Impediments to Exploratory Data Mining Success

Abstract

This chapter discusses impediments to exploratory data mining success. These impediments were identified based on anecdotal observations from multiple projects either reviewed or undertaken by the author and are classified into four main areas: data quality; lack of secondary or supporting data; insufficient analysis manpower; lack of openness to new results. Each is explained, and recommendations are made to prevent the impediment from interfering with the organization’s data mining efforts. The intent of the chapter is to provide an organization with a structure to anticipate these problems and to prevent the occurrence of these problems.