Short Description

This book explores how decision-making is changing in the digital economy. The role of data and intuition will continue to rebalance as analytics take on a more significant role in how companies develop and execute strategy. Case studies explore best-in-class organizations from various sectors including pro sports, media, and finance.

Sales and Market Bullets

• As businesses face unprecedented challenges during the new “pandemic normal,” using data effectively will become even more important. Mark Schrutt demonstrates best practices for using data to guide strategy to prepare, react, and excel, especially in fastpaced, uncertain times.


• Only 4% of business executives view their organizations as best-in-class in data decision-making. These firms report an ROI of greater than 50% in their use of analytic technologies.


• Shifting the Balance recognizes the limitations of data (costs, skills, quality, bias) and posits that decisions need to weigh ethics, values, and social good alongside technology.


• Data has applications in virtually every industry, and Schrutt includes interviews and case studies from a variety of large organizations: NBCUniversal, NASDAQ, Maple Leaf Sports, Alberta Health Services, Bank of Canada, Lululemon, Airbnb, Uber, Seattle Sounders, MLB.

Audience

• Those involved in both business and technology sectors


• Start-up, entrepreneurial, and academic circles


• Management level to high level executives


• Readers of Thinking Fast and Slow by Dr. Daniel Kahneman

Mark Schrutt (Toronto, ON) is a 30-year veteran of the information technology industry. His work as vice president at the leading tech research firm IDC established Mark as one of the foremost analysts and consultants on digital transformation. He is the author of over 200 IDC industry reports.

“An illuminating dive into the global datasphere.” — Publishers Weekly

“Data is the new oil, but you need to extract, process, refine, and distribute it. It is easier said than done. Shifting the Balance puts the pieces together to drive value from your data assets.” — Bill Whitelaw, CEO, Glacier Resource Innovation Group

“Mark Schrutt calls it as I have seen it working with large organizations who want to be data-driven: ‘Without direction from the top and management leading by example you will never get there.’” — Bill Morris, retired President and CEO, Accenture Canada

“Decision-making is being redesigned, from who makes decisions to what type of data to leverage, with faster speed and accuracy. If business leaders don't make this change, they will be left out and left behind. Shifting the Balance is a go-to handbook for the prescient leader willing to embrace new decision-making methods.” — Jim McDade, Chief Operating Officer, Aware360

“The business world is moving so quickly and there is little time to get up to speed. Data is the big equalizer, allowing you to go from last to first, helping to even the odds and put you in the lead. Shifting the Balance is a key source for guidance on preparing for the future.” — Tony Olvet, Group Vice President, Research, IDC