ITEC-320 Business Analytics

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Analytics is the process of transforming data into insight for making better decisions. It involves specifying a question, problem, or decision and finding the right answers using data. The process begins with identifying the appropriate data sources (internal and/or external, structured and/or unstructured), and the appropriate models, tools, and methods for analysis. Three areas of analytics are covered in this course: descriptive analytics examines historical data and identifies and reports historical patterns and trends; predictive analytics predicts future trends and outcomes and discovers new relationships; and prescriptive analytics formulates and evaluates new ways for business to operate. Students are introduced to models, tools, and method that are commonly used in each area of analytics. They develop skills in analytics that allow them to present data-driven solutions to problems in different business disciplines and functions. The course emphasizes model development and use of software tools to manage, report, and analyze data to achieve the best outcomes for a business. Prerequisite: ITEC-200 and STAT-202 or STAT-203.