The podcast emphasizes the importance of incorporating new data sets while considering their cost-benefit and integration into the research platform.
The episode highlights the significance of quantifying the expected returns, transaction costs, and risk associated with a research project, and institutionalizing knowledge by tracking and analyzing failed projects for potential future value.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Research Platform
The podcast episode explores the evolution of research platforms, focusing on data aggregation, analysis tools, and the research team. It discusses the growing breadth and depth of available data, including structured and unstructured datasets, such as ESG data and supply chain data. The episode emphasizes the importance of incorporating new data sets while considering their cost-benefit and integration into the research platform. It also highlights the increasing role of machine learning and analytics in research processes.
Managing Research Projects and the Research Graveyard
The podcast delves into the challenge of managing research projects and the concept of the research graveyard. It discusses the importance of starting with a sound idea and assessing the potential impact of a research proposal. The episode highlights the significance of quantifying the expected returns, transaction costs, and risk associated with a research project. It also reveals how the firm institutionalizes knowledge by tracking and analyzing failed projects, ensuring continuous evaluation, and potential future value.
Maintaining Flexibility and Efficiency in the Research Platform
The podcast episode addresses the operational burden of maintaining a flexible and efficient research platform. It highlights the importance of periodically rebuilding and refactoring the platform to incorporate new tools, data sets, and best practices. The episode describes the use of individual research sandboxes, enabling researchers to work rapidly and experiment without affecting the production environment. It further explores the role of technology and IT practices in integrating research findings into the production platform, emphasizing the need to balance flexibility with maintaining a clean and efficient process.
In our industry, we’re all too often guilty of asking, “what is your alpha,” rather than, “what is your process for finding alpha?” Yet, in the long run, it is the process that is important.
I’m equally guilty of this. In the history of this podcast, I’ve probably overemphasized the outcome of research versus the process of research.
There are a few exceptions, though. And in this dive into the archives, I wanted to return to Season 2, when I spoke with Chris Meredith, Co-Chief Investment Officer at O’Shaughnessy Asset Management.
There are a lot of nuggets in this episode, ranging from ingesting data to working with research partners to a discussion of hardware setup. But the part that has always stuck with me the most was Chris’s process for prioritizing research proposals based upon an AUM-scaled information ratio.
I’ll let Chris explain. Enjoy.
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