest processes of the data science journey. Collectively, they often consume 80% of the time of the project.

Modeling and Developing Your Database

Here, you will be mixing and merging multiple databases and then enriching them by combining multiple data sources and logs by considering the essential features. The feature of interest is often time-based, such as keeping track of date differences and highlighting any national holidays or festivals. Other features could include “name,” “age,” and “gender”. These features help identify the characteristics of the database and help in the machine learning process.

This process also uses modeling to use categorization within the same domain. For example, a distinction between inbox and spam could be made within the feature of received emails. For modeling purposes, a categorization of social and promotion can also be generated when studying a database related to emails.

While the data produced, collected, and manipulated represents the real world, it is essential to reduce the chances of biased interpretation. A data scientist or a business analyst has to keep a check to account for and interpret the machine learning model’s decisions.

Generate Visuals

Data visualization helps understand the trends easily. It highlights the information collected, and graphs enrich your database making it more communicable. You can understand your data in a better way before diving into the in-depth analysis. Not to mention, your boss could demand more transparency, and the visuals can help them understand the process better.

Analyze and Interpret Data

Now we are at the heart of the data science project. In this step, machine learning algorithms are deployed to produce insights that cannot be distinguished otherwise. Usually, unsupervised algorithms are used to derive trends by clustering groups of data—which often have decisive features —that show subtle trends. The analyzing part of the data science project is most commonly used to produce actionable insights. These trends are then used to actualize the predictive insights by the data scientists themselves. In advanced data science projects, supervised algorithms are put into action to produce future trends. In some cases, depending on the main goal set in step one, the predictive insights are replaced with prescriptive insights to prevent any negative results.

Communicate Your Findings

This step is mostly the displaying part, showcasing your findings to the stakeholders. While it is not a process of data science and analytics, it is the most important soft skill that allows your data science project to be put into use. The results are only effective if they are communicated efficiently: leaving an impact.

In the nutshell

Data science allows businesses to accelerate their growth against the competition by improving their business model. Since it is a complex process and requires multiple skills, a strong education background, such as a master’s in the concerned field, ensures high-quality application. The process involves retrieving data from online or shared databases and then trimming and cleaning the available information. The data is merged and formatted to gain some understanding of trends. These identified trends help narrow down and answer the questions that help a business achieve its objectives.

Tech

How to Choose the Best VPN for Home Improvement Supplies

Published

2 months ago

July 28, 2023

sylvia J

How to Choose the Best VPN for Home Improvement Supplies

Home improvement supplies are necessary for any home renovation project. From tools and materials to furniture and fixtures, home improvement supplies help to make any project successful. But choosing the right supplies can be a challenge. This article will discuss the types of home improvement supplies and what to consider when choosing them.

Common Home Improvement Supplies

When it comes to home improvement supplies, there is a wide range of options available. Common home improvement supplies include tools, hardware, plumbing materials, paint, and lighting fixtures. These supplies can be purchased from a local store or online. Additionally, you may also need to rent or hire a contractor or specialist to complete the project.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Home Improvement Supplies

When choosing home improvement supplies, there are several factors to consider. These include cost, quality, and durability.

Cost

Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing home improvement supplies. Depending on the type of project, supplies can be costly. It is important to shop around and compare prices to get the best deal. Additionally, you should consider the quality of the supplies to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

Quality

Quality is another important factor to consider when choosing home improvement supplies. Quality supplies will last longer and perform better than cheaper alternatives. It is important to choose supplies from reputable brands and check reviews to make sure they meet your needs.

Durability

Durability is also an important factor when selecting home improvement supplies. Durable supplies will last longer and require less maintenance over time. It is important to choose supplies made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand wear and tear.

Tips for Choosing the Best VPN for Home Improvement Supplies

When shopping online for home improvement supplies, it is important to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN helps to protect your privacy and keep your information safe. Here are some tips for choosing the best VPN for home improvement supplies:

Understand the Need and Usage

Before choosing a VPN for home improvement supplies, it is important to understand the need and usage. A VPN can help protect your online purchases from hackers and keep your information safe.

Research Different VPN Options

Once you understand the need and usage of a VPN, you should research different VPN options. There are a variety of VPNs available, and it is important to choose one that meets your needs. Consider the features, cost, and speed of the VPN before making a decision.

Choose a VPN with Adequate Security Features

When choosing a VPN for home improvement supplies, it is important to choose one with adequate security features. Look for a VPN that offers encryption and other security features to keep your information safe.

Check the Data Limit of the VPN

Another important factor to consider when choosing a VPN for home improvement supplies is the data limit. Check the data limit of the VPN to make sure it is sufficient for your needs.

Check the Speed of the VPN

Finally, it is important to check the speed of the VPN. The speed of a VPN is important, as a slow connection can affect the performance of your online purchases.

Conclusion

Choosing the best VPN for home improvement supplies is an important step in protecting your information and keeping your purchases safe. Consider the need and usage of a VPN, research different options, and make sure to check the data limit and speed of the VPN. If you are looking for a reliable and secure VPN for your home improvement project, consider VPN Canada.

Tech

Compound Interest: How It Works and How To Calculate?

Published

3 months ago

July 5, 2023

sylvia J

A phrase attributed to the renowned physicist Albert Einstein says that compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world: “Whoever knows wins, whoever does not know pays”.

Although it is not possible to attest to the veracity of this quote, compound interest is, in fact, an intriguing invention, as is the concept of money itself.

Imagine that, over time, your equity multiplies at a certain rate without you having to make any effort. This is the most basic idea behind the mechanism.

In the same way, compound interest also determines the growth rate of a debt, generating the famous snowball effect.

From now on, you’ll understand more about how compound interest works and find out how to incorporate them into your financial planning. In the end, you will arrive at the same supposed conclusion as Einstein. Read on!

What is Compound Interest?

Interest is the cost of money over time. In a loan, this is that additional amount you pay over the original amount (also called capital or principal) for borrowing an amount.

The reverse is also true: in investments, it is that extra money you receive when you lend someone a sum for a certain period.

In this way, it is already possible to perceive that, in addition to the interest rate itself, another very important factor in these operations is time. The longer the money takes to be returned to the original source, the higher this fee will be.

There are two ways to determine the rate of growth of the interest rate on a loan or investment: using the simple interest method or the compound interest method. Moreover, there is a quick equity release compound interest calculator that will let you calculate compound interest within a minute.

In the case of simple interest, the rate increases linearly. This means that a simple multiplication of the principal by the rate and duration of the operation is enough to obtain the amount that must be paid in interest. We will see a practical example later.

In the case of compound interest, the rate grows at an exponential rate. Thus, the value of interest in each period is multiplied by the value of the next, increasing the cost of money over time.

What is the Simple Interest Formula?

As we have already seen, it suffices to simply multiply the capital by the rate to find the final amount that must be paid or received. This type of calculation is very common in dollar operations.

Let’s see an example: imagine that you took out a loan of US$ 1,000 at a rate of 5% per annum and that you intend to pay off your debt in two years.

Therefore, at simple interest, just multiply the US$ 1,000 by 10% (the accumulated value of the rate in two years) to obtain the final amount of the operation.

Over time, this amount is always multiplied by the same amount to calculate interest.

Thus, using the formula of simple interest (j = C xixt), we find the amount of interest that must be paid.

From there, we find the total amount of debt by adding interest to principal (M = C + j).

Interest (j) = Capital (C) x rate (i) x time (t)

Interest = 1,000 x 5% per year x 2 years = 100

Amount (M) = Capital (C) + Interest (j)

1,000 + 100 = 1,100

What is the Compound Interest Formula?

Imagine the same operation as in the previous topic, now governed by compound interest. It would look like this:

Amount (M) = Capital (C) x (1 + rate (i)) ^ number of time periods (n)

Amount = 1,000 x (1 + 5%) ^ 2 = 1,102.50

As you can see, there was a small difference (of 2.50) between the application of the simple interest formula and the compound interest formula. However, this difference becomes bigger and bigger with the passage of time.

Important: Be careful with the equivalence of time in relation to the rate. Thus, if the rate is expressed as a percentage per year (% per year or per year), the operation time also needs to be considered on an annual basis for the calculation to be correct.

Likewise, if the rate is on a monthly basis (% per month or am), always make sure to consider the term of the operation in months so as not to make a mistake in the calculations.

Why do we Use the Letter i to Represent the Rate?

You may have noticed that it is very common to represent the interest rate with the letter i. This is because, so that it is not confused with the time variable (t), it was agreed to import the abbreviation of the expression in English, interest rate, which means interest rate.

Therefore, whenever you come across more technical content, you will probably see the acronym i or even the expressions interest or interest rate.

How to Use Compound Interest?

As you’ve seen here, compound interest is a powerful tool. At the same time that they multiply debts, they can be fundamental for building your equity.

In that sense, it’s worth reviewing the way you’re using your money. Start with the following step by step:

1. Avoid Long Installments

As you saw here, the longer it takes you to return the money to the borrower, the greater the cost of the money to you. Therefore, if you have to pay interest in installments, try to do this in the shortest possible time. This way, you avoid leaving more money on the table.

Likewise, always seek to know the Total Effective Cost (CET) of any credit operation before closing a deal.

The more complex this operation is, the more it is necessary to pay attention to conditions that go beyond interest, such as insurance and other additional fees.

2. Always Invest. Every Additional Application Counts

If you can only invest R$ 100 per month, go for it. Each small additional application counts a lot for the formation of your equity and helps you to get closer to your objectives when investing.

At that moment, rely heavily on the help of compound interest to multiply your capital. As you saw earlier, the more time passes, the more your money multiplies under this powerful tool.

3. Swap Expensive Debts for Cheaper Ones

Renegotiating a debt is another way to stop spending money on interest. In this way, seek to advance installments whenever possible. If you have a loan, debt repayment will help you pay it off faster and pay less interest in the end.

If you already have investments such as CDB, LCI and LCA, another possibility is to resort to Investment Guaranteed Credit (CGI). This is a new modality in Brazil, but it promises to change the way Brazilians use credit.

Nobli, for example, is the first fintech on the market to offer this type of service independently. Previously, it was restricted to the shelves of large banks and Private Banking investors.

The big advantage is that you don’t have to dispose of your assets to capitalize. They continue to yield normally while you carry out your plans.

Tech

Stand Out Online: Building an Agency Website with the Perfect Template

Published

3 months ago

July 2, 2023

sylvia J

Building an Agency Website with the Perfect Template

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for agencies looking to attract new clients and showcase their expertise. One of the key elements of a successful online presence is a well-designed and optimized agency website. By leveraging the power of an agency website template, you can create a stunning website that captivates your audience and sets your agency apart from the competition. We will explore the benefits of using an agency website template and provide insights on how to build an exceptional website that truly represents your brand imaging expertise.

Why Choose an Agency Website Template?

An agency website template offers numerous advantages for agencies seeking to establish a professional and captivating online presence.

Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons why an agency website template is the perfect choice:

Elegance and Functionality:A well-designed agency website template exudes professionalism and creativity. It allows you to showcase your agency’s unique style and offerings with a visually appealing design that works seamlessly across all devices, from desktop to mobile.
Customization Options:Every agency is unique, and an agency website template provides the flexibility to customize the design to match your branding.
Concise and Impactful Overview:An agency website template is designed to offer a brief yet impactful overview of your services. It enables you to highlight your team’s expertise, showcase successful projects, and emphasize the unique value you bring to clients.
User-Friendly Interface:Navigation is crucial in ensuring a positive user experience. An agency website template provides smooth scrolling and intuitive navigation, allowing visitors to quickly explore your website and find the information they need.
Call-to-Action Elements: Effective call-to-action elements strategically placed throughout your website can drive conversions and encourage potential clients to take the next step.

Building Your Agency Website: Steps to Success

Now that we understand the benefits of using an agency website template let’s delve into the step-by-step process of building an outstanding website that showcases your brand imaging expertise:

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Template

Select an agency website template that aligns with your agency’s style and objectives. Ensure the template offers customization options and features that will help you highlight your expertise and engage your target audience effectively.

Step 2: Personalize Your Website

Once you’ve chosen the template, it’s time to make it your own. Utilize the template’s drag-and-drop interface to personalize every aspect of your website. Update images, edit text, and rearrange sections effortlessly, ensuring your agency website template reflects your unique brand identity.

Step 3: Showcase Your Expertise

Take advantage of the content sections within the template to highlight your agency’s unique selling points. Showcase your team’s expertise, communicate your agency’s mission and values, and let your previous work speak for itself with a visually captivating portfolio. Engage your audience by demonstrating your brand imaging proficiency.

Step 4: Optimize for SEO

Optimizing your agency website template for search engines is essential to stand out online and attract organic traffic. Research relevant keywords, including the targeted keyword “agency website template,” and incorporate them naturally into your website’s content, headings, meta tags, and URLs. This will improve your website’s visibility and increase the chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Step 5: Ensure Responsive Design

In today’s mobile-dominated world, having a responsive design is crucial. Ensure that your agency website template is optimized for different screen sizes and devices. This will provide a seamless browsing experience for your visitors, regardless of whether they are accessing your website from a desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Conclusion

Building an agency website with the perfect template is a powerful way to establish your agency’s online presence and attract new clients. Utilizing an agency website template allows you to create a stunning and customized website that showcases your brand imaging expertise, engages your audience, and sets your agency apart from the competition.