The term “Big Data” is no longer confined to the foreign vernacular of scientists, technologists and geeks. Business and technology executives in public and private enterprise need to appreciate what it is, understand the opportunities and implications for their organisations, and plan to make use of this incredibly valuable manmade resource. In the words of the Independent Expert Advisory Group on a Data Revolution for Sustainable Development, it is the lifeblood of decision-making and the raw material for accountability. High-quality data providing the right information on the right things at the right time is essential for designing, monitoring and evaluating effective policies.

The contributing authors to the Cover story in this special edition of MSBM Review provide excellent crosscutting coverage of varied applications of Big Data and Analytics in business.

Maurice McNaughton | Lila Rao-Graham | Peter lloyd | Noel Cowell | Gunjan Mansingh