This paper is from Session 1E: Building capacity in Statistics majors

which comes under Topic 1: Sustaining strengths and building capacity in statistics education

Challenges and issues in developing real-world curriculum for data scientists in Japan

Presenter

• Takuya Kudo (Accenture Japan Ltd, Japan)

Co-authors

• Manabu Iwasaki (Seikei University, Japan)
• Michiko Watanabe (Keio University, Japan)
• Tomiaki Morikawa (Keio University, Japan)
• Tomoyuki Furutani (Keio University, Japan)
• Yoshihiro Hayashi (Accenture Japan, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan)

Abstract

Like many countries, Japan has challenges in producing sufficient and appropriately-trained statisticians. In response to recent Big Data demands in society, new courses related to data science are being developed in collaboration with IT companies, and an Institute of Professional Data Scientists established, collaborating with universities to develop a competency framework for professional data scientists. This paper considers a number of challenges, including reducing the domestic shortage of skilled analytics professionals, preparing such graduates for complicated real-world business problems, and developing advanced approaches to collecting and analyzing data that can drive value for the country’s businesses and public sector organizations. In discussing the challenges and opportunities, the paper refers to an example of close collaboration between the Keio University Research Institute and Accenture Japan, Ltd, in establishing the “Data Business Creation Laboratory,” an initiative to help organizations in Japan benefit from data-driven decision-making using analytical methods and skills.