Analytics Advantage

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

Using analytics for solving complex business problems involves many 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 tools together with 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 capabilities may not be adequate. While learning specific techniques and software packages is useful, we will highlight the fundamental ways in which analytical reasoning works independently of the tools we use. As application areas, we will look at business problems involving demand estimation, resource allocation, and operational decision making.