Big data and analytics projects will be managed by individual departments when the analytics solution at hand concern to a specific function that department does. The analytics solution is required to answer key questions that about the business, whether it is struggling with in a particular area of expertise or not. This makes the owning department the most logical area to start the search for an analytics solution. Some good practices can be: i) develop a compelling business case for the application ii) Get support for the project. iii) don't let IT run the project iv) Trial the new application v) Perform due diligence vi) Develop a roadmap vii) Don't let the technology take over viii) Create a super user ix) Always attempt for a "quiet" system. Read more at: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-tips-for-running-a-successful-analytics-project-outside-of-it/