Analytics Magazine Analytics Magazine, January/February 2014 | Page 28

INFO RM S INI T I AT I VE S Data Exploration & Visualization Hands-on training that focuses on the critical steps in the process of analyzing data: accessing and extracting data, cleaning and preparing data, exploring and visualizing data. Upcoming classes: March 28-29 - Boston June 25-26 - San Jose, Calif. F o r mo re i nfo rma ti on on the courses and available discounts, visit www.informs.org/continuinged 2014 INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS IN ANALYTICS AWARD The Analytics Section of INFORMS has named three finalists – Ford, IBM and Fiserv – for its 2014 Innovative Applications in Analytics Award that will be presented at the INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research in Boston, March 30-April 1. Sponsored by the section, the purpose of the award is to recognize creative and unique developments, applications or combinations of analytical techniques used in practice. The award competition promotes awareness of the value of analytics techniques in unusual applications, or in creative combination to provide unique insights and/or business value. Following a series of presentations, the three finalists were chosen by a 28 | A N A LY T I C S - M A G A Z I N E . O R G panel of judges from a competitive set of 31 submissions and nine semifinalists. Taken together, this work provides great examples of innovative applications and integration of a variety of analytical techniques that are making a difference in organizations. The three finalists will make another round of presentations in Boston before a winner is named. A closer look at the finalists and their work: Ford: “Enabling greater sustainability in vehicle fleet sales through customer-oriented analytics” Authors: Daniel Reich, Sandra L. Winkler, Erica Klampfl, Natalie Olson, Ford Motor Company Presenting author: Daniel Reich Abstract: Ford’s Fleet Purchase Planner (patent pending) is the first of its kind in promoting sustainability as a central purchase consideration for organizations with large vehicle fl VWG2ख