Historical data analysis through data mining from an outsourcing perspective: The Three-phases method

The process of historical data analysis through data mining has proven to be of value for the industrial environment. There are many models available which describe the inhouse process of data mining. However, many companies either do not have the inhouse skills or do not wish to invest in performing inhouse data mining. This research investigates the applicability of two well-established data mining process models in an outsourcing context. We observe that both models cannot properly accommodate several key aspects in this context. Therefore, we propose the Three-phases method, which consists of data retrieval, data mining and results implementation within an organization. Each element is presented as a visual method fragment. The model is validated through expert interviews and an extensive case study at a large Dutch staffing company. Both validation techniques substantiate our claim that our Three-phases model accurately describes the data mining process from an outsourcing perspective.