Dr. Cheryl Hild, a Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Business professor presented at the 2024 Decision Science Institute (DSI) Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, held November 23-25.
The conference, themed "Decision Sciences to Address Global Challenges," featured hundreds of research presentations, keynote speeches, workshops and professional development opportunities. Experts shared insights on how decision sciences can improve operations, supply chains and information management to benefit businesses and society.
Dr. Hild's presentation, "Principles of Data-based Management Amidst Big Data and AI," highlighted six key analytical principles essential for effective data-driven decision-making in today’s artificial intelligence (AI)-driven landscape. Her presentation focused on the strategic use of data to support organizational processes and the importance of evaluating data quality and variability.
Key principles included:
Data Without Questions Is a Fishing Expedition — Emphasizing the need for clear, purposeful questions to guide data collection and analysis.
All Data Are Not Created Equal — Stressing the importance of data quality and recognizing distortion and uncertainty.
Averages Are Undermined by Lack of Predictability — Encouraging analysis beyond averages to understand data variability.
Data Must Be Tied to a Process View — Connecting data analysis to operational processes for actionable insights.
Context and Acquisition Define Data Power — Highlighting how context and data collection methods impact utility.
All Data Contain Error — Acknowledging and accounting for data inaccuracies in decision-making.
Dr. Hild also shared teaching strategies and case studies designed to foster analytical thinking and reinforce scientific methods, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of AI for data analytics (AIDA).
“Dr. Cheryl Hild's presentation exemplifies the impactful scholarship taking place within the LMU School of Business,” said Dr. Kelsey Metz, Dean of the LMU School of Business. “Her work on data-based management principles amidst the growing influence of AI reflects our commitment to preparing students and faculty to address complex challenges with analytical precision and ethical leadership.”
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
