Using predictive analytics techniques, decision-makers can uncover hidden patterns and correlations in their data and leverage these insights to improve many key business decisions. In this thoroughly updated guide, Dr. Dursun Delen illuminates state-of-the-art best practices for predictive analytics for both business professionals and students.

Delen provides a holistic approach covering key data mining processes and methods, relevant data management techniques, tools and metrics, advanced text and web mining, big data integration, and much more. Balancing theory and practice, Delen presents intuitive conceptual illustrations, realistic example problems, and real-world case studies--including lessons from failed projects. It is all designed to help you gain a practical understanding you can apply for profit.

* Leverage knowledge extracted via data mining to make smarter decisions
* Use standardized processes and workflows to make more trustworthy predictions
* Predict discrete outcomes (via classification), numeric values (via regression), and changes over time (via time-series forecasting)
* Understand predictive algorithms drawn from traditional statistics and advanced machine learning
* Discover cutting-edge techniques, and explore advanced applications ranging from sentiment analysis to fraud detection