SPATO Seminar Series - Data-Driven Decision-Making: Industry Leaders Panel

The SPATO Seminar Series explored how data-driven decision-making can help organisations improve strategy, efficiency and real-world business practice.

The seminar focused on the role of data-driven decision-making in contemporary organisational contexts. The session explored how organisations increasingly rely on data analytics, digital tools, and evidence-based approaches to inform strategic and operational decisions.

Key issues were discussed, such as the integration of data into managerial processes, and it also provided practical examples of how businesses can harness data to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

The session helped to highlight the importance of developing data literacy and critical thinking skills among both researchers and practitioners, which are essential competencies in modern management education and practice.

The impact of this extends beyond academia in several important ways. First, it contributes to the practical understanding of how organisations can use data more effectively in real-world decision-making contexts. Insights shared in the session are directly applicable to industry practitioners, particularly those involved in leadership, consultancy, and operational management. Second, the seminar supports knowledge exchange between academia and practice. By featuring speakers with industry expertise, it bridges the gap between theoretical research and applied business challenges, encouraging more evidence-informed organisational practices.

We want to thank Mark Carnaghan and Edward Bellamy for coming and delivering today's session. Also to Emily Crosbie for her help in organising this seminar and working with the leaders in residence.