Rikus Fourie

I am a results-driven Data Scientist with exceptional problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of data science and machine learning principles. Leveraging my consulting background, I excel in taking projects from initial problem description to a production-ready design, all while prioritizing timely and efficient delivery of high-quality products. Proficient in Python, R, and SQL (Postgres, SQL Server, MySQL, and NoSQL), I also bring strong communication skills and a collaborative problem-solving approach to every endeavor.

Advanced Data Science | Data Scientist

Feb, 2022 – Present

• Full-stack development of web apps in R for forecasting and data analysis I handle the process from solution design, data acquisition, data cleaning, data warehousing, frontend development and deployment.
• Conducting forecasts and tracking of daily prepaid revenue for Vodacom Mozambique and sales numbers for South Africa. I achieved a 99%+ forecasting accuracy for Mozambique revenue and 93%+ forecast accuracy for CBU Sales.
• Helped implement anomaly detection using our forecasts.
• Helped to develop a Bayesian forecasting app for monthly retention and churn forecast.
• Improved Bayesian forecasting model by incorporating a genetic algorithm, resulting in 96% accuracy for churn and 95% accuracy for retention. The previous methods to predict churn and retention Vodacom used resulted in only around a 85% accuracy.
• I had to collaborate closely with Vodacom to identify valuable opportunities where we as a consulting company can make a significant impact for the customer. Subsequently, I designed, developed, and efficiently productionalized the product.

LightSail Education | Data Scientist

Jul, 2018 – Jan, 2022

• As part of my role, I primarily focused on creating dashboards for both management teams and clients. Throughout my tenure, I designed and developed over 60 dashboards using Zoho Dash and Google Data Studio. Several of these dashboards have embedded into Lightsails app and used by thousands of users daily. Typically, I was given only a basic description of what was required and then designed and developed the dashboards independently.
• Conducted daily ad hoc data analysis using SQL queries for schools and management, and supported development team in finding app bugs.
• Researched and helped impliment a book recommendation system for the application users.

Gossamer Structures | Intern Data Scientist

Apr, 2018 – Jun, 2018

• As an intern at Gossamer Structures, I developed a decision support tool in Excel that utilized forecasting and a genetic algorithm to optimize stock levels for finished machines, resulting in minimized stock outs and improved planning.

Udacity - Nanodegree: Data Science - 2019

University of Stellenbosch - Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) (Hons): Quantitative Research

University of Stellenbosch - Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods