Proactive Data Mining with Decision Trees

This book explores a proactive and domain-driven method to classification tasks. This novel proactive approach to data mining not only induces a model for predicting or explaining a phenomenon, but also utilizes specific problem/domain knowledge to suggest specific actions to achieve optimal changes in the value of the target attribute. In particular, the authors suggest a specific implementation of the domain-driven proactive approach for classification trees. The book centers on the core idea of moving observations from one branch of the tree to another. It introduces a novel splitting criterion for decision trees, termed maximal-utility, which maximizes the potential for enhancing profitability in the output tree. Two real-world case studies, one of a leading wireless operator and the other of a major security company, are also included and demonstrate how applying the proactive approach to classification tasks can solve business problems. Proactive Data Mining with Decision Trees is intended for researchers, practitioners and advanced-level students.

From the book reviews:

“This concise (88 page) book introduces readers to the basic concepts of proactive data mining with decision trees. … The book is very well written, easy to understand, and easy to follow. Each chapter is well organized. … The book is especially useful for practitioners who would like to get started in using data mining tools for business applications.” (Xiannong Meng, Computing Reviews, October, 2014)