Big data refers to extremely large data sets that are too complex for traditional data processing systems to adequately handle. It is characterized not only by its immense size, but more importantly by the value that can be extracted by analyzing the data. To unlock this value, skills in areas like data analytics, statistics, computer science, and critical problem solving are needed. For managers facing huge amounts of incoming data, big data analysis is useful as it allows someone to sift through and understand the information in a way that helps managers make better decisions for the company.