Abstract
The research is aimed at understanding organisation transformation, change and development using qualitative case study methodology, focusing on maximising value by implementing Data Science at Sky Betting and Gaming. Data Science is a relatively new discipline due to advancements in technology allowing organisations to utilise data to create a competitive edge from deriving knowledge from data. Since the relatively new discipline has been introduced, businesses are facing numerous challenges implementing Data Science to deliver business value measured appropriately. Literature highlights challenges in building Data Science products, although there are gaps in literature for any solutions to the challenges faced. Challenges include ensuring the technology is significant for the required team and utilised appropriately with different business problems. Ways of working with stakeholders is a challenge to ensure projects are delivered in a timely manner, utilised appropriately, and ensuring specific requirements are met. A challenge faced is also ensuring Data Science products are measured appropriately throughout the development lifecycle including before development, after development and when the products are in production. This ensures Data Science are providing value to the business.
This research investigates roles and responsibilities within the Sky Betting and Gaming data science team, emphasising stakeholder engagement and collaboration enhancement. Using a qualitative case study, data from 8 team members and 12 stakeholders were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate enhanced collaboration through increased communication, promotion of data science projects, and stakeholder involvement at various project stages. Challenges include conflicting priorities and power dynamics. The research emphasises the vital role of stakeholder engagement in team success, offering practical recommendations through a communication plan and stakeholder strategy. Implications for data science roles are highlighted, with further research recommended to apply these findings in diverse contexts and refine alignment strategies.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement as a key component of the data science team's success and provides practical recommendations for improving stakeholder engagement and collaboration through a communication and collaboration plan, and a strategy for working with stakeholders. The findings of this study have practical implications for roles in data science. Therefore, implementing the changes drawn from the research can assist in ensuring Data Science can provide extreme value at Sky Betting and Gaming and by understanding how the organisation should transform with changes in the Data Science team, will maximise the value delivered from Data Science.