We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Akshay Sivadas and Brittany O'Dea

By the end of this course, learners are prepared to identify and test the best solutions for improving performance and integrating concepts from operational excellence methodologies for optimum data-driven decision making. The course begins with a focus on deciphering the root cause of problems through a variety of tools before determining and assessing best-fit solutions. Learners discover how to apply ISO, Lean and Six Sigma in the pursuit of aligning organizational operations data with performance standards. Hospitality, manufacturing and e-commerce case studies help illustrate how to build data literacy while ensuring privacy and data ethics measures are in place.

Read more

By the end of this course, learners are prepared to identify and test the best solutions for improving performance and integrating concepts from operational excellence methodologies for optimum data-driven decision making. The course begins with a focus on deciphering the root cause of problems through a variety of tools before determining and assessing best-fit solutions. Learners discover how to apply ISO, Lean and Six Sigma in the pursuit of aligning organizational operations data with performance standards. Hospitality, manufacturing and e-commerce case studies help illustrate how to build data literacy while ensuring privacy and data ethics measures are in place.

Material features online lectures, videos, demos, project work, readings and discussions. This course is ideal for individuals keen on developing a data-driven mindset that derives powerful insights useful for improving a company’s bottom line. It is helpful if learners have some familiarity with reading reports, gathering and using data, and interpreting visualizations. It is the third course in the Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) specialization. To learn more about the specialization, check out a video overview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi4mmeSWcVc&list=PLQvThJe-IglyYljMrdqwfsDzk56ncfoLx&index=11.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Applying Analytics to Implement Solutions
This module guides learners through identifying the root causes for variation, and testing possible solutions.
Read more
Data-Driven Operational Excellence
This module prepares you to align an organization’s operations data to its performance standards to achieve operational excellence.
Applying Data-Driven Decisions
This module offers case examples of data-driven decision making in practice, and discusses how corporate culture relates to the success of such initiatives.
Project: Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making
This module provides an opportunity to bridge theory and practice. Learners apply knowledge from this course to solve a business problem.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops data-driven and operational excellence skills, which are essential in today's business environment
Taught by experts in the field, Akshay Sivadas and Brittany O'Dea, who have extensive experience in data-driven decision-making and operational excellence
Strong focus on data literacy, which is crucial for individuals in any industry
Emphasizes the importance of data ethics, which is essential in responsible data-driven decision-making
Includes project work, which provides hands-on experience in applying data-driven decision-making
Assumes some familiarity with data analysis and interpretation

Save this course

Save Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Helpful for decision making processes

According to students, Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making is a great course for understanding data-driven decision-making. Learners say it's useful and they appreciate the easy-to-follow information. Those that found it difficult complained that the assignments and projects were not well-described and that there were not enough practice materials.
Course content is engaging and informative.
"This course is for everyone who wants to have a better understanding in data driven for Decision Making"
"Bastante útil, se aprenden diversas estrategias y/o prácticas para mejorar procesos en cualquier organización"
"A very focused, informative, and helpful course."
Course is too difficult for beginners.
"Projects of this specialization are out of context and almost meaningless; the content is not for beginners and doesn't add value for those who understand the content."
"Not a completely terrible introduction, but there are no materials to refer back to but a few online articles."
"Another area of improvement that would make the course even more valuable is actual application per module providing and asking for more specifics on how to apply DOE, or Lean or Six sigma."
Assignments are unclear.
"Projects of this specialization are out of context and almost meaningless."
"Activities are vaguely described and it's very difficult not only for the student but also for graders."
"I hope that the actual university behind this produces better materials for the sake of their students."
Course lacks practice materials.
"I think the course is excellent but we need more practics or resources for practics."
"This course very helpful in understanding the process of decision making"
"T​he course content is very nice. What would make it better is give out one uniform example across all modules so the learner can actually get a feel of a comprehensive project from the very first phase (root causes analysis) to the finish line (execution plan specifics)."

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 Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making with these activities:
Review data visualization concepts
Refresh your understanding of data visualization principles and techniques to enhance your ability to effectively communicate data-driven insights.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Review fundamental concepts of data visualization, such as types of charts and graphs, visual encodings, and design best practices.
  • Practice creating visualizations using tools like Tableau or Power BI.
Compile resources for data-driven decision making
Build your knowledge base by gathering and organizing resources, such as articles, books, and online courses, that provide valuable insights into data-driven decision making.
Browse courses on Information Gathering
Show steps
  • Identify key topics related to data-driven decision making.
  • Search for and gather resources from reputable sources.
  • Organize and categorize the resources for easy access and reference.
Analyze real-world data
Enhance your data analysis skills by working with real-world datasets, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Obtain a dataset relevant to your field of interest.
  • Clean and process the data to prepare it for analysis.
  • Apply statistical and data mining techniques to uncover insights and derive actionable recommendations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in online discussions
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences related to data-driven decision making.
Show steps
  • Actively participate in online discussions by posting thoughtful comments and questions.
  • Engage with others' posts, offering insights and perspectives.
Seek guidance from experts
Connect with experienced professionals in the field of data-driven decision making to gain valuable insights and advice.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors who have expertise in the areas you wish to develop.
  • Reach out to mentors and request their guidance.
  • Schedule regular meetings or calls to discuss your progress and seek feedback.
Develop a data-driven presentation
Strengthen your ability to effectively communicate data-driven insights by creating a presentation that clearly and persuasively conveys your findings.
Browse courses on Data Storytelling
Show steps
  • Identify a business problem or opportunity that can be addressed through data analysis.
  • Collect and analyze data to support your argument.
  • Design a visually engaging and informative presentation that highlights the key insights.
  • Practice your delivery to ensure clear and impactful communication.
Implement a data-driven solution
Apply your learnings by undertaking a project that involves collecting, analyzing, and using data to improve business outcomes.
Show steps
  • Define a business problem or opportunity that you want to address.
  • Develop a data-driven approach to solve the problem, including data collection, analysis, and recommendations.
  • Implement the solution and track its impact on business metrics.
  • Iterate and refine your solution based on the results and feedback.
Contribute to open-source data projects
Deepen your understanding of data-driven decision making by contributing to open-source projects that focus on data analysis, visualization, or modeling.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skillset.
  • Review the documentation and familiarize yourself with the project's goals and codebase.
  • Make contributions to the project, such as fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation.
  • Interact with other contributors and learn from their experiences.

Career center

Learners who complete Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analysts understand how to gather, clean, and interpret data. They help businesses make better decisions by providing them with insights into their data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Analyst, including how to identify the root causes of problems, test possible solutions, and align an organization’s operations data to its performance standards. It can also help you build a foundation in data-driven decision making.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing their operations and identifying areas for improvement. They use data to identify trends and patterns, and they develop recommendations for how to improve the business. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Business Analyst, including how to apply ISO, Lean, and Six Sigma in the pursuit of aligning organizational operations data with performance standards. It can also help you build a foundation in data-driven decision making.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in business and industry. They help businesses optimize their operations, improve their efficiency, and reduce their costs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Operations Research Analyst, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses solve problems and achieve their goals. They use their expertise in business and data analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and develop recommendations for how to implement change. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Management Consultant, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use their expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve business problems. They help businesses make better decisions by providing them with insights into their data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Scientist, including how to identify the root causes of problems, test possible solutions, and align an organization’s operations data to its performance standards. It can also help you build a foundation in data-driven decision making.
Statistician
Statisticians use their expertise in data analysis and probability to solve problems in business and industry. They help businesses understand their data, make better decisions, and improve their operations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Statistician, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers use their expertise in data analysis and research to understand consumer behavior and trends. They help businesses develop and market their products and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Market Researcher, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use their expertise in data analysis and finance to evaluate investments and make recommendations to clients. They help businesses make better decisions about where to invest their money. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Financial Analyst, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Actuary
Actuaries use their expertise in mathematics, statistics, and finance to assess risk and uncertainty. They help businesses make better decisions about how to manage their risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Actuary, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Auditor
Auditors use their expertise in accounting and auditing to examine financial records and ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They help businesses improve their financial reporting and internal controls. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Auditor, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Budget Analyst
Budget Analysts use their expertise in finance and budgeting to develop and manage budgets for businesses and organizations. They help businesses plan for the future and make better decisions about how to allocate their resources. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Budget Analyst, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Cost Accountant
Cost Accountants use their expertise in accounting and finance to track and analyze costs for businesses and organizations. They help businesses understand their costs and make better decisions about how to manage their expenses. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Cost Accountant, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountants use their expertise in accounting and auditing to investigate financial fraud and other crimes. They help businesses protect their assets and ensure that they are compliant with the law. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Forensic Accountant, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants use their expertise in accounting and taxation to help businesses and individuals comply with tax laws. They help businesses minimize their tax liability and ensure that they are compliant with the law. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Tax Accountant, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers use their expertise in risk management to help businesses identify, assess, and mitigate risks. They help businesses protect their assets and ensure that they are compliant with regulations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Risk Manager, including how to apply data-driven decision making to solve business problems. It can also help you build a foundation in operational excellence.

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 Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making.
Is written by leading authorities on Reinforcement Learning, and is perfect for those who want to learn more about this topic.
Describes the principles of Lean Startup, a methodology for developing and launching successful products and services.
Provides a comprehensive guide to data warehousing and dimensional modeling, which are techniques for organizing and storing data to support data analytics.
Offers an introduction to data science, with a focus on the use of data analytics to solve business problems.
Provides an introduction to data engineering, which is the process of designing and building data systems to support data analytics.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Applied Analytics and Data for Decision Making.
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 - 2024 OpenCourser