Sep 1, 20242 min read

Business intelligence

Mapping the business intelligence journey

Business Intelligence - using data to make decisions - has changed over the years and developed depth and breadth. Encompassing many techniques, tools, and technologies.

In the program I have been teaching since 2012, we've adapted and changed through each new "era" of the subject. Going from on site solutions to the Cloud.

Overview and roadmap

This year, I've decided to try something new to help students develop both an overview and to dive deeper into topics related to the field.

Sometime in the early 2000's, I discovered a great tool for mind mapping called "The Personal Brain" - which has now just been renamed "The Brain" (www.thebrain.com). For all these years, I've only used the tool for my own mapping and organization, but I thought it would be interesting to create a public BRAIN and share it.

My brain on business intelligence

Below is my shared BRAIN on the subject that I hope to modify, update, and continue to share.

this brain articulates the subject through microsoft technologies

In the program I teach, we use the Microsoft stack of data technologies to help students build solutions. You will see this reflected in this BRAIN as I didn't want to have 5 ways to do everything. The goal is to learn one solution methodology, gain experience, and then expand into other tools as needed (if ever).

current state of the brain

This is my "Day One" BRAIN and the only sections populated are the ones related to books I recommend/use and some links to the resources on Microsoft Learn that can help students get up to speed.

this is a map - not the destination or journey

While my intent is to try and make this resource valuable as a map, it won't replace attending classes, doing labs, or otherwise engaging with the content. Think of it as more as a shared notebook than a prescriptive tool for learning by itself.

I do use various BRAINS, this one included, as a map towards learning - and I find that very useful. My own learning and training system includes this tool and several others for a complete solution that allows me to learn, track my learning, and take effective and actionable notes.