Executive Education

Business Analytics (online)

Data-Driven Approach to Decision Making

Book now
Duotone gradient of detail from the Essex Business School
The details
Business Analytics - A Data-Driven Approach to Decision Making
2 days
£1000
 8 - 9 May 2025
Online
Online
Dr Debabrata Ghosh

Overview

Competence in analytics has become a critical skill for managers. Business analytics is about quantitative analysis and predictive modelling towards data-driven competitive strategies. The executive education program in business analytics covers methodologies and practices that are important for decision-making and discusses their relevance in various functional domains. The course is designed for professionals who need a managerial introduction to this discipline.

Course content highlights

  • Analytics on Spreadsheets – Data Visualization and Exploration Learn applications of business analytics, understand how data is used in business decisions, and learn data types and decision models.
  • Trend lines and Regression Analysis Learn the application of regression analysis in business decisions and apply a systematic approach to build predictive models. • Forecasting Learn fundamentals of forecasting and techniques to forecast future demand.
  • Decision Analysis and Optimization Learn how to make decisions under uncertainty and risk and how to make them better.

Learning outcomes

This course will introduce participants to some of the most widely used modelling techniques and their core principles. By taking this course, participants will develop an appreciation of how business analytics can equip managers and entrepreneurs with critical tools. Participants will also develop essential analytical skills in handling, analyzing, and manipulating data to generate insights about businesses, markets, consumers and competitors.

Who should attend

This course is designed for those who are interested in using data to gain insights and make better business decisions. Professionals looking to develop an in-depth understanding of data analysis and other quantitative techniques in both strategic and tactical decision-making would benefit from the course. The program would also improve the managerial and leadership capabilities of participants.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Business Analytics from Essex Business School, University of Essex.

Pedagogy

All sessions will be delivered in a live “in-class” environment. There will be material provided prior to the sessions to enhance learning and increase the quality of the discourse in the classroom. Sessions will be devoted to “hands-on” learning through interactive case discussions, exercises, and analytical tool implementation (MS-excel/spreadsheets).

Our expert staff

Dr Debabrata Ghosh

Dr Debabrata Ghosh is a Reader in the Strategy, Operations and Entrepreneurship Group (SOE) and the Director of Executive Education at Essex Business School. Prior to this, Dr Ghosh held faculty positions at the Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (a part of the MIT SCALE Network), Asia School of Business (in collaboration with MIT Sloan) and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (AASCB, AMBA, EQUIS), top business schools in Malaysia and India, respectively. Dr Ghosh has consulted with several top global retail and consumer goods companies in the Asia Pacific and the U.S. His research interests lie in the areas of supply chain analytics and sustainable operations.

Structure

Module Outline

The course duration is 2 days consisting of 4 sessions each day. Each session is about 1.5 hours in duration.

Day 1

Session Topic  Description
Session 1 Analytics on Spreadsheets – Data Visualisation and Exploration Learn applications of business analytics, understand how data is used in business decisions, learn data types and decisions models
Session 2 Descriptive Statistics, probability measures, sampling and estimation Understand statistical notations, learn sampling techniques, and conduct
Session 3 Predictive Analytics -- Trend lines and Regression Analysis Learn the application of regression analysis in business decisions, and apply a systematic approach to building good regression models
Session 4 Case Study and Analysis Apply the tools learnt to a real-life business case, understand data analysis methods and undertake strategic decisions based on analytics

Day 2

Session Topic  Description
Session 1 Introduction to Forecasting Understand the role of forecasting in business decisions Understand the components of a demand forecast
Session 2 Time Series Forecasting Models Detect demand patterns to forecast future demand Learn different approaches to Forecasting
Session 3 Introduction to Prescriptive Analytics -- Optimization Learn how to make better decisions and use the resources and constraints at hand.
Session 4 Case Study and Analysis Apply the tools learnt to a real-life business case.

 

How to book

The cost of this course is £1000 including access to all programmes materials, refreshments and lunch.

Payment should be made in full at the time of applying.



Book now

Please be aware that attendees will need to source their own accommodation for the duration of the course should they be travelling to attend. There are a range of different local options to book just a short distance from the Essex Business School.