Data Analytics for Business

Catalog description

Investigates how data can be used to directly impact business decisions. We will study the core ideas behind data mining, challenges associated with big data, and the interplay between data science and business decisions. We will focus on (i) general principles that are long lasting despite of the rapid changing technology; (ii) specific algorithms/technologies that are currently being used in many industries; and (iii) 'hands-on' analyses of actual datasets to develop methodologies. A variety of real life examples will be discussed such as customer retention, health risk prediction, social media analysis, network of systemic risk, real-time online advertisement, text mining, and data mining contests. Ultimately, the course aims to develop 'data-analytic' thinking. This should enable you to evaluate how data can improve performance, identify opportunities, and assist in decision making for managers. The understanding of the principles of data mining techniques will allow you to interact effectively with experts/consultants, and to quickly conduct pilot studies. This course is for Daytime MBA and Accelerated Daytime MBA students.