Wiley Releases Data Smart: Using Data Science to Transform Information into Insight

John Wiley and Sons, Inc., today announced the publication of Data Smart: Using Data Science to Transform Information into Insight (Wiley, 978-1-118-66146-8, November 2013, US $45.00). The phrase "data science" gets thrown around in the press like it's magic. Major retailers are predicting everything from when their customers are pregnant to when they want a new pair of Chuck Taylors. The reality is data science is little more than using straight-forward steps to process raw data into actionable insight. And in Data Smart, author and data scientist John Foreman shows readers how that's done within the familiar environment of a spreadsheet.

Why a spreadsheet? "Because it's comfortable! You get to look at the data every step of the way, building confidence while learning the tricks of the trade," said Foreman. "Plus, spreadsheets are a vendor-neutral place to learn data science without the hype. But don't let the Excel sheets fool you. This is a book for those serious about learning the analytic techniques, the math and the magic, behind big data."

Each chapter covers a different technique in a spreadsheet so readers can follow along. Corresponding spreadsheets are available for download on Wiley.com. Specific techniques covered in Data Smart include:

• Mathematical optimization, including non-linear programming and genetic algorithms
• Clustering via k-means, spherical k-means, and graph modularity
• Data mining in graphs, such as outlier detection
• Supervised AI through logistic regression, ensemble models, and bag-of-words models
• Forecasting, seasonal adjustments, and prediction intervals through monte carlo simulation
• Moving from spreadsheets into the R programming language

"A better, deeper understanding of our own business data has allowed us to refine existing features, develop new features, and even create new products based on what we've been able to learn from our customers," says Neil Bainton, MailChimp's COO. "John's work has been instrumental in helping us prioritize projects and determine where to best allocate our resources."

Data Smart: Using Data Science to Transform Information into Insight is now available for purchase online and at retailers nationwide in both print and all e-book formats. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.wiley.com/buy/9781118661468.

To download the corresponding spreadsheets for each chapter in Data Smart, see the "Downloads" section of the book page on Wiley.com: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-111866146X.html.

For additional information about the book or author, visit http://www.john-foreman.com.

About the Author

John W. Foreman is Chief Data Scientist for MailChimp.com, where he leads a data science product development effort called the Email Genome Project. As an analytics consultant, John has created data science solutions for The Coca-Cola Company, Royal Caribbean International, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Dell, the Department of Defense, the IRS, and the FBI.

About MailChimp

MailChimp supports more than 4 million subscribers worldwide, sending 7 billion messages per month. MailChimp is designed for the do-it-yourself power user - someone looking for all of the power of an enterprise application, but built for anyone to use. MailChimp integrates with many third party applications including Facebook, Twitter, Hootsuite, Pinterest, Instagram, SurveyMonkey, Eventbrite, Etsy, Salesforce, Wordpress, Magento, Joomla, Drupal and Google Analytics. And best of all, prices start at free. For more information, visit MailChimp.com.

About Wiley

Wiley is a global provider of content-enabled solutions that improve outcomes in research, education, and professional practice. Wiley's Professional Development business creates products and services that help customers become more effective in the workplace and achieve career success. It brings to life the ideas and best practices of thought leaders in business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, and education to serve these communities worldwide.

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: JWa, JWb), has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 450 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace. Wiley's global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia. The Company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

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