Minor in Business Analytics
Minor in Business Analytics
Interdisciplinary (IDS) Minor housed in Marketing
Business Analytics is a minor that will provide students with an opportunity to gain deeper proficiency and comfort with data analysis. The Minor will also provide students with the context for what question(s) should be asked and how best to collect, analyze and present findings from the analysis of data to answer the question(s).
The use of analytics is expected to grow rapidly. Companies will need employees who understand data that is available to them. A study from McKinsey & Co. found that by 2018, the U.S. will face a shortage of 1.5 million managers who can use data to shape business decisions (WSJ 2011). The Minor in Business Analytics will provide skill development, introduction and use of contemporary analytical tools, and context that will be useful for future workers to manage effectively.
The following lists a brief description of the courses offered as part of the Minor in Business Analytics. For additional details, please also consult the "Checklist for Minor in Business Analytics" document.
MARKETING RESEARCH MKT 232: Marketing research links the consumer to the market-oriented firm by providing information and insights that managers can use to make decisions about various elements of the marketing mix. This course introduces a multi-step process for generating information necessary for making effective marketing decisions. The course teaches methods for collecting and analyzing marketing data from customers and other sources. Students will also learn how to use SPSS software for the statistical analysis of marketing data.
INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING ANALYTICS MKT 245: This course introduces you to the tools and techniques of data mining and predictive analytics, with the goal of using analytical techniques to derive actionable intelligence from marketing data to drive measureable improvements in marketing performance.
ADVANCED MARKETING ANALYTICS MKT 345: This is a quantitatively oriented course that is intended to explore concepts, tools, and methods of customer relationship management (CRM) in addition to more specialized and important contemporary business tools. Since data analysis is an important first step in developing a CRM program, a focus of the course will be placed upon techniques, and terminology associated with data analysis.
BRAND MANAGEMENT & ANALYTICS MKT 339.13: This course will provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to make day-to-day and long-term brand related decisions. The course focuses on important issues in planning, implementing, and evaluating brand strategies based on the relevant theories, models, and the latest analytics tools available in brand management.
MARKETING AND SALES FORECASTING MKT 311: This course develops an understanding of forecasting concepts and builds skills in performing a variety of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. Applications include determining market and sales potential, estimating future sales, determining territory assignments and target markets. This is a highly interactive class, emphasizing actual forecasting applications through real-world exercises and projects.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS BIS 271: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE IT 244: This course enables the student to become aware, comprehend, explore and manage significant issues confronting the field of Business Intelligence and Analytics from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Students can expect to be "immersed" in Business Intelligence analyses, research, resources, cases, tools, and techniques from industry and academia alike.
ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACC 263: This course provides students with advanced spreadsheet skills and familiarity with an accounting software package.
Advanced Business Data Management. This course covers advanced study in computer storage techniques required for business information systems. Techniques are developed for both enterprise and desktop applications.
DATA MINING IT 344: This course enables students to discover knowledge from data by applying data mining tools and techniques. It will emphasize preparing data, application of data mining techniques, interpreting the results and devising action plans based on the discovered knowledge. Students will be equipped with theoretical foundations to engage in algorithmic and optimization exercises.
ADVANCED TOPICS iIN BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE IT 345: This course covers the use of database technology to implement and analyze large data sets. Implementation and problem solving will be emphasized, including skills in database administration, data management and analysis. Students will gain practical experience with using a variety of tools.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTMES GEO 303: In this course students create effective visual presentations of spatial data. Students obtain datasets for GIS analysis, assess the suitability of the dataset to a given problem, and evaluate the associated uncertainties. Students will also independently analyze spatially referenced data, interpret results, and apply these skills to a decision-making process.