Retail Giant Embraces the Future of Retail with Data Literacy
- Marks & Spencer partners with Decoded to launch Data Academy
- Over 1,000 staff from various departments to participate within 18 months
- Learning data analytics tools like R and Python
- Data Analytics qualification accredited by British Computing Society
- Leadership team to embark on Data Leadership programme with AI and machine learning
- Fully funded by Apprenticeship Levy
- Steve Rowe: ‘biggest digital investment in our people’
- Kathryn Parsons: ‘pioneering commitment to lifelong learning’
Marks & Spencer has partnered with technology specialists Decoded to create the world’s first ‘Data Academy’ in retail, aiming to place digital at the heart of its business. Over 1,000 staff from various departments will participate within the first 18 months, learning data analytics tools and adopting technologies like machine learning and AI. The academy is funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and aims to create the most ‘data-literate leadership team in retail. CEO Steve Rowe calls it the ‘biggest digital investment’ for M&S employees.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Marks & Spencer’s partnership with Decoded to create a Data Academy for its staff and their plans to upskill employees in data analytics tools and technologies. It also includes quotes from relevant sources such as Steve Rowe, CEO of M&S and Kathryn Parsons, founder of Decoded. The article is focused on the main topic without any digressions or irrelevant details.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Marks and Spencer’s initiative to upskill its workforce with data analytics tools and technologies such as machine learning through the M&S Data Academy. It highlights the partnership with Decoded and mentions the support from the Apprenticeship Levy. The article also includes quotes from key figures involved in the project. While it does not delve into long-term trends or provide actionable insights, it is informative and focused on the topic.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Marks and Spencer (M&S)
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Marks and Spencer’s investment in digital transformation and data analytics training for its employees, which could potentially impact the company’s financial performance and competitiveness in the retail market.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, but the partnership between Marks and Spencer and Decoded to create a Data Academy for their staff can be considered as a minor impact on the company’s digital transformation efforts.
www.retailsector.co.uk