Research paper

For your research paper, conduct research on how Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics and Prescriptive Analytics can be utilized in any small or medium sized business and what must be done within the business to effectively implement and/or institutionalize Analytics (Descriptive, Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics must be discussed in your paper). You can research how large businesses use analytics and then discuss how these methods/tools can be used or are not viable for small and medium business. Explore many of the items that were identified within your questionnaire. You may also select a small or medium business in your area as an example for your analysis but remember the paper is about the use of Descriptive, Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics in any small or medium sized businesses and NOT large businesses or specific industries. 

Analyze your research to identify one or more Research Questions. Example: you analyze the literature and determine that Predictive analytics requires a strong knowledge of statistics and advanced database systems. Other literature indicates that Prescriptive analytics requires a strong knowledge of data modeling, data warehouses and more advanced data systems. One Research Question might be “can all analytics methods be implemented in any size organization?”. Another Research Questions might be “do all businesses possess the knowledge needed to implement and maintain all analytics methods?”. 

Develop a Hypothesis using your Research Question(s) and your analysis of the research. Example, using the example Research Questions above, “Because aaa requires bbb, only ccc business have the ability to implement ddd analytics.”. A Hypothesis is a precise Statement that your research will either prove or disprove. Do not make it too generic – it should be specific. 

In the introduction section of your research paper, provide a general explanation of Descriptive, Predictive and 

Prescriptive analytics and define any terms used within the questionnaire and paper (i.e. how do you define size <# of employees or total-sales or total-investment>, organizational type, software & systems, etc.) as it relates to your paper. At the end of the introduction section, include your problem statement and your hypothesis(es). 

The content of your paper (from Introduction to Findings) must be at least 7 pages in length, double-spaced, 12-font. It must include at least 7 references, with at least 2 being peer-reviewed. The cover page, abstract and references are NOT included in the 7-page length requirement. Your paper must be formatted using APA guidelines.