Assessment of Master Thesis – Opponent
Study programme:Applied Informatics
Field of study:Information Systems Management Academic year:2020/2021
Master Thesis Topic:Decision-making process on the implementation of data analytics solutions in the small and medium-sized business
Author’s name:Volha Bahlai
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Ing. Martin Potančok, Ph.D.
Opponent:Ing. et Ing. Soňa Karkošková, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Clarity and comprehensibility of the thesis topic and aims 1
2. The extent and relevance of the description of the current state of knowledge 1
3. The complexity of the thesis topic 2
4. Method adequeteness for solving the given issue, correctness of the choice and use 1
5. The extent, quality and precision of the result description 3
6. Relevance and correctness of the result discussion 3
7. Factual contribution of the thesis result 1
8. Information source relevance and citation correctness 1
9. Logical structure and cohesion among individual parts 1
10. Grammar, linguistic style, terminology and overall arrangement 1
Comments and Questions:
Master thesis focuses on design a decision-making model for data analytics implementation for the SMBs to provide guidance on making decisions on the stage of the project initiation and analysis. The topic of the master thesis is very up-to-date and relevant to the SMBs. The master thesis is well-structured and appropriated methods of research were applied. I appreciate that author formulates the Data analytics maturity model which is based on the literature review. Unfortunately, it is not clear if the maturity of examined companies was assessed. In the Annex A, the Maturity level analysis is attached but it is not referenced anywhere in the text. The author conducted semi structured interviews to understand business goals and formulate the data analytics project’s idea. Unfortunately, the interview protocol (the list of questions) is not provided. Furthermore, it is not clear how the questions on the page 27 are answered.
Based on the literature review and the current market of data analytics solutions a decision-making model for data analytics implementation for SMBs is proposed. The author indicates analytics levels on the Decision-making model (Figure 16), but these levels are rather technologies and methods used in data analytics. This is incorrect. Analytics levels are shown on the picture 16 as inputs for these technologies and methods and listed as descriptive, diagnostic, etc.
Questions to the defense:
1. How would you measure Costs and benefits in case of Data analytics is provided as a cloud computing service? What would differ to the described measurement in the Chapter 6?
2. Was the Data analytics maturity assessment carried out in the companies analysed? What were the results?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 2
Date: 03/06/2021 Ing. et Ing. Soňa Karkošková, Ph.D.
Opponent
