Project: Utilization of New Data in Communication Contexts at the Enterprise Level (EnDiKaU)
Communication data refers to information generated in the context of communication between individuals or between individuals and devices. This includes not only the content of the communication but also additional metadata such as information about the sender, recipient, timestamps, subject lines, etc. Such communication data can come from various sources (e.g., emails, text messages, chat logs, social media, customer inquiries, surveys). These types of data represent a potentially valuable source of information that could aid Hessian companies in generating (economic) value.
When dealing with this data, which often times occurs in text form, new possibilities for analysis arise through the use of computer-assisted approaches. Compared to manual analysis, such methods can automate the evaluation of large datasets with reasonable effort. Although recent research has demonstrated diverse applications for automated text analysis methods in the corporate context, their potential is often underrecognized and underutilized in practice, particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is often times caused by SMEs lacking the necessary expertise to recognize the potential of data that is already available or easily collectable, and to identify and profitably apply appropriate methods for utilizing this data.
The EnDiKaU project aims first to determine the current status of the availability, collection (awareness), handling, and analysis of communication data among SMEs in Hesse. Based on this, SMEs will be categorized according to the degree to which they are already utilizing communication data or the potential for utilization arising from their activities. This will enable the development and offering of targeted awareness and training programs for different groups. Simultaneously, demonstrators will be developed to showcase the potential of new methods in the field of computer-assisted text analysis in business contexts using concrete examples. Ultimately, all interested companies in Hesse, especially SMEs, will be provided with the foundation to make informed decisions about the systematic use of communication data. With this newly acquired knowledge, the companies will be able to make evidence-based decisions and continue to innovate and future-proof their business models. These overarching goals lead to two areas of focus: (1) analyzing the current situation regarding the availability and handling of novel communication data among companies in Hesse, and (2) raising awareness and providing training on handling novel communication data in Hessian Companies, along with demonstrating application scenarios.
In addition to the leading researchers and the scientific staff at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), Hessian companies will also participate through an open project advisory board. This will help to better understand the current situation and support the targeted development of awareness, training, and application concepts. The advisory board will consist of companies that had already expressed their willingness to participate before the project began, as well as other companies that respond to the pertinent call for participation through the project’s website.