Data is the new science.

In an overwhelming sea of Big Data, the ability to convert cutting-edge technology into actionable insights is priceless. However, this is hard to come by.

The past few years have witnessed more companies embracing the need for training and development efforts. That said, it’s one thing to invest in learning and development activities, and it’s a whole different thing to achieve this effectively. Consider this data showing more than 70% of employees (according to Gartner) report a lack of mastery in the skills needed in their area of expertise.

Simply put, employees want more exposure to training activities (especially during work hours). The problem is, most organizations follow a school-based system of training their employees. In preparing L&D programs, managers fail to factor in an individual’s years of expertise, talents, and personalities but simply groups in employees in a single box.

The future is bright nevertheless. More organizations now embrace the need for data science in every sector of the business. The prevailing fear is the costs associated with the introduction and application of data science techniques. However, the ROI, in the long run, doubles any expenses incurred in the process of implementing data science to the business.

Integrating Data Science into Learning and Development

Data is only as good as the information it intends to communicate. You can have the advantage of over half of the world population on social media but fail to make any meaningful use of this data.

This is what data science desires to leverage. In the past, companies have only stored worker’s data into their profile database without making any use of this wealth of information.

So how is data science likely to maximize your organization’s L&D attempts?

Personalized Training and Feedback Analysis

Training and development yield fruits only when the company realizes returns on investment as a result. This is carefully demonstrated in Donald Kirkpatrick’s 5-level model of training evaluation.

Data science comes in handy in assessing the levels of employee satisfaction and enjoyment during any training activity. Questions can then be asked to evaluate whether any learning occurred and follow that up to see if employee behavior changed due to the training.

Data science and analytical tools will also come in handy to determine the impacts on performance and ROI.

With time, this will enable the firm to structure development programs that suit individual workers. Moreover, using data mining and data analysis, managers will be better positioned to eliminate irrelevant training activities hence motivate employee retention.

Boost Levels of Data Literacy

For the longest time now, our society has conditioned us to embrace an environment where survival is for the fittest. This promotes a competitive edge where only the best thrive. In the 21^st Century, being data literate is the new survival.

Introducing data science to your learning teams allows you to offer your employees skills that will be useful anywhere they go. These include data analysis, Big Data, statistics, and also how to work alongside AI tools. Workers will generally want to remain in an environment that caters to their general development rather than a well-paying but stagnating place.

Drive Better Decisions

One of the organizational goals that cut across the board is attaining employee independence. Data science equips employees to work in any environment and still make the best decisions for the firm. Further, employees are better structured to redefine goals by questioning existing processes and assumptions. Data does not lie. Interpretation of data is where errors happen.

The result is a knowledgeable and skilled worker able to identify and grab opportunities and convert them into the company’s best decisions. In the long run, a well-performing employee means a better performing institution, a more engaged and loyal customer and more profits.

Now, who can turn that down?

Closing Thoughts

It’s easy to hire several data scientists in your institution. Nonetheless, it’s not easy coming by data science skills that communicate effectively to drive performance on all levels. Data and Data

-interpretation are two sides to the same coin. This is one of the areas where Ideaon has focused on to introduce customized eLearning development programs for your teams. Embrace data, and the science will embrace you.