Tutorial: How to use prediction markets and inflation data to practice data-driven decision-making

If you are an analyst or an analytical leader, how do you practice data-driven decision making? One low-cost way is to use prediction markets. They give you a concrete target and a natural feedback mechanism when the market resolves. This tutorial explores that process. There is an open prediction market on polymarket.com based on July … [Read more…]

Scenario Planning, with Data, on Steroids

In Great By Choice, Jim Collins teaches us that there is no new normal… there is always just uncertainty and change. Predicting the future is hard. The best leaders and organizations, as such, plan for multiple futures and hedge accordingly. They plan probabilistically. One tool that can assist in scenario planning is Monte Carlo simulation. … [Read more…]

Udacity’s Secret Ingredient: Positivity, Support and Encouragement

Last week, I finished the 6 course Data Analyst Nanodegree offered by Sabastian Thrun’s Udacity Inc. Even with an above average number of academic credentials behind me, I will venture to say that this was the best educational endeavor I’ve been through yet. When I worked through my undergrad and graduate degrees in economics, I … [Read more…]

Worksheet for Udacity’s Intro Statistics Courses

I’ve created an ‘in-progress’ google spreadsheet for a lot of the exercises and examples in Udacity’s Intro Statistics courses (Intro to Descriptive Statistics & Intro to Statistical Inference) — link is below. When I used to teach finance, I taught class with spreadsheets like this one rather than with powerpoint. Preparing this kind of document … [Read more…]