BUS 509 - Descriptive Analysis & Decisions

3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce MBA students to the fundamental techniques of using data to communicate and to make decisions. In particular, the course focuses on various ways of modeling, or thinking structurally about decision problems to make informed management decisions.  Descriptive Analytics & Decisions has a distinctive structure and set of frameworks, combining fundamental quantitative techniques of using the data to make informed management decisions with illustrations of how real decision makers, even highly trained professionals, fall prey to errors and biases in their understanding. We present the fundamental concepts underlying the quantitative techniques as a way of thinking, not just a way of calculating, to enhance decision-making skills. Exercises and examples drawn from marketing, finance, operations management, strategy, and other management functions.
Prerequisites: BUS 530.