Business Analytics: Data-driven Decision Making

Understand and integrate data into everyday business decisions

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It's not too late to join 300,000+ students from 200+ countries who have already taken our programs.

Enrolment Deadline:

Program Starts:
May 9, 2024

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

May 9, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4-6 hours/week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

C$2,600 C$2,392 and get C$260 off with a referral

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

For Your Team

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Emeritus is collaborating with The Rotman School of Management to help you build future-ready skills. Enrol before and get up to 8% tuition assistance to set yourself up for professional success.​

Application Details

program fee

C$2,600 C$2,392

Pay by

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is offering financial assistance to Ontario residents.

To learn more about OSAP, please refer to this Financial Aid Page.

Decipher the Data to Make Better Business Decisions

Analyzing data and putting it to work for you and your business is an essential skill for executives today. According to a recent survey by Facts and Factors, the value of the global analytics market is predicted to reach $22.1 billion by the end of 2026, with a CAGR of at least 24.5%.

Certainly, business professionals need to be adept at using data and analytics. But this is not just about adding to your own professional skill set. Gartner reports that by 2024 around 75 percentage of organizations will create a centralized data and analytics center of excellence to support federated D&A initiatives and prevent enterprise failure. Position yourself and your company to advance your data literacy and confidently lead a data-driven corporate culture.

What You'll Get

  • Improved data literacy, the ability to communicate effectively with data analysts to understand when to use (and how to interpret) descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
  • Expert guidance on evaluating various data analytics tools, such as dashboards, machine learning, prediction models, and regression analysis
  • Techniques to apply scientific thinking to business, such as examining cause and effect in data analysis and designing an experiment
  • A deeper understanding of how to build a data-driven organization, including managing privacy concerns and developing strategies for cultivating evidence-based decision-making

Program Curriculum

Each module is designed to help you craft the narrative for your company’s data literacy by improving your own data fluency and gaining an understanding of the business value quality data and expert analytics can create for your business.

Module 1:

Data Basics

Dive into the fundamentals by comparing the various types of data analysis, examining variables, and analyzing the impact of sample size and sample bias.

Module 2:

Dashboarding

Do you know your dashboards? Understand the applications of data analytics dashboards and the use of conditional averages, distributions, regression to the mean, and hypothesis testing to devise Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Module 3:

Introduction to Prediction

If futurecasting appeals to your strategic side, it’s critical to understand predictive analysis, the construction of a prediction model, the application of machine learning and AI to prediction, and the strategic implications of prediction.

Module 4:

Regression

Perhaps the single most essential tool in statistical modeling, regression is central to data literacy. Learn what regression does, how it fits into prediction, and what questions to ask data analysts (and yourself).

Module 5:

Scientific Thinking in Business: Prescriptive Analysis

How do you mold raw data into a business strategy? Examine cause and effect in data analysis, design an experiment, analyze causal inference without experiments, and be prepared to prescribe a response to the likely results.

Module 6:

Building a Data-Driven Organization

Widen your view of data literacy to your whole workforce. Develop an organizational model for a question-driven approach to data analysis, understand privacy concerns, and formulate a strategy to build an evidence- and learning-based corporate culture.

Module 1:

Data Basics

Dive into the fundamentals by comparing the various types of data analysis, examining variables, and analyzing the impact of sample size and sample bias.

Module 4:

Regression

Perhaps the single most essential tool in statistical modeling, regression is central to data literacy. Learn what regression does, how it fits into prediction, and what questions to ask data analysts (and yourself).

Module 2:

Dashboarding

Do you know your dashboards? Understand the applications of data analytics dashboards and the use of conditional averages, distributions, regression to the mean, and hypothesis testing to devise Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Module 5:

Scientific Thinking in Business: Prescriptive Analysis

How do you mold raw data into a business strategy? Examine cause and effect in data analysis, design an experiment, analyze causal inference without experiments, and be prepared to prescribe a response to the likely results.

Module 3:

Introduction to Prediction

If futurecasting appeals to your strategic side, it’s critical to understand predictive analysis, the construction of a prediction model, the application of machine learning and AI to prediction, and the strategic implications of prediction.

Module 6:

Building a Data-Driven Organization

Widen your view of data literacy to your whole workforce. Develop an organizational model for a question-driven approach to data analysis, understand privacy concerns, and formulate a strategy to build an evidence- and learning-based corporate culture.

Apply Now

Program Experience

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Try-it activities

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Peer discussion groups

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Crowdsourcing activities

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Quizzes

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Real-world applications assignments

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Live sessions

Who Should Attend

This virtual e-learning program is designed for business leaders who engage with data teams and output reports and want to have more meaningful conversations with their analytics team, integrating data into their decision-making and also their corporate culture. This virtual e-learning program is particularly applicable for:

  • C-Suite Executives from any industry with access to a massive data stream — such as IT services, banking and financial services, and health care — seeking to learn the language of data, to use analytics to strategic advantage, and to develop an analytics roadmap for their organization.
  • Mid-to Senior-Level Managers, such as general manager, corporate director, head of marketing, or head of strategy, seeking to garner insights from data and looking to gain a practical understanding of the applications of analytics to initiate new projects or launch new business ideas.

Testimonials

Vince Ovunc Unal

"Professor Goldfarb is very concise and relatable. He is great at simplifying complex subjects. It allowed us to dig deeper into the technical aspects of the data science."

— Vince Ovunc Unal, Director, Store Design, Loblaw Companies Limited

Robert Givens

"Scenario based learning helped in reinforcing the learning objectives during. Even though the scenarios used were spread across multiple industries, they had an application to the industry I work in.”

— Robert Givens, Senior Director, Technology Operations, Arbor Memorial Inc

Steve Low

“The length of the videos was concise, and the small chunks helped in easy learning. As for the faculty, they were very accommodating, and they supported me in things that I felt were out of my locus of control.”

— Steve Low, President, Aurora Recovery Centre

Program Faculty

Faculty Member Avi Goldfarb

Avi Goldfarb

Rotman Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare, Professor of Marketing, Chief Data Scientist at the Creative Destruction Lab, Senior Editor at Marketing Science, Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research

As Rotman Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare and Professor of Marketing at University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, Avi Goldfarb’s research focuses on the opportunities and challenges of the digital economy. Along with Ajay Agrawal and Joshua Gans, Dr. Goldfarb is the author of The Globe and Mail bestselling book Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence. He has published more than 70 academic articles in a variety of outlets on the topics of marketing, statistics, law, computing, and economics. This work has been discussed in White House reports, Congressional testimony, European Commission documents, The Economist, The Globe and Mail, the National Post, CBC Radio, National Public Radio, Forbes, Fortune, The Atlantic, The New York Times, the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and elsewhere.

Dr. Goldfarb holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from Northwestern University and a B.A. in Economics from Queen’s University.

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the 6-week virtual e-learning program, you’ll earn a digital certificate of completion from the Rotman School of Management. This virtual e-learning program counts toward a Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate.

Note: All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Rotman School of Management.

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is offering financial assistance to Ontario residents

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is now offering funding for micro-credentials, including Rotman Executive Programs. This new resource is part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping learners access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs through loans and grants. This funding is available for Ontario residents only with additional requirements.

Learn about OSAP funding for Ontario residents as well as the full details of the program by downloading our brochure.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 985 616 5261 (US) / +44 127 959 4639 (UK) / +65 3138 5295 (SG)

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Flexible payment options available. Learn more.