Inequality in Utility of Data and Its Implications for Data Management

6 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2009

See all articles by Adir Even

Adir Even

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

G. Shankaranarayanan

Boston University School of Management

Paul D. Berger

Bentley University - Department of Marketing

Abstract

Abstract: The volumes and complexity of organizational data-resources are rapidly increasing and hence demand larger investments in data-management solutions. We posit that justifying these investments needs a better understanding of the utility of data - the business value gained by using it. As a first step in this direction, we explore utility inequality - the extent to which records in a large dataset differ in their business-value contribution. The distribution of utility and the magnitude of utility inequality in a data resource have important implications for data management. These can impact design and administration of the data resource, inform data acquisition and retention policies, and assist in prioritizing quality improvement efforts. We propose analytical tools for modeling and quantifying inequality, and demonstrate their application for assessing inequality in a large alumni data repository. We also examine the implications of utility inequality for data-management decisions associated with this repository.

Keywords: Data management, utility of data, utility inequality

Suggested Citation

Even, Adir and Shankaranarayanan, Ganesan and Berger, Paul D., Inequality in Utility of Data and Its Implications for Data Management. 17th Annual Workshop on Information Technolgies & Systems (WITS), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1322570 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1322570

Adir Even

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev ( email )

1 Ben-Gurion Blvd
Beer-Sheba 84105, 84105
Israel

Ganesan Shankaranarayanan (Contact Author)

Boston University School of Management ( email )

595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA MA 02215
United States
617 353 4605 (Phone)
617 353 5003 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://people.bu.edu/gshankar

Paul D. Berger

Bentley University - Department of Marketing ( email )

175 Forest Street
Waltham, MA 02145
United States