Browsing by Author "Johnson, Reece"

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    Bridging Big Data Analytics skills gap in the financial services sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Johnson, Reece; Godspower-Akpomiemie, Euphemia
    As the significance of big data analytics continues to escalate within the banking industry, there is a parallel surge in demand for adept professionals in this domain. Notably, one of the foremost challenges in the era of data is the scarcity of individuals possessing the requisite skill set to transform raw data into actionable insights that generate business value. Addressing this pressing concern, this study sets out to ascertain the technical and business-oriented data analytics skills crucial in the banking sector, pinpointing the most pivotal skills required both presently and in the forthcoming years. This qualitative research used collected data from banking institutions in South Africa and an academic institution via semi-structured interviews. A purposive sampling method was applied to select fourteen participants including executives and senior managers who have decision-making authority. A thematic data analysis was used as a lens to determine the critical skills required to effectively execute Big data and analytics in the banking industry. The findings revealed that critical technical, business, and interpersonal skills are in short supply among graduates and professionals in the South African banking industry. The study concludes and recommends that institutions of higher learning must enhance their curricula. This includes the incorporation of simulations and experiential learning, which are deemed particularly paramount