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Can You See the Wood for the Trees? | BTalk

January 23rd, 2010 @ 7:10 pm

Categories: BTalk Australia, Podcasts

Tags: Decision, Podcasts, Internet, Phil Dobbie

(Episode 420; 8 minutes 07) There’s no doubt that businesses are more analytical in their approach than ever before. Data is used to build complex models to determine customer behaviour, build forecasts and make funding decisions.

Of course data can be wrong. For example, in Sydney two major toll road operators have gone into receivership because their traffic assumptions were outlandishly unrealistic.

On BTalk today we look at how decisions are sometimes made based on data that only looks at half of the complete picture. Often that’s because the information is gathered by specialists who can’t see the wood for the trees.

So, while specialists in your business are building assumptions for your sophisticated models, is there anyone else taking a more holistic look at the approach. Who is asking the “what if?” questions. If the answer is no-one then beware the consequences. As you’ll hear in today’s podcast you need to ensure that every decision is arrived at using all quadrants of your brain.

To hear the interviews featured in today’s BTalk in full, visit these previous editions of the programme:

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Blogger Profiles

  • Blogger Thumbnail Phil Dobbie Phil Dobbie has a wealth of radio and business experience. He started his career in commercial radio in the UK and, since coming to Australia in 1991, has held senior marketing and management roles with Telstra, OzEmail, the British Tourist Authority and other telecommunications, media, travel and advertising businesses. In BTalk Australia he provides a lively and insightful view on business issues, adding his blend of irony and humour to the discussions. more »

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