Broadcasting
The Power of Data in Product Management: Harnessing Predictive Modelling and Insights
By Akintunde Opawole – Product Management Expert.
Data is an essential component of product management in the digital age. Product managers must understand the role of data in product development and management due to the increasing availability of data and the growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making. In this article, we will examine the role of data in product management, with an emphasis on the application of data to predictive modelling and insights.
Data’s Role in Product Management
Data is indispensable to product managers in multiple ways. First, data assist product managers in comprehending their customers’ wants and desires. Product managers can gain insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and pain points by analyzing customer data, which can inform product development and marketing strategies. Product managers can also use data to identify market trends, competitive threats, and growth opportunities.
Data can also assist product managers in measuring the success of their products. By monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) like revenue, user engagement, and retention, product managers can determine if their products are meeting business objectives and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Data can also assist product managers in making informed decisions. Product managers can make decisions that are more likely to result in favourable outcomes by analyzing data and generating insights. This is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, where decisions must be made quickly and with limited data.
Utilization of Data in Predictive Modeling
Product managers can utilize predictive modelling as a potent instrument for making data-driven decisions. Using statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze data and predict future events is predictive modelling. Predictive modelling can be utilized by product managers to forecast future sales, identify emerging trends, and predict customer behaviour.
Predicting customer churn is one application of predictive modelling within product management. Churn is a significant issue for many companies, especially those with subscription-based business models. Product managers can identify factors associated with churns, such as low usage or poor customer satisfaction, by analyzing customer data. Using predictive modelling, product managers can determine which customers are most likely to churn and take proactive measures to retain them.
Predicting product demand is a second example of using predictive modelling. By analyzing historical sales data, product managers can recognize demand patterns and trends. Product managers can then forecast future demand and adjust production and inventory levels accordingly using predictive modelling. This can assist businesses in avoiding stockouts and overstocking, resulting in cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Data-Driven Insights
In addition to predictive modelling, data can also be used to generate product management decisions-informing insights. Insights are the result of data analysis that identifies patterns, trends, and relationships that are not immediately apparent. Insights can assist product managers in comprehending customer behaviour, market trends, and competitive threats, thereby facilitating more informed decision-making.
Analyzing customer feedback is one example of using data for insights. Product managers can identify common themes and trends in customer feedback, such as frequently requested product features or customer pain points that need to be addressed, by analyzing customer feedback data. Product managers can use these insights to make informed decisions regarding product development and prioritization.
Analyzing website and app usage data is another example of utilizing data for insight. Product managers can gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences by analyzing how customers interact with websites and apps. This can inform decisions regarding product development, such as which features to prioritize or how to enhance the user experience.
Data Utilization Challenges in Product Management
While data is a potent resource for product managers, there are several obstacles associated with its effective use. One difficulty is data quality. Data quality refers to the precision, exhaustiveness, and uniformity of data. Inaccurate, insufficient, or inconsistent data can lead to erroneous conclusions and choices.
Data privacy and security is a further obstacle. In light of the growing emphasis on data privacy and security, product managers must use data in a responsible and ethical manner. This includes complying with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), protecting customer data from unauthorized access and use.
The final obstacle is the analysis and interpretation of data. The increasing volume and complexity of data necessitate that product managers have the skills and tools to effectively analyze and interpret data. This includes data visualization, statistical analysis, and machine learning expertise.
Product managers must fully understand the role of data in product development and management in today’s data-driven business environment. Product managers can make better-informed decisions that are more likely to result in favourable outcomes by using data for predictive modelling and insights.
However, as earlier stated, there are obstacles associated with the effective use of data, including data quality, privacy and security, data analysis and interpretation. Product managers who can overcome these obstacles and utilize data effectively in their decision-making processes will be better positioned for success in today’s competitive market.
Akintunde Opawole is an exceptional data product management expert that has built an impressive career with over 10 years in the technology industry. As a certified Product Manager and an experienced Product Owner, he is noted for leading, managing and collaborating with high-performing teams of developers, scrum masters and business analysts to deliver highly cutting-edge technologies/products. His team is currently developing the biggest Data Analytics product in West Africa. He is currently building an Omnichannel – AI solution for the retail sector in Europe.
Broadcasting
Davido Unites Superfans in Lagos for Exclusive 5IVE Album Experience, Powered by Spotify
To celebrate the release of his fifth studio album, 5IVE Davido hosted a select group of superfans and media at Ona Restaurant in Lagos for an exclusive meet-and-greet, presented by Spotify.
The event offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Afrobeats superstar, with 50 lucky fans and 5 media partners given the chance to connect with the artist in an intimate setting.
Rather than handing out invitations, Spotify put fans to the test, requiring them to pass a five-question quiz on Davido’s music to earn a spot at the roundtable. Once inside, attendees were treated to an afternoon of music, conversation, and surprises. The event was hosted by Ireculture, who set the tone with her infectious energy, while SmallztheDJ kept the vibe going with smooth, Afrobeats-driven selections.
In true Davido fashion, a playful twist took centre stage: after teasing his absence, the artist made a dramatic, surprise entrance, sending fans into a frenzy. The moment was a perfect reflection of Davido’s personality – engaging, unpredictable, and larger-than-life.
Victor Okapala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships lead for West Africa, noted, “This event is a testament to the power of music to bring fans and artists closer together. Working with Davido on the release of 5IVE highlights the energy surrounding Afrobeats globally, and the deep connection we see between the artist and his fans.”
The event’s highlight was a close-knit roundtable conversation, where fans shared their love for 5IVE, with “10 Kilo” emerging as an early favourite. Each guest left with a gift box featuring five fashion items from Nigerian streetwear brand Severe Nature, who also designed the official 5IVE merch.
Reflecting on his journey, Davido shared, “When you see artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna, you realise the work it takes to get there. This time, I wanted to go all out, and I’m seeing the results.”
Spotify data underscores Davido’s growing global influence. In the past 12 months, his music has been added to over 12 million playlists worldwide.
The artist’s reach spans key markets including Nigeria, the U.S., U.K., South Africa, and France, with 34% of his listeners aged 18-24 and 41% aged 25-34.
As 5IVE continues to captivate listeners, this intimate event further solidified Davido’s position as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, fostering a deeper connection between him and his dedicated fanbase.
By Aaron Bugal, Field CTO APJ, Sophos
Undoubtedly one of the most influential technologies in recent decades, the ascent of artificial intelligence has produced a mixture of reactions from individuals, organisations, and countries. Eyes widen as we explore its potential, concerns grow as it threatens jobs, and conversations take place at a global level on how it should be regulated. However, for cybersecurity professionals artificial intelligence presents a double-edged sword.
Aaron Bugal, Field CTO APJ, Sophos –
Although AI has shown the ability to enhance cybersecurity solutions with its pattern recognition, summarisation, and assistance capabilities, it also opens the door for threat actors to harness the technology in much more sinister ways. So, in a world where we are in a constant race to out-innovate cybercriminals, what impact will AI have, especially as it continues to evolve itself?
New technologies mean new threats
Cybercriminals have proven they shouldn’t be underestimated. They are continually updating their tactics, strategies, and tools to breach businesses, and AI only strengthens their arsenal. AI has commonly been used to help threat actors better imitate real people – altering voices, pictures, and messages to carry out convincing phishing attacks.
Beyond mimicking human behaviour, cybercriminals have begun to experiment with AI at a more technical level. Malicious GPTs have been advertised on cybercriminal marketplaces, with functions such as automated penetration testing or malicious malware development.
However, sharing a similar experience to legal industries and businesses, there is still some hesitance from cybercriminals when it comes to implementing the technology into operations, as threat actors are mainly exploring generative AI in the context of experimentation and proof-of-concepts.
This does not mean organisations should see this as a sign to slow down, as artificial intelligence will inevitably become a regular feature of cyber attacks. Instead, businesses should be evaluating if they are using the technology in a secure and optimal way within their cybersecurity set up.
AI adoption is not about being first, but being smart
Businesses of all sizes are examining how AI can be used, with Sophos finding 98 per cent of organisations are using it within their cybersecurity infrastructure in at least some capacity. Further to this, 65 per cent of organisations use cybersecurity solutions that include generative AI capabilities, and 73 per cent use solutions that include deep learning models.
While AI adoption in cybersecurity can bring many advantages, it also introduces a number of risks if approached incorrectly. Poorly implemented AI models can inadvertently introduce considerable cybersecurity risks of their own – if it isn’t provided with the right inputs, it cannot provide adequate outcomes. Organisations are alert to this risk, with the vast majority (89%) of cybersecurity professionals saying they are concerned about how potential flaws in cybersecurity tools’ generative AI capabilities will harm their organisation, with 43 per cent highlighting they are extremely concerned.
This alertness must also remain for AI that’s implemented in non-cybersecurity related tools, as emerging technologies pose threats in their infancy. Agentic AI for example has become highly topical recently, but will a technology that learns from humans be able to adequately defend itself from cyber threats? At its current level, AI should be approached with the intention that it can serve a single purpose and expecting an individual system or ‘AI agent’ to do everything with minimal human interference is risk inducing.
Therefore, an organisation’s artificial intelligence advances – both within cybersecurity infrastructure and its entire technology stack – must be done with guardrails up and thorough oversight.
Fighting fire with fire without getting burnt
In an ongoing race against cybercriminals, artificial intelligence will only become a multiplier to innovation that takes place on both sides. For businesses, avoiding the risks of AI within cybersecurity systems is possible when implementation is approached with care. This can be achieved through:
· Inquiring about vendor’s AI capabilities: AI requires transparency, and asking cybersecurity vendors about how their data is trained, what AI expertise their professionals have, and their roll out process for deploying AI capabilities will help paint a clearer picture of AI development best practices.
· Providing strict outlines to AI investment: AI investment cannot be rushed, so it is important to assess whether AI provides the best solution for current cybersecurity challenges, prioritise specific AI investments, and measure the impact of AI once it is implemented into cybersecurity infrastructure.
· Remain human first in AI adoption. Organisations should never take a set-and-forget approach to cybersecurity, and this is even more the case when AI is involved. Ultimately, cybersecurity is a human responsibility, and AI should be used as an accelerant to support cybersecurity professionals, not a replacement.
Artificial intelligence will become a mainstay within organisations for many years to come. This is no different for cybersecurity, however with such high stakes it is vital that AI is used correctly, or it will only work against its intended purpose – giving cybercriminals the leg up over organisations in this ongoing battle. It is not about implementing a range of AI capabilities to expand your cybersecurity infrastructure, but the right capabilities that address your cybersecurity needs.
QNET, a global leader in direct selling focused on wellness and lifestyle products, firmly disassociates itself from any unlawful activities being conducted by unauthorized individuals or entities fraudulently using the QNET name to mislead and exploit members of the Nigerian public.
These concerns have resurfaced following the arrests of several suspects in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
QNET commends the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its actions in apprehending those responsible and is actively supporting the authorities to prevent further misuse of its brand.
QNET Says NO to Brand Misuse and Criminal Misrepresentation
QNET is a 27-year-old international direct selling company offering wellness and lifestyle products through a network of independent distributors.
These individuals are customers who have purchased QNET products and have chosen to build their own direct selling business using our platform. They operate independently and are not employees of QNET.
Unfortunately, certain third-party entities such as Mighty Infinity Millionaire Ltd, that have no affiliation to QNET, and operate without our oversight or recognition, have grossly misrepresented the QNET business model and acted in a manner that is in no way a representation of QNET business ethics or values.
We unequivocally state that such entities and individuals are not affiliated with or endorsed by QNET. QNET reiterates that Transblue Nigeria Limited remains our sole partner in Nigeria.
Operating Within Legal and Ethical Boundaries
In Nigeria, QNET operates strictly within the legal and regulatory frameworks through our official local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited. We remain committed to ethical business practices and protecting both our brand and the public from exploitation. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of individuals or entities claiming affiliation with QNET, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Statement from QNET’s Regional Leadership & Legal Nigerian Partner
Responding to the fraudulent activities being perpetrated in QNET’s name, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa, states, “We are extremely disturbed by the way unscrupulous individuals have misused the QNET brand to deceive innocent Nigerians with false promises. At QNET, our values are rooted in honesty and empowering people to build better lives through genuine means. We remain committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to bring these fraudsters to justice and encourage the public to verify any claims of affiliation with QNET before getting involved.”
To avoid further confusion, QNET wishes to emphasize the following:
● QNET does not operate or endorse any physical or online university under the name “Q-University” in Nigeria. QNET is part of a larger business conglomerate that operates the Quest International University in Malaysia, which does not have any overseas campus.
● QNET is not involved with online medical courses or academic institutions in Nigeria.
● QNET does not support or condone recruitment-driven models that promise employment, scholarships, or guaranteed returns unrelated to the legitimate sale or purchase of QNET products.
● QNET strongly condemns the unauthorized use of our intellectual property – including company logos, founder portraits, and promotional materials – by fraudulent actors aiming to mislead the public.
QNET’s Awareness Creation and Consumer Protection Efforts
Since entering the Nigerian market in 2022, QNET with the support of our local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited, have prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection. In November 2023, we launched the Say NO! Awareness Campaign to educate the public about scams and promote responsible entrepreneurship. The campaign has reached thousands through multilingual billboards, radio messages, educational pamphlets, and online platforms. As part of this campaign, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) were also engaged.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement
QNET expresses its full support and appreciation for the EFCC’s efforts to protect citizens and crack down on cyber and financial crimes. We are actively cooperating with the Commission in its investigations and are committed to further educating the public on the nature and values of QNET’s legitimate operations.
Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself from scams falsely linked to QNET:
● Verify all QNET-related information at: www.qnet.net
● Report suspicious activity via email: network.integrity@qnet.net or WhatsApp: +233 256 630 005
● Learn how to identify scams at: www.saynocampaign.org
QNET remains fully committed to ethical business practices and transparency. We stand with Nigerian authorities in protecting citizens from fraud and will continue to cooperate fully to bring those misusing our brand to justice.
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