We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Cade Massey,
Martine Haas,
and
Matthew Bidwell
People analytics is a data-driven approach to managing people at work. For the first time in history, business leaders can make decisions about their people based on deep analysis of data rather than the traditional methods of personal relationships, decision making based on experience, and risk avoidance. In this brand new course, three of Wharton’s top professors, all pioneers in the field of people analytics, will explore the state-of-the-art techniques used to recruit and retain great people, and demonstrate how these techniques are used at cutting-edge companies. They’ll explain how data and sophisticated analysis is brought to bear on people-related issues, such as recruiting, performance evaluation, leadership, hiring and promotion, job design, compensation, and collaboration. This course is an introduction to the theory of people analytics, and is not intended to prepare learners to perform complex talent management data analysis. By the end of this course, you’ll understand how and when hard data is used to make soft-skill decisions about hiring and talent development, so that you can position yourself as a strategic partner in your company’s talent management decisions. This course is intended to introduced you to Organizations flourish when the people who work in them flourish. Analytics can help make both happen. This course in People Analytics is designed to help you flourish in your career, too.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/78w77e/people
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to People Analytics, and Performance Evaluation
In this module, you'll meet Professors Massey, Bidwell, and Haas, cover the structore and scope of the course, and dive into the first topic: Performance Evaluation. Performance evaluation plays an influential role in our work lives, whether it is used to reward or punish and/or to gather feedback. Yet its fundamental challenge is that the measures we used to evaluate performance are imperfect: we can't infer how hard or smart an employee is working based solely on outcomes. In this module, you’ll learn the four key issues in measuring performance: regression to the mean, sample size, signal independence, and process vs. outcome, and see them at work in current companies, including an extended example from the NFL. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how to separate skill from luck and learn to read noisy performance measures, so that you can go into your next performance evaluation sensitive to the role of chance, knowing your environment, and aware of the four most common biases, so that you can make more informed data-driven decisions about your company's most valuable asset: its employees.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to People Analytics, and Performance Evaluation
In this module, you'll meet Professors Massey, Bidwell, and Haas, cover the structore and scope of the course, and dive into the first topic: Performance Evaluation. Performance evaluation plays an influential role in our work lives, whether it is used to reward or punish and/or to gather feedback. Yet its fundamental challenge is that the measures we used to evaluate performance are imperfect: we can't infer how hard or smart an employee is working based solely on outcomes. In this module, you’ll learn the four key issues in measuring performance: regression to the mean, sample size, signal independence, and process vs. outcome, and see them at work in current companies, including an extended example from the NFL. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how to separate skill from luck and learn to read noisy performance measures, so that you can go into your next performance evaluation sensitive to the role of chance, knowing your environment, and aware of the four most common biases, so that you can make more informed data-driven decisions about your company's most valuable asset: its employees.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines techniques used to recruit and retain high-performing individuals, which is valuable knowledge for hiring managers and talent acquisition specialists
Led by three Wharton professors who are pioneers in the field of people analytics
Teaches learners the practical applications of people analytics, which can help organizations improve their talent management strategies
Provides an overview of the theory of people analytics, which is a fundamental understanding for those interested in the field
Explores the use of data to measure performance, a critical skill for evaluating employee contributions and making informed decisions
Covers topics that are relevant to both academic and industry settings, making it a valuable course for a wide range of learners
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Introduction to people analytics theory
According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the principles and concepts of People Analytics, making it highly relevant for HR and business professionals looking to understand the field. Students particularly highlight the use of practical examples from real companies and the clarity with which complex topics are explained. While many find it a valuable overview, some reviewers note that the course is primarily theory-focused and less geared towards hands-on data analysis, which aligns with the course description as an introduction. Overall, the feedback is largely positive.
Uses real-world company cases.
"The examples from companies like the NFL and Google were very insightful and made the concepts relatable."
"Learned how companies are actually applying these principles in practice."
"Using real-world case studies made the course much more engaging."
"The application of theory through company examples was a highlight."
Complex topics are explained simply.
"The professors did a great job breaking down complex ideas into understandable modules."
"I appreciated how clearly concepts like regression to the mean and ONA were explained."
"Lectures were clear and easy to follow, even for someone new to the subject."
"The examples helped solidify understanding of potentially tricky concepts."
Highly applicable to HR and business roles.
"As an HR professional, I found the concepts immediately applicable to my work and discussions."
"This course helped me understand how data can inform HR decisions and made me a better business partner."
"Practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work in talent management."
"Very relevant for anyone in a leadership or HR position wanting to leverage data."
Provides a strong foundational overview.
"This course was an excellent introduction to People Analytics. It clearly laid out the key concepts and theories."
"I finally understand what People Analytics is all about thanks to this course. Great starting point for beginners."
"Provides a very good overview of the fundamental concepts behind people analytics."
"A solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of people analytics, covering various key areas."
Focuses on concepts, not practical analysis.
"It is important to note that this course is theoretical and does not teach you how to perform the analysis yourself."
"Expected more hands-on examples or tools training, but it stays at a conceptual level."
"Good for understanding 'why' but not 'how' to do people analytics."
"If you're looking for coding or software skills, this isn't the course for that."
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 People Analytics with these
activities:
Explore Google's People Analytics Tutorial
Show steps
Learn the fundamentals of people analytics by following a guided tutorial from a leading company in the field.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
-
Visit the Google People Analytics Tutorial page.
-
Watch the introductory video.
-
Complete the interactive exercises.
Seek Mentorship from a People Analytics Professional
Show steps
Connect with an experienced people analytics professional who can provide guidance and support.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through networking events or online platforms.
-
Reach out to your potential mentors and express your interest in their mentorship.
-
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback.
Join a People Analytics Study Group
Show steps
Engage with peers in regular study sessions to reinforce your understanding of people analytics.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with other learners.
-
Set regular meeting times and stick to them.
-
Take turns leading discussions and sharing insights.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a People Analytics Resource Library
Show steps
Gather and organize valuable resources on people analytics to facilitate your learning journey.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
-
Conduct research to identify relevant articles, books, and websites.
-
Create a central repository to store your resources.
-
Categorize and organize your resources for easy access.
-
Regularly update your resource library with new and relevant content.
Read Measuring and Managing Performance in Organizations
Show steps
Review a classic text on performance evaluation to understand in-depth the theories and practices involved in performance evaluation.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1: The Nature and Importance of Performance Measurement.
-
Read Chapter 2: Methods of Performance Measurement.
-
Read Chapter 3: Evaluating Performance Measurement Systems.
Develop a People Analytics Plan for Your Organization
Show steps
Create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will use people analytics to improve your organization.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
-
Define the goals and objectives of your people analytics plan.
-
Identify the key metrics that you will track.
-
Develop a strategy for collecting and analyzing data.
-
Create a plan for using your people analytics insights to make better decisions.
-
Present your plan to stakeholders and get their buy-in.
Participate in a Data Analytics Hackathon
Show steps
Apply your people analytics skills in a practical setting and compete against others to solve real-world problems.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
-
Find a data analytics hackathon that aligns with your interests.
-
Form a team or work individually.
-
Gather relevant data and analyze it using people analytics techniques.
-
Develop a solution to the problem.
-
Present your solution to a panel of judges.
Explore Google's People Analytics Tutorial
Show steps
Learn the fundamentals of people analytics by following a guided tutorial from a leading company in the field.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Google People Analytics Tutorial page.
- Watch the introductory video.
- Complete the interactive exercises.
Seek Mentorship from a People Analytics Professional
Show steps
Connect with an experienced people analytics professional who can provide guidance and support.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through networking events or online platforms.
- Reach out to your potential mentors and express your interest in their mentorship.
- Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get feedback.
Join a People Analytics Study Group
Show steps
Engage with peers in regular study sessions to reinforce your understanding of people analytics.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with other learners.
- Set regular meeting times and stick to them.
- Take turns leading discussions and sharing insights.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a People Analytics Resource Library
Show steps
Gather and organize valuable resources on people analytics to facilitate your learning journey.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Conduct research to identify relevant articles, books, and websites.
- Create a central repository to store your resources.
- Categorize and organize your resources for easy access.
- Regularly update your resource library with new and relevant content.
Read Measuring and Managing Performance in Organizations
Show steps
Review a classic text on performance evaluation to understand in-depth the theories and practices involved in performance evaluation.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1: The Nature and Importance of Performance Measurement.
- Read Chapter 2: Methods of Performance Measurement.
- Read Chapter 3: Evaluating Performance Measurement Systems.
Develop a People Analytics Plan for Your Organization
Show steps
Create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will use people analytics to improve your organization.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the goals and objectives of your people analytics plan.
- Identify the key metrics that you will track.
- Develop a strategy for collecting and analyzing data.
- Create a plan for using your people analytics insights to make better decisions.
- Present your plan to stakeholders and get their buy-in.
Participate in a Data Analytics Hackathon
Show steps
Apply your people analytics skills in a practical setting and compete against others to solve real-world problems.
Browse courses on
People Analytics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a data analytics hackathon that aligns with your interests.
- Form a team or work individually.
- Gather relevant data and analyze it using people analytics techniques.
- Develop a solution to the problem.
- Present your solution to a panel of judges.
Career center
Learners who complete People Analytics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
People analytics can provide an HR manager with insight into the performance of employees in recruiting, performance evaluation, and other key areas. The course on People Analytics provides a firm understanding of the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help an HR manager make more informed decisions about how to manage people. This course may be particularly useful for HR managers who are looking to use data to improve the effectiveness of their HR practices.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
A data analyst who specializes in people analytics can use data to improve the effectiveness of HR practices, such as recruiting, performance evaluation, and talent management. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a data analyst develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Talent Acquisition Manager
Talent Acquisition Manager
Talent Acquisition Managers can use people analytics to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their recruiting efforts.
Recruiter
Recruiter
People analytics can help recruiters make more informed decisions about which candidates to hire. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a recruiter develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Organizational Psychologist
Organizational Psychologist
People analytics can help organizational psychologists understand the factors that contribute to employee performance and satisfaction. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help an organizational psychologist develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and Benefits Manager
People analytics can help compensation and benefits managers design and implement compensation and benefits programs that are fair and equitable. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a compensation and benefits manager develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Performance Management Consultant
Performance Management Consultant
Performance management consultants help organizations improve their performance management systems. People analytics can provide performance management consultants with the data they need to make informed recommendations about how to improve performance management practices. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a performance management consultant develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers can use people analytics to identify the training and development needs of their employees. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a training and development manager develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultant
Change management consultants help organizations implement change initiatives. People analytics can provide change management consultants with the data they need to understand the impact of change on employees. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a change management consultant develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Manager
Employee relations managers can use people analytics to understand the concerns of employees and develop strategies to address them. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help an employee relations manager develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Labor Relations Manager
Labor Relations Manager
Labor relations managers can use people analytics to understand the needs of unions and develop strategies to negotiate with them. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a labor relations manager develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and inclusion managers can use people analytics to identify and address barriers to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a diversity and inclusion manager develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts can use people analytics to understand the needs and wants of customers. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a market research analyst develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts can use people analytics to understand the impact of business decisions on employees. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a business analyst develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts can use people analytics to understand the impact of financial decisions on employees. The course on People Analytics provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of people analytics, which can help a financial analyst develop the skills needed to succeed in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/78w77e/people
Reading list
We've selected eight 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
People Analytics.
Save
Marr provides a comprehensive overview of how HR can use data and analytics to improve its decision-making and employee engagement. He covers a wide range of topics, including people analytics, talent analytics, and HR analytics.
Provides a non-technical introduction to data science. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how data can be used to make better decisions.
Boudreau provides a comprehensive guide to using data to improve HR decisions. It provides a theoretical framework for understanding people analytics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical methods used in human resource management. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how to use data to make better decisions about people.
Save
Lesser provides an introduction to people analytics and how it can be used to make better decisions. It good starting point for those new to people analytics.
West provides an introduction to people analytics for those new to the field. It good starting point for those who want to learn more about the basics of people analytics.
Valuable resource for those interested in learning more about performance management and how to use data to improve employee performance.
Save
Provides an overview of the future of work and how the new workforce will shape the world. It valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the future of work.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/78w77e/people
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Effort
4 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructors
Cade Massey
Martine Haas
Matthew Bidwell
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Business Analytics. It's comprised of six courses:
- Accounting Analytics
- Operations Analytics
- People Analytics (viewing)
- Business Analytics Capstone
- Customer Analytics
- Analytics in Python
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