Organizations that recognize big data s potential to influence strategic, operational, and tactical decisions are at the forefront of innovation and productivity. While big data is more readily available than ever before, the world faces a shortage of analysts capable of designing and executing complex analyses of these ever-growing data sets. Professionals who understand the strategic potential of big-data analytics and who can translate analysis into effective organizational decision-making are poised to lead today s organizations to new standards of efficiency and competitiveness.