Data Analytics for Decision Making
94-465
Units: 6
Description
The rise in data availability and analytical tools has transformed the decision-making process. In this course, we will explore how descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics can support policy design. We will focus on the development of analytical models in the presence of conflicting and complementary objectives. We will also discuss how these models should be presented to various stakeholders. Throughout the course, you will work in an interdisciplinary team project on a topic of your interest.
The format for this course will be a combination of weekly lectures, interactive in-class activities, and case study team sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Recitation sessions will take place on Fridays and will be focused on coding skills and time to work with your team on the project.
At the end of the course, you will be able to identify the links between data-driven decisions and the mission outcomes of an organization, propose and develop an analytical model that contributes to policy design, and communicate your result to a technical and non-technical audience.