Business Analytics for Decision Making

  • 4.6
Approx. 9 hours to complete

Course Summary

Learn how to make data-driven decisions in business with this course on Business Analytics and Decision Making. Gain valuable insights into how data can be used to improve business operations and drive growth.

Key Learning Points

  • Understand the role of data in decision-making processes
  • Learn how to use data visualization to communicate insights effectively
  • Discover how to apply statistical methods to solve business problems

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

  • Data Analyst
    • USA: $65,000 - $109,000
    • India: ₹350,000 - ₹1,200,000
    • Spain: €26,000 - €45,000
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
    • USA: $68,000 - $120,000
    • India: ₹400,000 - ₹1,600,000
    • Spain: €27,000 - €52,000
  • Data Scientist
    • USA: $85,000 - $150,000
    • India: ₹500,000 - ₹2,400,000
    • Spain: €35,000 - €70,000

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how to use data to make informed business decisions
  • Develop skills in data analysis and visualization
  • Learn how to apply statistical methods to business problems

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic understanding of statistics
  • Familiarity with Excel or another spreadsheet program

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-Paced

Similar Courses

  • Data Analytics for Business
  • Business Intelligence Concepts, Tools, and Applications

Related Education Paths


Related Books

Description

In this course you will learn how to create models for decision making. We will start with cluster analysis, a technique for data reduction that is very useful in market segmentation. You will then learn the basics of Monte Carlo simulation that will help you model the uncertainty that is prevalent in many business decisions. A key element of decision making is to identify the best course of action. Since businesses problems often have too many alternative solutions, you will learn how optimization can help you identify the best option. What is really exciting about this course is that you won’t need to know a computer language or advanced statistics to learn about these predictive and prescriptive analytic models. The Analytic Solver Platform and basic knowledge of Excel is all you’ll need. Learners participating in assignments will be able to get free access to the Analytic Solver Platform.

Outline

  • Data Exploration and Reduction — Cluster Analysis
  • Introduction to the Course
  • 0. What is Cluster Analysis
  • 1. Data Reduction and Unsupervised Learning
  • 2. Preparing Data and Measuring Dissimilarities
  • 3. Hierarchical and k-Means Clustering
  • 4. Cluster Analysis with Excel
  • 5. Cluster Analysis with XLMiner
  • Register for Analytic Solver Platform for Education (ASPE)
  • Week 1 Quiz
  • Week 1 Application Assignment - Clustering
  • Dealing with Uncertainty and Analyzing Risk
  • 0. Risk Analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation
  • 1. Adding Uncertainty to a Spreadsheet Model
  • 2. Defining Output Variables and Analyzing the Results
  • 3. Using Historical Data to Model Uncertainty
  • 4. Models with Correlated Uncertain Variables
  • 5. Creating and Interpreting Charts
  • 6. Using Average Values versus Simulation
  • Week 2 Quiz
  • Week 2 Application Assignment - Monte Carlo Simulation
  • Identifying the Best Options — Optimization
  • 0. Optimization and Decision Making
  • 1. Formulating an Optimization Problem
  • 2. Developing a Spreadsheet Model
  • 3. Adding Optimization to a Spreadsheet Model
  • 4. What-if Analysis and the Sensitivity Report
  • 5. Evaluating Scenarios and Visualizing Results to Gain Practical Insights
  • 6. Digital Marketing Application of Optimization
  • Week 3 Quiz
  • Week 3 Application Assignment - Linear Optimization
  • Decision Analytics
  • 0. Advanced Models for Better Decisions
  • 1. Business Problems with Yes/No Decisions
  • 2. Formulation and Solution of Binary Optimization Problems
  • 3. Metaheuristic Optimization
  • 4. Chance Constraints and Value At Risk
  • 5. Simulation Optimization
  • Week 4 Quiz
  • Week 4 Application Assignment - Simulation Optimization

Summary of User Reviews

This business analytics course is highly recommended by users due to its comprehensive coverage of various analytical techniques for decision making. Users praised the course for its practical approach and real-life examples that make the learning experience engaging and easy to understand.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Users appreciated the course's emphasis on applying analytics to real-world business problems.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Comprehensive coverage of various analytical tools and techniques
  • Practical approach with real-life examples
  • Easy to understand and engaging learning experience
  • Great for beginners and intermediate learners
  • Flexible schedule with self-paced learning

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course material too basic
  • Limited interaction with instructors
  • Some technical difficulties with the Coursera platform
  • Not suitable for advanced learners
  • No certification available without paying for the course
English
Available now
Approx. 9 hours to complete
Manuel Laguna
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera

Instructor

Manuel Laguna

  • 4.6 Raiting
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