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Experimental comparison of Microsoft's tools for using the decision tree technique

Abstract:

Data mining tools are getting closer to final users, making it easier to use them without been an expert on data mining theory. Microsoft tools include decision tree as a widely used technique for supporting decision making. Nevertheless, the assessment of their actual value has not been found in the literature. This paper presents the results of a comparison between Excel and Analysis Services. Ten professionals from computer science were involved in the study. A t-student test was applied to the data resulting of a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model. The findings confirmed that, even when Analysis Services is more popular among data mining experts, the usability and ease of use of Microsoft Excel are significantly better with a p-value of 1.1x10-2 and 6.5x10-5, respectively. Nevertheless, the results are not conclusive because they are limited to one study case. We need further studies to confirm our findings.