Introduction to Business Analytics

E-Learning Assignment

Objective

The aim of this assignment is to introduce Business Analytics to students. After this assignment, students will:

1. understand the meaning and core elements of business analytics2. understand why it is necessary for firms 3. understand how to conduct business analytics

Assignment

1. Read the lecture slides and answer the following questions:a. What are the key elements of business analytics? Make sure to list at least three key

elements and give reasons for choosing them.b. Why is business analytics necessary for businesses and how business analytics can help

firms? Explain.c. Describe how a business analyst will conduct a business analysis for a firm.

2. Read the article “How companies learn your secrets” and then answer the following questions. This article explains how Target has applied business analytics.

a. What kind of data does Target collect and from where does Target obtain data? b. List possible analytics for target. What are these analytics about, and why does Target use

them? c. What is Andrew Pole’s main job in Target? Why is this job important to Target?

3. Read the article “Competing on Analytics” and then answer the following questions. This article gives an introduction to business analytics from competitive angle.

a. Why does the author propose a concept “analytics competitor”? How can analytics help in gaining competitive advantage?

b. What analyses does Marriott use and what are the benefits of using these analyses?c. What are the three key attributes among analytics competitors? Explain.

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Deliverables

Groups 1-3 need to provide responses for question 1.

Groups 4-6 need to provide responses for question 2.

Groups 7-9 need to provide responses for question 3.

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