The term “Data Science” itself has a history that predates the modern computing era. It was coined in the early 1960s to describe a new profession dedicated to understanding and interpreting the large datasets being amassed at the time.[1] Pioneers like John Tukey challenged the traditional view of mathematical statistics in a 1977 paper, arguing for a more applied approach that used data to explore and select hypotheses.[1] This perspective was a direct contrast to the purely theoretical, mathematical-statistical approach that had long dominated the field. Peter Naur further solidified the concept in 1974 with his book,
The discipline’s maturation, however, was fundamentally catalyzed by the explosion of big data. The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), social media, and a multitude of digital services has resulted in an incessant and increasing flow of data, far exceeding the scale of what was imagined in the 1960s[2]. This was not merely a “scaling up” of traditional analysis, but a paradigm shift that required the development of new systems and methodologies to effectively process, study, and analyze this new volume of information[1]. This convergence of technological capacity and unprecedented data volume is precisely why data science has transitioned from an academic concept to a business and societal imperative.
Data science is now recognized as a core driver of business strategy, enabling companies to move beyond intuition and make decisions based on objective evidence[3]. Its integration into business practices has a marked impact on productivity, decision-making, and product development[3]. One of the primary benefits is the ability to make more informed business decisions. By collecting and analyzing empirical data, organizations can provide their leadership with the objective evidence needed to guide complex choices and devise solutions based on discernible trends [3].
This analytical approach also serves to squeeze out every drop of efficiency. Data science allows companies to improve operational efficiency by identifying and correcting inefficiencies in everything from manufacturing processes to daily workplace operations[3]. For internal finance, it provides the tools to generate predictive financial reports, analyze economic trends, and inform decisions on budgets and expenses, leading to fully optimized revenue generation[3]. Furthermore, data science is crucial for developing better products and services. By analyzing customer data, a company can identify what its target audience enjoys and then tailor its offerings to meet those preferences, fostering better customer relationships and enhancing customer satisfaction[3]. Finally, it is an essential tool for risk mitigation and fraud detection. Machine learning algorithms can analyze typical user behavior to detect anomalies and flag fraudulent activities with high accuracy, protecting sensitive information and securing a company's financial interests[3].
The following tables provide a structured overview of the key benefits and applications of data science.
Benefit Category Description
Informed Decision-Making Provides objective evidence and empirical data to guide difficult business choices and strategic planning[3].
Operational Efficiency Uses data collection and analysis to identify and correct inefficiencies in daily operations and manufacturing processes, reducing costs and maximizing output[3].
Customer-Centricity Leverages data to understand customer behavior, personalize experiences, and tailor products and services to meet consumer needs, improving satisfaction and retention[3].
Risk & Fraud Mitigation Employs machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies and fraudulent activities based on user behavior, enhancing security and protecting sensitive information[3].
Industry Specific Application Example
E-commerce & Retail Personalized Recommendations, Netflix, Amazon [6]
Targeted Advertising, Inventory Optimization
Transportation & Logistics Route Optimization, Supply Chain Management Uber, Lyft, UPS [5]
Finance Fraud Detection, Algorithmic Trading, Risk Management PayPal, Capital One, Bank of America [6]
Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Disease Diagnostics, Predictive Analytics IBM Watson Health, Google's AI [4]
Manufacturing Predictive Maintenance, Quality Control, Process Optimization GE, Siemens [5]
Legal Predictive Legal Analytics, Contract Analysis N/A [6]
The analysis presented demonstrates that data science is no longer an emerging field but a foundational pillar of modern progress. Its necessity is rooted in its proven ability to provide objective, data-backed insights that drive strategic decisions, optimize operations, and foster customer-centric innovation. From revolutionizing logistics and e-commerce to transforming healthcare and social services, the impact of data science is pervasive and profound.
Looking forward, the future scope is defined by both technological innovation and a deepening sense of responsibility. As the industry continues its explosive growth, driven by a convergence of AI, cloud computing, and advanced automation, the role of the data scientist will evolve from a technical processor to a strategic visionary. The enduring success of this field, however, hinges on a collective commitment to ethical practice. The ultimate measure of progress for data science will not be defined solely by its profitability or technological prowess, but by its ability to navigate complex ethical challenges, mitigate bias, protect privacy, and harness the power of data to create a more equitable and efficient world for all.
References
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/data-science-platform-market-107017
https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/features/impact-big-data-scientific-research
March 13—my in-course exams had just ended, and I went home for two days. I had a reason to go: on March 7, my father had a bike accident and broke his leg. That’s why I went. On March 8, the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the country. But to be honest, I wasn’t fully aware of the gravity of it, because my mind was completely preoccupied with my father's injury.
On March 15, I returned to campus. On the 16th, we had a meeting in the department with our director Sir, and other faculty members. It was decided that classes would be suspended for 7 days due to the coronavirus. Since returning home that day would mean arriving late at night, I left early the next morning. On the way, I heard that Dhaka University had been declared closed. Soon after, all educational institutions in the country were shut down. Still, my mind wasn't focused on the pandemic; my father's broken leg was all I could think about.
On March 19, my father had surgery on his leg. My mother, uncle, aunt, and I all went to the hospital. That was the first time I really understood the seriousness of the coronavirus. We followed all protocols, hand sanitizers, masks, and social distancing and stayed at the hospital for three days.
On March 26, lockdown began. A small event had been planned at our village institution for Independence Day, but it was canceled due to the lockdown. Instead, we wrapped up the day with some sports and games among ourselves. For the first few days, I didn’t leave the house at all. Our department organized an online Ludo tournament and a few virtual meetings. The student club also hosted several online events. Meanwhile, we had Zoom hangouts with our dorm friends. Online courses on coronavirus began as well. I completed 3–4 day courses from WHO, Muktopaath, and other websites and earned several certificates.
Every day, I felt disheartened listening to the news, the number of people infected and the number of deaths. These topics sparked constant discussions in our batch group, along with plenty of rumors for deeper speculation. Discussions, debates March, April, and May passed quite actively at home. By late April, Ramadan began. I spent the time in prayers, Quran learning, Islamic lectures, and reading books.
On Eid day, our village youth organization distributed masks, sprayed disinfectant at prayer venues, and ensured social distancing during Eid prayers.
By early June, everything started opening up again. People stopped following lockdown rules. Markets, shops, public transport, garments, offices, and courts all reopened in a limited capacity. Despite the increasing infection and death rates, people seemed less concerned. I also started going out with friends in the area. The army would occasionally patrol, and we even got chased a few times for being out during restrictions. I flew kites during the day and hung out in the evenings.
It had been three months since I left campus, and I had only brought two shirts with me. On Facebook, I saw posts about termites damaging students’ certificates in some dorms. All my important documents were in the dorm. So, on the 100th day of being away from campus, I returned with all possible protection. The once-lively campus was now so empty, it brought tears to my eyes. After wandering around Curzon Hall and Shahidullah Hall (my dorm), I collected all my documents and clothes and returned home that very day.
In July, online classes started at DU, and there was a wedding craze in our area. There were at least two wedding invitations every week, and my friends and I joined them all. I’d log in to online classes, keep the phone in my pocket, and enjoy the wedding feasts. That’s how July passed. At the start of August came Eid-ul-Adha (Qurbani Eid). The festive mood made people forget about COVID-19. We weren’t any different; hanging out and traveling continued as usual.
Meanwhile, floods hit different parts of the country. We collected some money and sent it to an organization helping the flood victims. That’s how August passed.
By September, online classes were in full swing, and so were our hangouts. Since we had classes all day, we would go out in the evening eating singara, drinking tea or coffee, munching peanuts, and chatting till 8 or 9 p.m. One day, while eating singara, a man called out to us. He makes short films and shares them on his YouTube channel. He offered me a role in one of his short films. I didn’t say no; I figured it would be fun with friends. The shoot was on September 14. I can’t really act, but I tried anyway.
I’m writing this on September 16, exactly 6 months since I left campus. In these 6 months, I’ve heard cries of those who lost loved ones, seen people suffer through hardship and uncertainty, and watched many struggle to get through each day. But I also learned a lot. I saw how my family protected and cared for me and how my loved ones dreamed for me and held me close to their hearts. I also learned how to stand beside others in times of trouble and how to stay positive even in the midst of pain. Despite all the suffering, COVID-19 taught me some invaluable life lessons.
Arman Mahmud
2nd Year, Applied Statistics
Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT)
University of Dhaka
My Experience During the Pandemic:
Personally, I consider the pandemic period to be from March 16, 2020, to today (March 16, 2021). I mark this timeframe because our campus officially closed on March 16, 2020. I’m writing this today (March 16, 2021) to celebrate one year of the pandemic era in my life. The idea to write about this came from a competition I participated in earlier. I had written the previous piece on September 16, 2020, exactly six months after leaving campus. That one was about my experiences from those first six months. The title was “My Experience During the Pandemic!”
Today, I’ll write about my experiences from September 16, 2020, to March 16, 2021. At that time, my online classes were ongoing, and so was our close-knit group. One thing I must say—this entire year, I’ve spent with Arif Mamu and Mubarak Mamu. There wasn’t a single moment we weren’t together. We took countless online classes while riding the bike, can’t even count them! We were such a famous group in our area that if anyone saw one of us, they would assume the other two were nearby. I want to thank these two from the bottom of my heart for giving me such a beautiful time amidst all the chaos.
In September, the threat of COVID wasn’t felt much in our area, and everything was running pretty normally. And of course, educational institutions were closed. What more could one ask for? We’ve always been a little fond of trolling each other. Arif Mamu’s jokes about me getting married were relentless—online, offline, everywhere! I used to feel so down thinking that the pandemic was delaying both my education and my marriage. I kept wondering, “When will I get married, sigh!” Especially since so many people were getting married at that time. I attended several wedding feasts too. How could I even bear all that? And on top of that, Enam Bhai’s Facebook Lives were trending—he used to talk about what his wife does, what she says—blah blah—and it just made us feel more hopeless. But truly, only God knows when and how He answers someone’s prayers. I myself am a living example of that, witnessed by Arif Mamu, Mubarak, and Nahid. Want me to explain?
In late September, along with some seniors, we started a local organization called “Public University Students’ Association of Sagardighi.” Through that group, we did several activities—from tree plantation programs to anti-rape human chains. Because of the organization, I made new friends and found new places to hang out. On the 100th, 201st, and 301st days since leaving campus, I went back to visit. I also had the opportunity to meet with the Honorable Home Minister. Oh—and here’s something interesting: when I left campus, I weighed 58 kg. But by October, my weight had jumped to over 80 kg! I ate a lot—Alhamdulillah. That’s how September and October went—eating, hanging out, and enjoying life.
November brought an interesting story. Remember how I said only Allah knows how He accepts prayers? All the marriage jokes we made in fun—He actually accepted them! On November 18, we (me, Arif Mamu, Mubarak) found out that apparently my family was planning to get me married—my dad had already gone to see a girl! For two whole days, we thought it was a joke. But later, we realized it was serious. On November 25, the girl’s family came to see me. I never imagined such a big surprise in my life! December had its own share of fun stories too. That’s how November and December passed.
On January 1st, for the first time in our lives, we crashed a wedding without an invitation. Then there were more hangouts, fun, and of course—fewer online classes, which gave us more free time. I also reconnected with many friends. All in all, January was wonderful. On February 12, I visited my in-laws’ house for the first time and got officially engaged that very day. So many new experiences—it’s been a beautiful journey so far, Alhamdulillah.
During this whole year, I’ve heard news of many deaths and many suicides. We lost our friend Amzad to a bike accident. We also lost a dear senior brother. May Allah grant them all Jannah. Despite everything, Allah has kept me safe and healthy throughout this year. He’s given me so much goodness. I pray He keeps me this happy for the rest of my life. That’s all I want.
—
Arman Mahmud
Second Year, Applied Statistics
Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT)
University of Dhaka
Today is September 28. On this day in 2018, the undergraduate admission test for the University of Dhaka’s "Ka" (Science) Unit for the 2018–19 session was held. It was a Friday. The exam started at 10 AM. My test center was Eden College. Since a huge number of students were going to take the test, I left home before 7 AM to make sure I could reach the center on time.
I was a student of Ideal College, Dhaka. Later, I enrolled in Udvash’s engineering program in Farmgate for admission coaching. I also took the admission test from there. Fifteen of us friends stayed together in a hostel in Farmgate during that time.
The night before the admission test, fear started to set in. I absolutely hated Biology. And since I was enrolled in the engineering program at Udvash, I didn’t study Biology at all. My plan was to go through the Biology section of the Dhaka University question bank—just solve the last 20 years’ worth of Biology questions. And that’s exactly what I did. Apart from that question bank, I didn’t study anything else for Biology. Among our group, everyone had a strategy—some aimed to do really well in Biology and Chemistry, others in Math and Physics. I, of course, focused on Math and Physics. I would try in Chemistry, and for Biology—I left it up to Allah. Surely, something would appear from the question bank!
On the morning of the exam, all of us friends headed to our centers. Worth mentioning, in 2018, the DU admission test was MCQ-only. On the way, I made a plan: I’d attempt Biology first. Out of 30 questions, I’d only answer 15—no more—so I could focus on getting just those 15 right. I didn’t want to waste time on Biology. I’d finish it in 10 minutes and spend the rest on Math, Physics, and Chemistry. That was the final plan.
Once I got to the exam hall, I didn’t talk to anyone. As soon as I received the question paper, I flipped to the Biology section. And then… I was finished. I had never seen such bizarre questions in my life. Since I hadn’t studied Biology much, I assumed maybe that’s why the questions seemed so strange. I had planned to finish the Biology part in 10 minutes—it ended up taking 30! My stress shot through the roof. I felt helpless. After a brief pause to regroup, I tackled Math, Physics, and Chemistry—and with Allah’s mercy, I did well in those. Finally, the test was over.
Coming out of the exam hall, I felt terrified. My Biology went terribly. Even though I did well in Math, Physics, and Chemistry, I still couldn’t believe in myself. I think my biggest mistake was attempting Biology first—if I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have felt so much pressure during the exam. Disheartened, I walked out of the hall. Then I met up with my friends.
I was quite depressed, but after meeting my friends, my confidence started to bounce back. I wasn’t good at Biology, and it wasn’t my “trump card,” but those who had made Biology their trump card—they suffered even more. We all returned to the hostel. I saw some of them were more depressed than I was. A few even ripped up their admit cards in frustration—despite knowing that you’d need the admit card if you got selected! Since many of us had Jahangirnagar University’s (JU) admission test the next day, we composed ourselves and started preparing again.
That was back in 2018—I don’t remember every little detail. But Alhamdulillah, everything worked out. I got into DU. I’m grateful to all my friends who were with me throughout. From what I know, most students end up wasting time in coaching because of bad friend groups. But in our case, it was the complete opposite. We studied well and had fun. The admission period was one of the best times of my life.
—
Arman Mahmud
Applied Statistics
Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT)
University of Dhaka
Today is October 7. On this very day in 2018, the BUET admission test for the 2018–19 session took place. I was also one of the candidates and managed to pass the exam, securing the 1418th position in the ranking.
Since it’s BUET, just hearing the name feels a bit intimidating. On the exam day morning, I went to BUET’s Sher-e-Bangla Hall to meet Sohel Bhai. He gave me breakfast and then took me to the gate. My seat was in the BUET Central Library. With his prayers, I headed to the hall. My seat was on the second floor of the Central Library. Along with me, many other students were walking in — all looked brilliant, which made me feel even more nervous. How could I possibly compete? Only Allah knows. Since the BUET exam is conducted only on the BUET campus, the pressure felt even more intense — I was surrounded by the brightest minds in the country.
There’s a funny yet memorable moment while going up to the second floor. The stairs at BUET were so clean and neatly lined with doormats that almost everyone climbing up probably thought, “Should I just leave my shoes here?” I was confused too. I’ve always liked the BUET campus, but that day it impressed me even more. Finally, I entered the hall and found my seat.
Sohel Bhai had told me earlier that BUET’s questions look very simple — like they’re freshly printed and pinned together, and at first glance, you wouldn’t even think they belong to a top university entrance exam. And it was true! When I saw the question paper, I was surprised — it felt like it had been printed five minutes ago. So neat and simple-looking. But don’t be fooled! While the paper might look simple, the questions were not. They weren’t exactly difficult, but rather tricky. If you get the trick, you’re a hero. If not, you’re a zero.
There’s another unique experience I had before the exam, I noticed an ambulance and medical team standing by the gate. After the exam, I realized why. No matter how confident you are, after the BUET admission test, you will feel awful. And when you look around and see everyone else feeling the same, it hits even harder. Some people even faint. I, Alhamdulillah, managed to walk out fine. But when I went to Sohel Bhai’s room to freshen up, I ended up crying and throwing up a bit. I don’t even know why. It’s hard to explain; it’s like the whole environment changes. BUET’s campus is so calm and peaceful, it actually adds to the pressure.
BUET published the results on, I believe, October 18. I was ranked 1418th. I wasn’t sure if I’d get any subject. Eventually, I mentally prepared myself to enroll at Dhaka University.
The last message I received from BUET was this:
"""
8:57 PM
BUET ADMI
10-11-2018 9:14 AM
You (ARMAN MAHMUD, Roll: 60295) are requested to submit your department selection choice "Online Option Form" (ugadmission.buet.ac.bd) for BUET Undergraduate Admission by 4:00 PM on 18 November 2018.
10-11-2018 7:59 PM
"""
And just like that, my BUET dream had to come to an end during the subject choice process. Many had suggested I appear for the KUET and RUET exams as well, but I didn’t. I had always wanted to stay in Dhaka.
Finally, I found the address of my dreams, within the campus of the University of Dhaka.
—
Arman Mahmud
Applied Statistics,
Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT),
University of Dhaka