OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
edX logo

Data Analytics for Business

3.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star Empty star
Based on 11 ratings
see reviews
Frederic Bien

Today, businesses, consumers, and societies leave behind massive amounts of data as a by-product of their activities. Leading-edge companies in every industry are using analytics to replace intuition and guesswork in their decision-making. As a result, managers are collecting and analyzing enormous data sets to discover new patterns and insights and running controlled experiments to test hypotheses.

Read more

Today, businesses, consumers, and societies leave behind massive amounts of data as a by-product of their activities. Leading-edge companies in every industry are using analytics to replace intuition and guesswork in their decision-making. As a result, managers are collecting and analyzing enormous data sets to discover new patterns and insights and running controlled experiments to test hypotheses.

This course prepares students to understand business analytics and become leaders in these areas in business organizations. This course teaches the scientific process of transforming data into insights for making better business decisions. It covers the methodologies, issues, and challenges related to analyzing business data. It will illustrate the processes of analytics by allowing students to apply business analytics algorithms and methodologies to business problems. The use of examples places business analytics techniques in context and teaches students how to avoid the common pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of applying proper business analytics techniques.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Approach business problems data-analytically. students should be able to think carefully and systematically about whether and how data and business analytics can improve business performance.
  • Develop business analytics ideas, analyze data using business analytics software, and generate business insights.
  • After taking this course, students should be able to:

Syllabus

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
We will be learning business analytics with the help of open source and free software applications that are provided for educational use. Please follow instructions provided in their respective websites and install the following software in your personal laptop:
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on business analytics, which helps learners analyze data to make better business decisions
Taught by Frederic Bien, who is an expert in business analytics
Provides hands-on practice with business analytics algorithms and methodologies
Develops critical thinking skills for approaching business problems data-analytically
Uses open source and free software applications, making it accessible to learners
Requires installation of specific software (R and R Studio) on personal laptops

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical business data analytics with r

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and practical foundation in data analytics specifically tailored for business contexts. Learners frequently highlight the course's strong emphasis on real-world business problems and applications, noting its effectiveness in bridging the gap between raw data and strategic decision-making. The instructor's clear explanations and the well-structured lectures are consistently praised. While the hands-on projects using R and RStudio are widely considered invaluable for developing practical skills, some beginners found the initial technical expectations for R challenging, suggesting a potential prerequisite of prior programming exposure or a strong willingness to learn coding. The course is highly recommended for business professionals seeking actionable insights from data, though those with a strong existing analytics background may find some foundational topics introductory.
Praised for clear explanations and well-structured course material.
"The instructor clearly explains complex concepts."
"The lectures are well-structured, and the assignments reinforced the learning."
"The instructor is phenomenal, making complex topics easy to grasp."
Offers a strong foundation for business professionals, less so for advanced users.
"A solid introduction to business analytics."
"It's a great foundation."
"If you already have a strong analytics background, much of it might be review."
"Not for data scientists, perhaps more for managers."
Provides valuable practical experience with R and RStudio software.
"The hands-on projects using R and RStudio were invaluable."
"The R exercises were very helpful for practical skills."
"The practical exercises solidified my understanding."
Teaches applying data analytics to solve real-world business challenges.
"The focus on real-world scenarios rather than just theory was exactly what I needed."
"I learned how to interpret data for strategic decisions."
"It certainly helps you 'think like an analyst' in a business context."
"The practical application is what sets it apart."
Newcomers to programming may find the R coding aspects challenging.
"I struggled with the technical aspects of R... a more gradual introduction or optional basic R tutorial would be beneficial."
"The expectation for immediate proficiency in R was too high for a complete beginner."
"More support on the coding side would improve this course significantly."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data Analytics for Business with these activities:
Create a Course Resource Binder
Organize and review key course materials such as notes, assignments, and practice questions to enhance your understanding and retention.
Show steps
  • Gather course materials
  • Organize materials into sections
  • Review materials regularly
Review Statistical Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of statistical concepts essential for business analytics, such as measures of central tendency, probability, and regression.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks
  • Take practice quizzes
Explore the R and RStudio Software
Gain familiarity with the software used in the course.
Browse courses on R
Show steps
  • Install R and RStudio.
  • Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn basic functions.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Business Analytics: The Science of Decision-Making
Gain a comprehensive understanding of business analytics principles and practices from a well-respected textbook in the field.
Show steps
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts
  • Complete end-of-chapter exercises
Attend Industry Meetup on Business Analytics
Connect with professionals in the field of business analytics, learn about industry trends, and explore potential career opportunities.
Show steps
  • Find an industry meetup
  • Register and attend the event
  • Network with attendees
Form a Study Group
Collaborate with classmates to review course material, discuss concepts, and work on assignments together, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Show steps
  • Find interested classmates
  • Set up regular meeting times
  • Discuss course material and work on assignments
Practice Business Analytics Algorithms
Increase proficiency in using business analytics algorithms and techniques.
Browse courses on Business Analytics
Show steps
  • Select a dataset related to business analytics.
  • Identify and apply appropriate business analytics algorithms.
  • Interpret the results and draw insights.
Analyze Real-World Business Data
Enhance skills in applying business analytics techniques to real-world data.
Browse courses on Business Analytics
Show steps
  • Obtain a business analytics dataset.
  • Clean and prepare the data.
  • Conduct exploratory data analysis.
  • Develop and test hypotheses.
200 Practice Questions on Business Analytics
Sharpen your understanding of business analytics by solving a variety of practice questions covering key concepts and techniques.
Show steps
  • Identify your weak areas
  • Solve practice questions
  • Review your answers
Create a Business Analytics Case Study
Demonstrate understanding of business analytics by developing a case study.
Browse courses on Business Analytics
Show steps
  • Identify a business problem.
  • Gather relevant data and conduct analysis.
  • Develop recommendations based on insights.
Data Analytics Case Study Presentation
Apply your knowledge and skills in business analytics by conducting a case study and presenting your findings, showcasing your ability to analyze data and derive insights.
Show steps
  • Choose a business problem
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Develop insights and recommendations
  • Create a presentation
  • Present your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Data Analytics for Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps businesses track and measure their performance with data, finding ways to create greater efficiency and boost profits. This course in Data Analytics can help you build the skills needed to understand a business' problems, improve communication with key stakeholders, and ultimately find smarter ways to achieve success.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses scientific methods to analyze and interpret data in order to find meaningful insights. This course will help you build the foundation you need in business analytics and data analysis, preparing you to translate complex data patterns into actionable business solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps organizations identify and solve problems, optimize processes, and make more informed decisions. This course can help build your expertise in data-driven decision making, which is an increasingly valuable skill in today's business environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Marketing Analyst
A Marketing Analyst uses data to understand and predict consumer behavior. They provide insights to help businesses make better decisions about their marketing campaigns. This course provides the skills you need to analyze and interpret large datasets, uncover valuable insights, and improve marketing efforts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. They find ways to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. This course will help build your foundation in data analytics, preparing you to apply these techniques in a variety of business settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products and services. This course in data analytics can help you develop the skills you need to analyze market data, identify customer needs, and make informed decisions about product development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Quantitative Analyst
A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. This course in Data Analytics may be helpful in developing the skills you need to succeed in this role, particularly in understanding complex data and building models for financial analysis.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst
Risk Analyst
A Risk Analyst assesses and manages financial risks for businesses. This course in Data Analytics may be helpful in developing the skills you need to understand and analyze financial data, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions about risk management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer designs and builds systems for storing, organizing, and analyzing data. This course in Data Analytics may be helpful in developing the skills you need to understand data management and analysis techniques, and build the necessary infrastructure for data-driven decision making.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course in Data Analytics will help you build the skills you need to succeed in this role, providing a foundation in data analysis and interpretation, as well as the use of statistical software and data visualization tools.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst uses data to identify trends and patterns, and to develop insights that can help businesses make better decisions. This course in Data Analytics will help build your skills in data analysis, data visualization, and business intelligence tools, preparing you for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher conducts research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This course in Data Analytics may be helpful in developing the skills you need to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and provide insights to help businesses make better decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to make investment recommendations. This course in Data Analytics may be helpful in developing the skills you need to understand financial data, build financial models, and make informed investment decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Healthcare Analyst
A Healthcare Analyst analyzes healthcare data to improve patient care and reduce costs. This course in Data Analytics may be helpful in developing the skills you need to understand healthcare data, build healthcare models, and make informed decisions about healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Analyst
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course in Data Analytics will help build your skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization, preparing you for success in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Data Analytics for Business:
25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017
4 minute read

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Data Analytics for Business.
Cover image
Strategic Management in Sport
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data analytics in the cloud, covering the entire data analytics process from data collection and preparation to model building and deployment. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Strategic Management in Sport
Paperback
$$
Strategic Management in Sport
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Daphne Draws Data
Save
Provides a practical guide to storytelling with data. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn how to use data to tell compelling stories.
Daphne Draws Data: A Storytelling with Data...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Data-ism
Save
Provides a practical guide to designing and implementing data science projects. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn how to build and deploy data science solutions.
Data-ism: The Revolution Transforming Decision...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Analytics and Big Data: The Davenport Collection (6...
Save
Provides a practical guide to using data analytics to improve business performance. It valuable resource for business leaders and practitioners who want to learn how to use data analytics to make better decisions.
Analytics and Big Data: The Davenport Collection (6...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Data Science for Business
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data science, covering the entire data science process from data collection and preparation to model building and deployment. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know...
Paperback
$$
Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Python for Data Analysis
Save
Provides a practical introduction to data analysis using the Python programming language. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to use Python for data analysis.
Python for Data Analysis
Paperback
Check
Python for Data Analysis
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Climate Change and Coastal Ecosystems
Save
Provides a practical introduction to data analysis using the R programming language. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to use R for data analysis.
Climate Change and Coastal Ecosystems: Long-Term...
Paperback
$$$
Climate Change and Coastal Ecosystems: Long-Term...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Data Visualization
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization, covering the entire data visualization process from data preparation and cleaning to chart creation and presentation. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Data Visualization: A Successful Design Process: A...
Paperback
$
Data Visualization: Representing Information on...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Data Visualization Design and Utilization (Korean...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Data Driven Business Transformation
Save
Provides a practical introduction to machine learning, making it accessible to readers with no prior experience in the field. It great resource for students who are new to machine learning and want to learn the basics.
Data Driven Business Transformation: How to Disrupt...
Hardcover
$$
Data Driven Business Transformation: How to Disrupt...
Kindle Edition
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Data Analytics for Business.
Hadoop Platform and Application Framework
Most relevant
Using Descriptive Statistics to Analyze Data in R
Most relevant
Pandas for Data Science
Most relevant
Product Reviews Text-based Search - OpenAI Text Embedding
Most relevant
Data Visualization with Advanced Excel
Most relevant
Excel Fundamentals for Data Analysis
Most relevant
Exploratory Data Analysis
Most relevant
Experimental Design Basics
Most relevant
Data Analysis Using Pyspark
Most relevant

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections
Free audit track for open learning access
14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates
Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)
Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
3.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star Empty star
Effort
10 to 12 hours per week for 16 weeks
Level
Advanced
Via
edX
Institution
The Georgia Institute of Technology
Instructor
Frederic Bien
Sessions
August 17, 2026 - January 1, 2027 May 11, 2026 - August 9, 2026 January 5, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called Analytics: Essential Tools and Methods. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Introduction to Analytics Modeling
  2. Computing for Data Analysis
  3. Data Analytics for Business (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on business analytics, which helps learners analyze data to make better business decisions
Taught by Frederic Bien, who is an expert in business analytics
Provides hands-on practice with business analytics algorithms and methodologies
Develops critical thinking skills for approaching business problems data-analytically
Uses open source and free software applications, making it accessible to learners
Requires installation of specific software (R and R Studio) on personal laptops
Featured in The Course Notes
Read one article that features this course, Data Analytics for Business from our blog, The Course Notes:
25 Free Online Programming Courses for Beginners - 2017
4 minute read
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Data Analytics for Business.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser