Mala Pulickel

A filter bubble is an online platform terminology which emphasizes the existence of filtering the transparency and influencing the thinking pattern of a user. (Bubble is transparent | Filter Bubble means filtering transparency). It is a technique to create bias and condition the mind of the user by 'telling them what they should believe in.' It works on the principle of Algorithm considering multiple permutations and combinations of multiple factors like age, gender, last search, last few websites searched, etc. which fundamentally influences the way the ideas and information are encountered. Application in Business World: 1. Online Company Recommending book to customers as per their needs: - While a reader is online and using Kindle, an online company can easily capture detailed information like the pages the reader turned, was it read straight through or was it skipped by the reader, etc. - Based on this information gathered and additional algorithm strategy identified by the company, the online can provide customized recommendations to the reader 2. Online Job Portal: - While people search the online job portal, there are multiple online course recommendation that are suggested to the user - This influences the user as they are provided with options available in the market to up-skill themselves. 3. Employee Engagement: - The current lock-down period is an opportunity for many companies to explore and identify the best usage of Work From Home scenario. - An organization can have an online portal to up-skill the employees. - The Up-skill program suggested shall be based on the employee's band, experience, education background, etc. and can further suggest customized training programs in order to up-skill themselves.

Decision Making: · Decision-making is an essential process in every organization & an integral part of the managerial process. · For good decision making, it is imperative to have the right kind of information which is complete. Also, the ability to effectively interpret the information available is required. · For effective corporate decision making - discussions & consultations are two primary tools. Importance of Effective Decision making in Corporates: 1. It helps to face problems & challenges 2. It directs in achieving objectives’ 3. Increases efficiency 4. It motivates employees Analysis Paralysis vs Decision Making: · Analysis paralysis is an anti-pattern state of over-analysis or over thinking of the information available, which results in no decision or conclusion or action being implemented. · Eg: (a) In a project, too much focus is on finding factors & analyzing them thereby delaying the completion of Analyze phase. · Over Analysis or Analysis Paralysis is a time-consuming process that is one of the wastes. In this process, an opportunity can be missed due to a lack of decision making. Extinct by instinct vs. Decision Making: · Extinct by instinct, is a state of actions being performed based on hasty judgment and or gut feelings, leading to incorrect decisions. · Eg: (a) Recruiting an employee for a position as per gut feeling. (b) Launching a new product in the country without a detailed Analysis. (c) Implementing an action item without piloting. · Decisions based on Extinct by instinct are not based on data or actual cause. And without knowing the reason, the results may or may not be fruitful. For effective Decision Making, it’s essential to have a structured and balanced approach. This is further possible if the objective is evident in the current situation i.e., what the goal is, what are the resources available, what are the alternatives available. A structured approach will further help to evaluate & implement a decision.

Reporting bias means partial information is being considered for the final analysis. It indicates that the sample data used for further studies are not the accurate representation of the population. There can be various reasons for Reporting bias – convenience, lack of knowledge, restrictions etc. This results in the inappropriate conclusion of the sample data due to the under-reporting of the information available. The types of reporting bias which leads to incorrect data analysis are: A. Convenience bias: There can be reporting bias due to cherry-picking done by the Internal QA team in the BPO Voice process. The major reason for cherry-picking by QA could be to meet their respective pre-defined weekly target of monitoring calls. i. This can be curbed by designing an effective sampling plan along with guidelines defined, e.g., minimum call length. ii. Randomize the sample selection approach, e.g., Randomizer in excel. B. Lack of Knowledge Bias: When the evaluators are not calibrated or there is a gauge difference due to lack of knowledge on evaluating the calls, this leads to incorrect data analysis. i. Define guidelines to evaluate the calls ii. Rating sheet should be simple & easy to understand iii. Maker–Checker approach implemented iv. Periodic (weekly) calibration session to be conducted to measure the GRR score and design an action plan for bottom performers C. System driven bias: In the case of automation, specific rules are predefined. These predefined rules should be revisited frequently to validate its applicability in the current situation. E.g., Logic set in SAS when a new product is launched; system calculation can be relaxed; however, as the process matures, the logics should be revisited. i. Create SOP to define the frequency to revisit the system calculation ii. Period internal audits to be conducted D. Judgment bias: The Selection of a candidate is influenced by certain pre-notions, which are not statistically validated. E.g., judgment bias exists in finalizing a woman candidate under the second career category, reflecting the disqualification of a candidate due to judgment. i. Management to define clear criteria in the requisition for shortlisting the candidate ii. To capture the summary of Selection & Rejection of a candidate from the interviewer and evaluate it iii. Rejected candidates to be contacted & obtain their feedback on the interview process.