Analytics Advantage

1.5 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Using analytics to solve complex business problems involves multiple steps, such as formulating the problem, gathering the necessary data, developing and analyzing a model to use the data, and finally deriving actionable insights from the analysis. In this course, we will take an integrative approach and discuss using data analytics and modeling tools to help with decision making. We will use Python and Excel as our main platforms. We will also discuss other software for larger problems where Excel’s optimization capabilities may not be sufficient. While learning specific techniques and software packages is useful, we will highlight the fundamental ways analytical reasoning works independently of the tools we use. As application areas, we will look at problems in operations, marketing, and management.