Question

Keith is working on a computerized search through one of his company's massive data files. The purpose of the search is to try to detect patterns in product sales. Keith is engaged in:

a) data forecasting
b) marketing decision support systems
c) data mining
d) sales forecasting

Answer 1

Keith is engaged in data mining, which is a process of analyzing massive datasets to identify patterns and relationships. It is distinct from data and sales forecasting, as it uncovers hidden insights within the existing data rather than predicting future trends.

Step-by-step explanation:

Keith is involved in data mining. Data mining is the process of analyzing large datasets to discover patterns and relationships that may not be immediately apparent. This process involves using statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms to sift through massive amounts of data in order to identify trends, correlations, or other useful information that can help businesses and organizations make better-informed decisions.

Unlike data forecasting or sales forecasting, which attempt to predict future trends based on historical data, data mining focuses on finding hidden patterns and insights within the existing data. Similarly, a marketing decision support system provides tools for managers to make informed decisions by analyzing marketing data; however, the term 'data mining' specifically refers to the analytical process of exploring data to find previously unrecognized patterns.