BNAL - Business Analytics
An introduction to methods of business analytics. Topics are concentrated in descriptive analytics, which include descriptive statistics, normal and binomial distributions, decision making under uncertainty and under risk, decision analysis incorporating sample information, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem, interval estimation, and hypothesis testing. Business and economic applications are emphasized. Computer software, as a tool for problem solving, is utilized where appropriate.
Advanced descriptive and predictive analytics topics include advanced hypothesis testing, analysis of frequency data, correlation analysis, simple and multiple regression, and time series forecasting. Prescriptive analytics topics include linear programming formulation and managerial analysis, and distribution models. PERT/CPM models are also covered. Computer software is utilized throughout the course. Emphasis is on the interpretation of the various outcomes of the application of business analytics tools.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment. (Qualifies as a CAP experience.)
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department CAP adviser and the Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment. Student participation in a professional work experience. (Qualifies as a CAP experience.)
This course introduces students to concepts and processes, technologies, and methodologies that are commonly used in data visualization that an organization may use to enhance its descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive methods for making fact-based decisions.
The spreadsheet has become one of the most widely used analytical tools in the modern business environment. This course covers spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel) capabilities and business applications, with a focus on the use of spreadsheets for modeling, data analysis, and business decision support. Topics include concepts such as functions, pivot table, macros, analytical utilities, database connections, and interactive interfaces. Modeling and analysis in several areas such as forecasting, investment, quality, and sales are covered.
Students are introduced to prescriptive analytics through formulation and solution of mathematical models, with a particular focus on optimization models. The business use of the models, as well as their limitations, is emphasized. Topics include linear, integer, non-linear programming, network models, genetic algorithms, decision analysis, and project management models.
This course addresses advanced business analytics techniques and the application of such techniques to large data sets. Some alternative business analytics strategies are introduced. Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models are included. Topics covered in this course include data visualization and exploration, cluster analysis, and developing and calibrating predictive models for big data. Applications of multivariate, logistic, and probit regression to business analytics are discussed. Software packages such as SAS/JMP/SPSS may be used.
This course provides a foundational understanding of probability and statistics in a business context. Students learn to analyze data, make informed decisions, and solve business problems using statistical techniques. Topics include sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regressions, and time series forecasting. Emphasis is placed on the application of the tools to business problems.
Predictive analytics techniques for business. Applications include both shorter term forecasting for sales and operations management as well as forecasting for long term planning. Emphasis is on statistical methods to obtain and evaluate forecasts. Statistical models are implemented using standard software such as MINITAB, EXCEL, R, and/or Python.
Simulation modeling is an integral part of the analytics revolution, enabling the creation of models that can represent the variability that exists in many real business systems. This course covers the theory and application of simulation modeling, with an emphasis on how simulation provides predictive and prescriptive analytics to support business decision-making. Topics include simulation fundamentals, the project life-cycle, model development, input and output analysis, verification and validation, and the presentation of a simulation study. We utilize a major commercial simulation software package for assignments and class projects.
Selected advanced topics in decision sciences. Taught on an occasional basis. See the course schedule for the particular topic being taught each semester.
Affords students the opportunity to undertake independent study under the direction of a faculty member.
This course introduces students to concepts and processes, technologies, and methodologies that are commonly used in data visualization that an organization may use to enhance its descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive methods for making fact-based decisions.
Students are introduced to prescriptive analytics through formulation and solution of mathematical models, with a particular focus on optimization models. The business use of the models, as well as their limitations, is emphasized. Topics include linear, integer, non-linear programming, network models, genetic algorithms, decision analysis, and project management models.
This course addresses advanced business analytics techniques and the application of such techniques to large data sets. Some alternative business analytics strategies are introduced. Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models are included. Topics covered in this course include data visualization and exploration, cluster analysis, and developing and calibrating predictive models for big data. Applications of multivariate, logistic, and probit regression to business analytics are discussed. Software packages such as SAS/JMP/SPSS may be used.
This course provides a foundational understanding of probability and statistics in a business context. Students learn to analyze data, make informed decisions, and solve business problems using statistical techniques. Topics include sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regressions, and time series forecasting. Emphasis is placed on the application of the tools to business problems.
Predictive analytics techniques for business. Applications include both shorter term forecasting for sales and operations management as well as forecasting for long term planning. Emphasis is on statistical methods to obtain and evaluate forecasts. Statistical models are implemented using standard software such as MINITAB, EXCEL, R, and/or Python.
Simulation modeling is an integral part of the analytics revolution, enabling the creation of models that can represent the variability that exists in many real business systems. This course covers the theory and application of simulation modeling, with an emphasis on how simulation provides predictive and prescriptive analytics to support business decision-making. Topics include simulation fundamentals, the project life-cycle, model development, input and output analysis, verification and validation, and the presentation of a simulation study. We utilize a major commercial simulation software package for assignments and class projects.
This course explores the intersection of intelligent systems and business analytics. Students gain insights into leveraging artificial intelligence and data analysis techniques to drive informed decision-making and solve complex business problems. Topics include descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, AI, machine learning, and real-world case studies in various industries.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment.
Approval for enrollment and allowable credits are determined by the department and Career Development Services in the semester prior to enrollment.
Advanced topics in business analytics offered periodically.
Affords students the opportunity to undertake independent study under the direction of a faculty member.
An applied study of statistical methods including analysis of variance, cross-sectional multiple regression, time series regression, panel data methods, discriminant analysis, and generalized linear models. Data analyzed using a computerized statistical package. Emphasizes development of the student's ability to use statistics for independent research.
Advanced statistical models that are commonly encountered in business research. Topics include confirmatory factor analysis as well as structural equation modeling. Emphasis is on model development as well as use of statistical software in analyzing realistic business-oriented data sets.
This course introduces the fundamentals of multilevel modeling. Alternative methods of analysis are discussed and critiqued. Use of specialized multilevel modeling software is demonstrated. Topics include a detailed discussion of the issues associated with variable centering. Applications to business research investigations are emphasized.
This course covers both the theory and application of simulation modeling and analysis to business, supply chain, and logistics systems. Both discrete-event and continuous simulation modeling approaches are covered, using a major commercial simulation package. Emphasis will be on the use of simulation as a tool to support business, supply chain, and logistics decision making.
This course will explore both the conceptual and technical aspects of agent-based simulation, particularly as utilized for modeling of business systems. Students will explore the roots and literature of agent-based modeling and related fields. Students will also learn to develop agent-based simulation models using a major commercial simulation package.
The advanced study of selected topics not offered on a regular basis.
This course covers both the theory and application of simulation modeling and analysis to business, supply chain, and logistics systems. Both discrete-event and continuous simulation modeling approaches are covered, using a major commercial simulation package. Emphasis will be on the use of simulation as a tool to support business, supply chain, and logistics decision making.
This course will explore both the conceptual and technical aspects of agent-based simulation, particularly as utilized for modeling of business systems. Students will explore the roots and literature of agent-based modeling and related fields. Students will also learn to develop agent-based simulation models using a major commercial simulation package.