Book Review of 'Applied Predictive Analytics' by Dean Abbott

By: Eric Siegel, Founder, Predictive Analytics World

Industry leader and author Dean Abbott will be presenting at Predictive Analytics World Boston (Oct 5 – 9) on “Data Preparation from the Trenches: 4 Approaches to Deriving Attributes.” Abbott will also run two post-conference full-day training workshops, “Advanced Methods Hands-on: Predictive Modeling Techniques” (where his book Applied Predictive Analytics will be given to attendees), and “Supercharging Prediction: Hands-On with Ensemble Models“

Dean Abbott’s new book, “Applied Predictive Analytics: Principles and Techniques for the Professional Data Analyst,” published by Wiley in April, smoothly delivers the established teachings of a preeminent hands-on instructor.

This groundbreaking contribution to the field of predictive analytics provides a unique gift: A how-to that is accessible, yet quite comprehensive, taking the reader through much of the established teachings of one of the industry’s preeminent hands-on instructors. The author, Dean Abbott, is renowned as both a leading “rock star” hands-on consultant in predictive analytics, as well as a fantastic, 5-star-rated conference speaker and an acclaimed training workshop instructor. You get the best of all worlds with this particular expert: deep analytical insights, stellar execution, clear communication, and contagious enthusiasm. And he has translated these assets nicely into a book.

Abbott’s stated mission with this book (as mentioned in its “Introduction” at the end of the book) is to provide very practical guidance for executing on predictive analytics, as if chatting to someone peering over his shoulder as he works through a project. This mission is accomplished, and in doing so it accomplishes something even more significant: The book takes much of Abbott’s well-honed training agenda (do attend his in-person sessions if you can!), along with the accessibility of his casual speaking style, and translates them onto the page. As a result, this book reads in a much more conducive and engaging manner than, say, a more formally structured textbook.

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