Big and Data Analytics

Russell Walker has worked for many years in the field Analytics. He is the author of the award-winning book, From Big Data to Big Profits: Success with Data and Analytics (Oxford University Press, 2015). At Foster he teaches and founded of the popular Analytics Consulting Lab, which has its origin from his days at Kellogg. In the Analytics Consulting Lab, companies partner with his MBA students on projects requiring analysis of data for the purposes of answering business questions or setting business strategy. Some of the firms that have participated include: American Airlines, United Airlines, the CME Group, IBM, Nielsen, Microsoft, Chicago Bears, Pfizer, Turkish Airlines, Chicago Bulls, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Groupon, William Blair and Company, Northrop Grumman, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, CDW, Carnival Cruise Lines, Chicago White Sox and host of start-up firms.

Russell was a founding faculty member of the Northwestern University Masters of Science in Analytics program, where he has advised teams on real-world projects with firms, and advising on analytical story telling and presentation of data with visualization.

Russell gained deep corporate experience with Analytics while at Capital One Financial. While at Capital One, he founded the Analytics Research Lab, which explored and developed new analytical techniques for marketing and risk management. He also founded Centers of Excellence in Analytics and Computing at Capital One.

Russell advises firms on best practices in analytics and undertakes analytical projects through his consulting practice. Many clients especially value his advice on how to get started with analytics and how to position the organization to deploy analytics successfully.

Russell has advised banks, insurers, medical device operators, agricutlural firms, energy firms, brokerage houses, software providers, and various NGOs with analytical studies.

Some of his recent industry research in Big Data and Analytics has included:

  • Opportunities for Data Monetization of Satellite Images
  • Advancing Precision Agrictulture with Digital Strategies
  • Predicting Influenza with Clinical and Geographic Data
  • Leveraging Market Data to Sell Financial Instruments