Business Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making

Learn how to lead your firm to make better business decisions using analytic methods and create competitive advantages from data.

About this course

Virtually all managerial and leadership positions in the digital economy increasingly rely on data-driven decision making. Recent studies have shown companies who adopt "Data-Driven Decision Management" achieve significant productivity gains over other firms.

Having a solid grasp of the end-to-end process of making effective decisions with data management will give you an edge, both in performing such analyses yourself, as well as in effectively managing teams of business analysts and data scientists.

In this course, part of both the Digital Leadership and Digital Product Management MicroMasters programs, you will learn the tools and techniques to become a data-driven or "evidence-based" manager.

You will learn the process of reframing a business question as a data question, reasoning about what data might be of assistance and how to obtain it, integrating and cleaning the data, performing the analysis, deriving and communicating insights from the analysis, and building the managerial culture to operate in this way and create competitive advantages from enterprise data.

This course is unique in the sense that it aims squarely at the needs of a manager in an analytically focused enterprise by providing both a hands-on introduction to the concepts, methods and processes of business analytics as well as an introduction to the use of analytics as the basis for creating a competitive advantage.

Software Requirements

Completion of this course requires the use of Microsoft Power BI Desktop. Unfortunately, there is currently no version of Power BI Desktop for macOS or Linux operating systems. We encourage learners to secure access to a Windows environment, but if that is not possible, macOS and Linux users can run Power BI Desktop in a virtual Windows environment. The course provides steps for installing such an environment.

About the training provider

edX is an online learning platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide to provide high-quality education to learners around the globe. With a focus on high-quality course content and a range of learning options, edX offers courses and programs in a wide range of disciplines, from computer science and engineering to humanities and business.

Here are some key features that make edX stand out:

  • World-renowned university partners: edX partners with more than 160 leading universities and institutions, including Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley, to offer learners access to a wealth of high-quality educational content.
  • Flexible learning options: edX offers a variety of learning options, including self-paced courses, instructor-led courses, and micro-masters and online degree programs, giving learners the flexibility to learn on their own terms.
  • Affordable education: edX's courses and programs are often more affordable than traditional education, making high-quality education accessible to learners who may not have the resources to pursue traditional education.
  • Hands-on learning opportunities: Many edX courses offer learners hands-on learning opportunities, including labs and projects, which enable learners to put what they're learning into practice.
  • Active community: edX offers a supportive community of learners, instructors, and experts who are available to answer questions and offer guidance, creating a vibrant and engaging learning experience.

With its world-renowned university partners, flexible learning options, affordable education, hands-on learning opportunities, and active community, edX is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to upskill and advance their careers, as well as for businesses seeking to upskill their teams and stay ahead of the curve in their respective industries.