Business Analytics

This course aims to develop students' skills in analytics and quantitative modeling for managerial decision-making: 1) Constructing a model that can be used to address a relevant business question, 2) Implementing the model in a spreadsheet environment, such as Microsoft Excel, and 3) Using optimization, Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis to generate and interpret recommendations. The class is taught in a lab style, with real-time in-class exercises done in small teams, focusing on a variety of applications drawn from online advertising, healthcare, finance, pricing and revenue management. We will primarily be using Excel for modeling building and analysis, with appropriate packages for optimization (Solver) and simulation (Oracle Crystal Ball).