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BUS431 Business Data Analysis

• Department Business
• Level Upper
• Format Online
• Credits 3

Description

The over-arching goal of this course is to help managers make better decisions. Management guru, W. Edwards Deming, once said all management is prediction of future results (Wood & Wood, 2005). If we do not know how to estimate the impacts of decisions on future outcomes, we limit ourselves to guessing with our gut instead of applying a real analysis based on data science (Bonabeau, 2003). In this course, students will learn how to develop Excel statistical and decision models and create basic data visualizations, which will help students become data savvy and provide them with essential Excel skills, both of which are necessary to be competitive in a professional work environment. It will include a review of important statistical methods; use of time series for forecasting; application of regression analysis; aspects of decision theory including model building, linear optimization, simulation, optimization with and without risk and uncertainty; and methods to effectively communicate the results and rationales to management in tables and using graphs. The course also includes use of Tableau to create more effective data visualizations and data stories. Students will install Tableau on their computer a 1-year free Tableau Student license.

View Sample Syllabus

Prerequisites

BUS233 Business Statistics or BUS231 Business Data Literacy

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)

To be designated as a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) course, all instructional materials will be provided at no cost to students. These may include Open Educational Resources (OER), free materials, or library resources. Check your syllabus for more information.

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