Answers should demonstrate a basic understanding of the term "big data," which may
include: Big data refers to large amounts of data from multiple sources. Comments should note
that the term big data has been popularized in recent years in response to the numerous types and
huge amounts of data to which companies now have access in real time. Answers should include
that a statement that the phrase is often used to indicate alarm and apprehension about the
enormous-and multiplying-amounts of data that are being created on an ongoing basis.
Comments regarding the challenges of big data may mention that effective use of multiple
sources of data requires having the resources and talent available to retrieve, store, integrate,
analyze, and report the data. "Making meaning" out of big data sets may also be mentioned.
Access to big data also creates great opportunities. Proper management of big data has the
potential to increase productivity for companies significantly. In addition to increasing
productivity, other answers might mention the use of big data as an immense opportunity to
know extraordinary amounts about customers-both in business-to-consumer as well as business-
to-business environments. Advanced answers may include specific sources of big data such as
companies, sensors, retailers, trade organizations, governments, publishers, and social media.
These data take many forms, both qualitative and quantitative, including text, photos, videos,
business transactions, research data, and many other types of data.