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Big and Small Data

Big and small data play different roles in data analysis. Small data describes specific metrics over a short time period and is usually organized in spreadsheets, while big data describes large datasets over long periods and is stored in databases. Small data is easier to collect, store, manage and analyze, while big data requires more resources but can provide insights into trends. When working with big data, challenges include data overload and accessibility issues, but benefits include identifying efficiencies, trends, and improving products and competitiveness. Big data is characterized by its large volume, variety of data types, fast processing velocity, and issues of data veracity or quality.

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Trisha Mae Gatela
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139 views3 pages

Big and Small Data

Big and small data play different roles in data analysis. Small data describes specific metrics over a short time period and is usually organized in spreadsheets, while big data describes large datasets over long periods and is stored in databases. Small data is easier to collect, store, manage and analyze, while big data requires more resources but can provide insights into trends. When working with big data, challenges include data overload and accessibility issues, but benefits include identifying efficiencies, trends, and improving products and competitiveness. Big data is characterized by its large volume, variety of data types, fast processing velocity, and issues of data veracity or quality.

Uploaded by

Trisha Mae Gatela
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Big and small data

As a data analyst, you will work with data both big and small. Both kinds of data are valuable,
but they play very different roles.

Whether you work with big or small data, you can use it to help stakeholders improve business
processes, answer questions, create new products, and much more. But there are certain
challenges and benefits that come with big data and the following table explores the differences
between big and small data.

Small data Big data

Describes a data set made up of Describes large, less-specific data sets that cover
specific metrics over a short, a long time period
well-defined time period

Usually organized and analyzed in Usually kept in a database and queried


spreadsheets

Likely to be used by small and midsize Likely to be used by large organizations


businesses

Simple to collect, store, manage, sort, Takes a lot of effort to collect, store, manage, sort,
and visually represent and visually represent
Usually already a manageable size for Usually needs to be broken into smaller pieces in
analysis order to be organized and analyzed effectively for
decision-making

Challenges and benefits


Here are some challenges you might face when working with big data:

● A lot of organizations deal with data overload and way too much unimportant or
irrelevant information.
● Important data can be hidden deep down with all of the non-important data, which
makes it harder to find and use. This can lead to slower and more inefficient
decision-making time frames.
● The data you need isn’t always easily accessible.
● Current technology tools and solutions still struggle to provide measurable and
reportable data. This can lead to unfair algorithmic bias.
● There are gaps in many big data business solutions.

Now for the good news! Here are some benefits that come with big data:

● When large amounts of data can be stored and analyzed, it can help companies identify
more efficient ways of doing business and save a lot of time and money.
● Big data helps organizations spot the trends of customer buying patterns and
satisfaction levels, which can help them create new products and solutions that will make
customers happy.
● By analyzing big data, businesses get a much better understanding of current market
conditions, which can help them stay ahead of the competition.
● As in our earlier social media example, big data helps companies keep track of their
online presence—especially feedback, both good and bad, from customers. This gives
them the information they need to improve and protect their brand.

The three (or four) V words for big data


When thinking about the benefits and challenges of big data, it helps to think about the three Vs:
volume, variety, and velocity. Volume describes the amount of data. Variety describes the
different kinds of data. Velocity describes how fast the data can be processed. Some data
analysts also consider a fourth V: veracity. Veracity refers to the quality and reliability of the
data. These are all important considerations related to processing huge, complex data sets.

Volume Variety Velocity Veracity


The amount The different How fast the data can The quality and
of data kinds of data be processed reliability of the data

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