BUS-K 327 Modeling Business Data
Given that business analytics has become intrinsic to how companies deliver value in the marketplace, this course provides an immersion into critical thinking, problem solving, process flow, model thinking, and analytical tools that are employed to convert raw data into information for decision-making. The course, which emphasizes fundamental data analytics principles, takes a layered approach: 1) data retrieval; 2) data analysis; and 3) modeling a decision-making process. The first step, data retrieval, includes topics such as creating an analysis from multiple tables or worksheets, index/match combination and offset/indirect functions. The second step employs database, subtotals and aggregate function as well as array formulas to showcase data analysis. The course culminates with form controls, data validation and defined named ranges that highlight modeling a decision process. This hands-on course employs a tool (e.g., Excel) to showcase transformation of ambiguous problems from the field into insight for decision making.