Johnson, Reece2025-01-232025-01-232024Johnson, Reece . (2024). Bridging Big Data Analytics skills gap in the financial services sector [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43642A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, February 2024As 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 paramounten© 2025 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Big dataBig data analyticsTechnical skillsInterpersonal skillsData engineeringUCTDSDG-8: Decent work and economic growthDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg