Sport Analytics: Data Driven Decision Making from edX

Analytics have revolutionized sport, providing a competitive advantage to organizational decision-making both on and off the field. This course introduces best practices utilized by data analysts in sport business analytics. The course touches on sports data collection, fact finding, visualization, and metrics that guide strategic decision-making in the sport industry. This course will touch on many aspects of the sports industry, including professional sports. You do do not need a comprehensive background in data science, computer science/Python, or machine learning to complete this edX course.

Through the duration of this self-paced, online course, learners will:

Identify the concepts and characteristics of sports analytics in the sporting industry, historically and today.
Interpret aspects of analytics in the sporting industry (e.g., the impact of analytics in sport, player data points, athlete performance data tracking, organizational key performance indicators, etc.)
Comprehend and engage in critical thinking with analytic topics in the sporting industry.
Obtain a perspective of the growing trend and field of sport analytics.
Gain insight on the strategies, analytical techniques, and concepts used to evaluate players, team performance, and front-office strategies.
Discuss topics related to sport analytics
Utilize data analysis and statistical analysis techniques to identify problems and propose innovative solutions for improving performance both on the field and in sport management.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify concepts in sport analytics.
Understand the benefits and objectives of sport analytics.

Discuss the impact of analytics on sport.
Demonstrate insight on the strategies and concepts of sport analytics.

Identify concepts in sport analytics.
Understand the benefits and objectives of sport analytics.
Discuss the impact of analytics on sport.
Demonstrate insight on the strategies and concepts of sport analytics.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Introduction to Data in Sport

History of Sport Analytics

Sources of Data and Datasets

Statistical Techniques

Technology

Tools and Resources

WEEK 2: Analytics as a Game Changer

The Impact of Analytics on the Field of Play

New Metrics

Player Evaluations

Strategic Decision Making

WEEK 3: The Business of Sport Analytics

Customer Relationship Management

Ticketing

Fan Engagement

Data Visualization and Storytelling

WEEK 4: Evaluating Sport Sponsorships

Sponsorships in Sport

Strategies

Measuring Sponsorships

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a baseline understanding of the goals and objectives of sport analytics

Taught by instructors who are experienced in sport analytics

Covers a wide range of topics, including data collection, fact-finding, visualization, and metrics

Helps learners to gain insight on the strategies, analytical techniques, and concepts used to evaluate players, team performance, and front-office strategies

Suitable for learners with little to no background in data science, computer science, or machine learning

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 Sport Analytics: Data Driven Decision Making with these activities:

Explore Online Tutorials on Statistical Techniques for Sports Analytics

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Statistical techniques are essential for analyzing and interpreting sports data. This activity will help you explore and master these techniques through guided online tutorials.

Browse courses on Statistical Techniques

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Identify online tutorials or courses that cover statistical techniques used in sports analytics.
Go through the tutorials and practice using the techniques.
Apply the techniques to analyze sports data and draw insights.

Practice Identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Sports Analytics

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Understanding KPIs is crucial for effective decision-making in sport. This activity will reinforce your ability to identify and apply these metrics in real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

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Review course materials on KPIs and their importance in sports analytics.
Analyze case studies and identify KPIs used in different sports organizations.
Create a list of KPIs that are relevant to a specific sport or team.

Participate in Study Groups for Sports Analytics Case Studies

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Collaborating with peers can enhance your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of sports analytics concepts.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Form study groups with other learners.
Select case studies related to sports analytics.
Discuss the case studies, share insights, and engage in critical analysis.

Four other activities

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Develop a Data Visualization Dashboard for Player Performance Analysis

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Create a data visualization dashboard that provides insights into player performance. This will enhance your understanding of data visualization techniques and their application in sports.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Gather player performance data from relevant sources.
Choose appropriate data visualization tools and techniques.
Design and develop a dashboard that presents data in a clear and actionable manner.

Volunteer for Data Analytics Projects in Sports Organizations

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the field by volunteering your skills in sports analytics projects.

Browse courses on Sports Analytics

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Contact sports organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities in sports analytics.
Identify projects that align with your interests and skillset.
Actively participate in data analysis, visualization, and reporting tasks.

Attend Workshops on Advanced Sports Analytics Techniques

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Workshops provide a structured and immersive way to explore advanced topics and gain hands-on experience with the latest sports analytics techniques.

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Research and identify workshops that cover advanced sports analytics techniques.
Register and attend the workshops.
Actively participate in exercises, discussions, and hands-on projects.

Participate in Sports Analytics Competitions

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Engage in real-world problem-solving by participating in sports analytics competitions. Showcase your skills and gain valuable experience.

Browse courses on Sports Analytics

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Identify sports analytics competitions that align with your interests.
Form a team or collaborate with other participants.
Analyze data, develop models, and present your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Sport Analytics: Data Driven Decision Making will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Data Analyst

A Sports Data Analyst uses data to analyze sports performance. This course can provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Sports Data Analyst, including sports data analysis, player evaluation, and strategic decision making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Data Analyst

Sports Analyst

A Sports Analyst uses data to analyze sports performance and identify trends. This course can provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Sports Analyst, including sports data analysis, player evaluation, and strategic decision making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Analyst

Sports Performance Analyst

A Sports Performance Analyst uses data to analyze athlete performance. This course can provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Sports Performance Analyst, including sports data analysis, player evaluation, and training optimization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Performance Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, transforms, and analyzes data to uncover trends. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Data Analyst, including data collection, statistical techniques, and data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst uses data to identify business problems and develop solutions. This course can help you build a foundation in business analytics, including data analysis, statistical techniques, and presentation skills.

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Statistician

A Statistician uses statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. This course can provide you with a strong foundation in statistics, including statistical techniques, data analysis, and data visualization.

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Sports Marketing Analyst

A Sports Marketing Analyst uses data to analyze marketing campaigns and identify opportunities for growth. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Sports Marketing Analyst, including data analysis, statistical techniques, and marketing principles.

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Sports Management Analyst

A Sports Management Analyst uses data to analyze sports organizations and identify opportunities for improvement. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Sports Management Analyst, including data analysis, strategic planning, and financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Management Analyst

Sports Operations Analyst

A Sports Operations Analyst uses data to analyze sports operations and identify opportunities for improvement. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Sports Operations Analyst, including data analysis, operations management, and financial analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Operations Analyst

Sports Psychologist

A Sports Psychologist uses data to analyze the mental and emotional aspects of sports performance. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Sports Psychologist, including data analysis, mental health, and sports psychology.

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Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses data to analyze and improve business operations. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as an Operations Research Analyst, including data analysis, statistical techniques, and optimization techniques.

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Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This course can provide you with the necessary skills to succeed as a Market Research Analyst, including data analysis, statistical techniques, and data visualization.

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Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst uses data to identify and assess risks. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Risk Analyst, including data analysis, statistical techniques, and risk management techniques.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst uses data to analyze financial performance and make investment recommendations. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Financial Analyst, including data analysis, statistical techniques, and financial modeling.

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Sports Agent

A Sports Agent represents athletes in contract negotiations and other business matters. This course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a Sports Agent, including data analysis, contract negotiation, and sports law.

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