Brief Description of the Session
The humble 2x2 matrix is more than just a visual aid, it's a powerful teaching artefact that can spark dialogue, surface tensions, and scaffold complex thinking in the Business Analytics classroom. In this talk, I will share my experience designing and using 2x2 matrices to promote analytical thinking and reflective practice across undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education contexts.
I will introduce four original matrices that emerged from practice and scholarly engagement, including: the BIG DATA Matrix, the Analytics Strategy Design Matrix, the Problem Validation Matrix, and the Gen AI Capability Engagement Matrix.
Each matrix has played a unique role in shaping how students engage with Business Analytics concepts, use cases, and research challenges. I’ll conclude with a set of practical design guidelines for educators interested in developing their own matrices to enhance their pedagogical practices in the Business Analytics classroom.
Profile:
Prof. David Sammon is a Professor of Information Systems who operates according to the principle that “if you can’t draw it, you don’t understand it!” In more recent times, his applied research interests are focusing on visual theorising (seeing the opportunity in data using a relational data modelling mindset) and more recently using a ‘Human-AI’ collaborative approach to coding qualitative data.
David is co-designer of several discursive templates (Data Value Map; Data Opportunity Canvas, and “Show Me, Show Me” Matrix) used to great effect in both industry and the classroom. These templates promote visual thinking to enable transformative conversations during data and analytics strategy initiatives.
David has designed, delivered, and directed several graduate education modules/programmes (with a focus on Data-Driven Transformation & Action Design Research), generating just over €3m in fee income/industry sponsorship since 2013. David has published his research work in international outlets, such as: Harvard Business Review, Information Systems Journal, Information and Management, DATABASE, Journal of Enterprise Information Management, and Information Systems Management. David is also co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Decision Systems.
