Essentials of Modeling and Analytics

Essentials of Modeling and Analytics illustrates how and why analytics can be used effectively by loss prevention staff. The book offers an in-depth overview of analytics, first illustrating how analytics are used to solve business problems, then exploring the tools and training that staff will need in order to engage solutions. The text also covers big data analytical tools and discusses if and when they are right for retail loss prevention professionals, and illustrates how to use analytics to test the effectiveness of loss prevention initiatives. Ideal for loss prevention personnel on all levels, this book can also be used for loss prevention analytics courses. Essentials of Modeling and Analytics was named one of the best Analytics books of all time by BookAuthority, one of the world's leading independent sites for nonfiction book recommendations.

David B. Speights, Ph.D., is the Chief Data Scientist for Appriss, which provides proprietary data and analytics solutions to address risk, fraud, security, safety, health, and compliance issues. He has 20 years of experience developing and deploying analytical solutions for some of the world’s largest corporations, retailers, and government agencies. Speights was formerly first vice president of Mortgage Credit Risk Modeling at Washington Mutual and chief statistician at HNC Software. He holds a Ph.D. in Biostatistics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has several patents.

Daniel M. Downs, Ph.D., is the Senior Statistical Criminologist at Appriss and has spent the last 5 years focusing on predictive modeling. He is an author, presenter, and researcher, and has a vast background in loss prevention and criminology. Downs was a research coordinator for the Loss Prevention Research Council, where he engaged in fact-based research to develop loss control solutions to positively affect the retail industry. He received his Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Illinois and his M.A. in Experimental Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino.

Adi Raz, MBA, is the Senior Director of Data Sciences and Modeling at Appriss and has over 15 years of experience developing analytics solutions and modeling for the retail and financial services industries. Raz has spent many years developing predictive and analytical solutions for over 30 national retailers. She manages a data sciences and modeling team and is also responsible for analytical research and development. She received her B.S. in Economics and Statistics from James Madison University and her MBA from Pepperdine University, and is currently a Business Administration doctoral candidate.