Business Analytics can be defined as the extensive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive models, and fact-based management to drive decisions and actions (Davenport etal 2010). Organizations recognize the need to learn more about business analytics as high quality information about their capabilities and those of their competition is essential for effective decision making to be competitive and generate value.

This course presents the fundamentals of implementing and managing business analytics in organizations including: decision making; business analytics concepts and frameworks; technologies and tools required for descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics; frameworks for putting analytics to work; technologies and tools required for business analytics; the governance, oversight and business value gained from business analytics within organizations; ethical and social implications of business analytics; future directions for business analytics.

SAS software tools will be used for the skills components of the course: “Applied Analytics Using SAS Enterprise Miner”.