Modeling and Qualitative Evaluation of a Management Canvas for Big Data Applications

A reference model for big data management is proposed, together with a methodology for business enterprises to bootstrap big data projects. Similar to the business model canvas for marketing management, the big data management (BDM) canvas is a template for developing new (or mapping existing) big data applications, strategies and projects. It subdivides this task into meaningful fields of action. The BDM canvas provides a visual chart that can be used in workshops iteratively to develop strategies for generating value from data. It can also be used for project planning and project progress reporting. The canvas instantiates a big data reference meta-model, the BDM cube, which provides its meta-structure. In addition to developing and theorizing the proposed data management model, two case studies on pilot applications in companies in Switzerland and Austria provide a qualitative evaluation of our approach. Using the insights from expert feedback, we provide an outlook for further research.