Infonomics I: Business Information Economics and Data Monetization from Coursera

Thriving in the Information Age compels organizations to deploy information as an actual business asset, not as an IT asset or merely as a business byproduct. This demands creativity in conceiving and implementing new ways to generate economic benefits from the wide array of information assets available to an organization. Unfortunately, information too frequently is underappreciated and therefore underutilized.

This first course in the two-part Infonomics series provides a non-technical perspective on and methods for understanding and taking advantage of information’s unique economic characteristics. Starting with dissecting whether the information is or isn’t an asset or even property, students will begin to appreciate the challenges and opportunities with treating it as one. Then the course examines how information behaves in the context of various familiar micro-economic concepts, and what can be gleaned from this to improve the way information is managed and leveraged. This leads to exploring the various ways information can generate economic benefits—or be monetized, including how various styles of business analytics can increase information’s potential and realized value for organizations.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those whose organizations demand more effective use of information as an asset

Taught by Douglas Laney, who is recognized for his expertise in the field of infonomics

Explores unique economic characteristics of information, providing valuable insights for decision-making

Requires prior knowledge of microeconomic concepts, which may be a barrier for some learners

Reviews summary

Infonomics: business information economics and data monetization

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in understanding information as a business asset and how to monetize data. Students found the content relevant and practical, especially for those in business or data-related roles. The instructor is highly praised for making complex topics accessible. While some mention a focus on high-level concepts rather than deep technical detail, the course is generally viewed as a valuable introduction to infonomics, offering actionable insights for professionals.

Focus is on strategic business aspects, not deep technical detail.

"Good overview from a business perspective, but don't expect deep dives into analytics techniques."

"This is more about the 'why' and 'how' from a business view, less about the 'what' technically."

"It's perfect for managers and strategists, maybe less so for hands-on data scientists seeking technical skills."

Provides a solid foundational understanding of infonomics.

"A great starting point if you're new to the concept of information economics."

"It gives you a comprehensive overview without overwhelming you with jargon."

"This course laid a strong groundwork for understanding infonomics and data valuation."

Content is highly applicable to current business challenges.

"The course material is highly relevant to today's data-driven business environment."

"I can immediately apply the concepts learned to my role in data strategy."

"Provided valuable insights I can use in my daily work managing information assets."

Practical methods and cases for generating value from data.

"The methods for monetizing information were particularly useful, giving concrete examples."

"I appreciated the real-life case studies on how companies profit from their data."

"This course showed me practical ways my organization can leverage its data for economic benefit."

Highly praised for clarity, expertise, and engaging delivery.

"The instructor is phenomenal, making complex economic concepts easy to grasp."

"Professor is clearly an expert and delivers the material with passion and clarity."

"I found the lectures very engaging thanks to the instructor's teaching style."

Course effectively frames information as a key business asset.

"This course really helped me understand information as a business asset and not just a technical byproduct."

"The concept of treating information as a valuable asset is well-explained and eye-opening."

"I learned to see data through an economic lens, which is crucial for modern business strategy."

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 Infonomics I: Business Information Economics and Data Monetization with these activities:

Review basic economic concepts

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Establish a solid foundation in economics by reviewing the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Browse courses on Microeconomics

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Read a textbook or online resource on microeconomics
Work through practice problems on microeconomic concepts
Review macroeconomic concepts such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment
Analyze news articles or economic data to apply your knowledge

Review "Information Economics and Policy"

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This book provides an in-depth examination of the economic principles underlying information

View The Economics of Information Technology: An... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Summarize the key concepts
Consider the implications for the course

Review microeconomic concepts

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Reviewing these concepts will build your foundation before taking this course

Browse courses on Microeconomics

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Read foundational textbooks or articles
Complete practice problems
Attend a refresher workshop

Seven other activities

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Complete online tutorials

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Completing these tutorials will enhance your understanding of information management and analysis

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Identify reputable online tutorials
Complete the tutorials
Take notes and summarize key points

Write a blog post on the challenges of managing information

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Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing information as an asset.

Browse courses on Information Management

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Research various challenges faced by organizations in managing information
Analyze case studies or examples of successful information management practices
Write a blog post outlining the challenges and potential solutions

Create a blog post

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Writing a blog post can help solidify your understanding of information as an asset

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Choose a specific aspect of how information can be treated as an asset
Research other sources and articles
Write a well-constructed blog post

Attend a workshop on information monetization

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Attending this workshop provides an immersive learning experience and allows you to network with experts

Browse courses on Information Monetization

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate

Analyze case studies

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Analyzing case studies will help develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Browse courses on Information Monetization

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Identify the key points of the case study
Analyze the case study using the concepts and theories learned in the course
Develop recommendations based on your analysis

Create a portfolio of your work

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Creating this portfolio will allow you to reflect on your progress and showcase your learning

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Gather your completed assignments, projects, and notes
Organize and select the most relevant pieces
Create a visually appealing portfolio that demonstrates your skills

Participate in a data visualization competition

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Engaging in this competition will challenge you to apply your knowledge and demonstrate your skills

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify and research data visualization competitions
Form a team or collaborate with others
Develop and submit a compelling data visualization

Career center

Learners who complete Infonomics I: Business Information Economics and Data Monetization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is a bridge between business and technology. They work to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements. They also work to ensure that technology systems are aligned with business goals. This course may be useful to a Business Analyst because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is a professional who uses data to solve business problems. They use their knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and data mining to extract insights from data. This course may be useful to a Data Scientist because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is a professional who collects, processes, and analyzes data to provide insights to businesses. They use their skills in data mining, statistics, and machine learning to identify trends and patterns in data. This course may be useful to a Data Analyst because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Information Architect

An Information Architect is a professional who designs and organizes information systems. They work to ensure that information is easy to find, understand, and use. This course may be useful to an Information Architect because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Information Management Consultant

An Information Management Consultant helps organizations to improve their information management practices. They work to identify and address inefficiencies in information systems and processes. This course may be useful to an Information Management Consultant because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Management Consultant

Knowledge Manager

A Knowledge Manager is a professional who manages and shares knowledge within an organization. They work to ensure that knowledge is accessible to those who need it and that it is used to improve decision-making. This course may be useful to a Knowledge Manager because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Manager

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher is a professional who conducts research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. They use their findings to help businesses develop marketing strategies and products. This course may be useful to a Market Researcher because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional who is responsible for the development and marketing of a product. They work to ensure that the product meets the needs of customers and that it is profitable. This course may be useful to a Product Manager because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is a professional who is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful to a Project Manager because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Risk Manager

A Risk Manager is a professional who identifies and manages risks to an organization. They work to develop and implement strategies to reduce the likelihood and impact of risks. This course may be useful to a Risk Manager because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is a professional who is responsible for leading and motivating a sales team. They work to develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets. This course may be useful to a Sales Manager because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Strategy Consultant

A Strategy Consultant is a professional who helps organizations to develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals. They work with clients to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and implement plans. This course may be useful to a Strategy Consultant because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst is a professional who designs and implements computer systems. They work to ensure that systems meet the needs of users and that they are efficient and effective. This course may be useful to a Systems Analyst because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Technology Evangelist

A Technology Evangelist is a professional who promotes and evangelizes new technologies. They work to educate potential customers and partners about the benefits of new technologies and to help them adopt these technologies. This course may be useful to a Technology Evangelist because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

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Web Analyst

A Web Analyst is a professional who analyzes website traffic and user behavior to improve the performance of websites. They use their findings to make recommendations for improvements to website design, content, and marketing strategies. This course may be useful to a Web Analyst because it will help them to understand the economic value of information and how to monetize it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Analyst