There are various approaches to choosing a proper subject among thesis topics in mathematics, the flexibility being an advantage of majoring in the field. There are three leading themes for one to commit to. The student may choose to study the work of a famous mathematician, base a paper on popular theorems and theories, or opt for thesis topics in mathematics that explore the application of the discipline to the modern-day issues. The areas of mathematics, such as statistics, probability, game theory, operations research, and optimization are important, among other domains of the human life, for business, law, health, public policy, and sports.
Statistics has become an important tool in business, in particular when it comes to sports, where intuition and subjectivity gave way to data analysis and scientific evidence. The changes were a necessary step on the way to improving performance on the pitch and ensuring the quality of new signings. Statistics is a great tool to analyze the competition and optimize and adjust the strategies and tactics in order to have as big an advantage as possible.
Statistics helps to determine the frequency of a playing style a team uses more often. Moreover, it allows evaluating the performance of players in order to assess what they are adding to the team and if they are fit to play in a certain game. Another application of data analysis in sports is to identify proper positions for players on the field. When, for instance, a player performs better in an offensive position, it will be beneficial for the team to make adjustments and take advantage of the information. As a result, coaches can easily determine which players should make the roster and which ones are not fit or fitting the squad enough for a game.
Statistics is also useful when making decisions in the transfer market and can improve the return on investment, which is a major marker of success for the team management. It is important to apply data analysis before hiring a new prospect in order to avoid overvalued players or the ones who are not performing to their best. Nowadays, making mistakes in sports can be very costly, that is why decisions should be accurate and as risk-free as possible if a club wants to pose a long-term competition, and, especially, be in contention for titles. Statistics makes it possible to determine if a player is prone to injuries or has fitness problems and can become a financial liability as a result. The same may be applied to signing unknown young prospects and track their performance using data analysis.
All in all, the application of statistics in sports has become more pervasive as it gives an edge over opponents. In particular, it allows to track player’s performance, determine the opposite team’s style, and make more informed decisions in the transfer market, which significantly improves a team’s competitive and financial outcomes. Sports analysis will definitely continue to evolve and will be more relied on with development of new technologies and ways to apply it.
References
Journal, M. (2016). The science of statistics: its application in sports performance analytics. Engineers Journal. Retrieved 9 August 2017, from http://www.engineersjournal.ie/2016/08/09/game-changer-statistics-sports-analytics/
Kucharski, A. (2017). How science and statistics are taking over sport. Newstatesman.com. Retrieved 9 August 2017, from http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/sport/2016/04/how-science-and-statistics-are-taking-over-sport
Lock, R., Lock, P., Morgan, K., & Lock, D. (2013). Statistics (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Lopes, E. Statistics Applied to Soccer: How It’s Done! – United Statisticians. United Statisticians. Retrieved 9 August 2017, from https://unitedstatisticians.com/blog/statistics-applied-soccer/?lang=en
Steinberg, L. (2015). Forbes Welcome. Forbes.com. Retrieved 9 August 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/leighsteinberg/2015/08/18/changing-the-game-the-rise-of-sports-analytics/#427d67d24c1f