Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • Winter 2017
  • Article
  • MIT Sloan Management Review

Why Big Data Isn't Enough

By: Sen Chai and Willy C. Shih
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:5
ShareBar

Abstract

There is a growing belief that sophisticated algorithms can explore huge databases and find relationships independent of any preconceived hypotheses. But in businesses that involve scientific research and technological innovation, this approach is misguided and potentially risky. This article argues that researchers need to pay close attention to issues such as biases in data collection and spurious correlation.

Keywords

Big Data; Science-based; Science; Scientific Research; Data Analytics; Data Science; Data-driven Management; Data Scientists; Technological Innovation; Analytics and Data Science; Mathematical Methods; Theory

Citation

Chai, Sen, and Willy C. Shih. "Why Big Data Isn't Enough." Art. 58227. MIT Sloan Management Review 58, no. 2 (Winter 2017): 57–61.
  • Register to Read

About The Author

Willy C. Shih

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • January 2025
    • Faculty Research

    Knowledge Transfer: Toyota, NUMMI, and GM

    By: Willy Shih
    • January 2025 (Revised February 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    Vanguard Retail Operations

    By: Antonio Moreno, Willy C. Shih and Margaret Underwood
    • January 2025 (Revised June 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    U.S. Steel: Proposed Acquisition by Nippon Steel

    By: Willy Shih
More from the Authors
  • Knowledge Transfer: Toyota, NUMMI, and GM By: Willy Shih
  • Vanguard Retail Operations By: Antonio Moreno, Willy C. Shih and Margaret Underwood
  • U.S. Steel: Proposed Acquisition by Nippon Steel By: Willy Shih
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.