Data and Analytics for Executives

In an era dominated by data —and analysis tools such as AI—the ability to lead data analytics is essential for business leaders to stay ahead. Yet, many leaders feel daunted by the growing amount of data and tools available. Many others make the critical mistake of looking for patterns in the data they have instead of framing productive questions to shape the data they need.

In this online program, participants learn how to “think data” the Chicago Booth way. As the birthplace of ideas and methods that define best practices in business data and analytics, Booth equips participants to become world-class analytical thinkers. You will develop the critical and creative reasoning skills needed to frame a data analytics project for optimal outcomes, collaborate with data specialists, leverage new tools such as AI, and ultimately make timely, evidenced-based decisions that drive results.

By attending, you will:

• Gain a powerful, structured approach to data analytics from Chicago Booth, empowering you to confidently tackle complex business challenges.
• Acquire data analytics skills to transform strategic planning and decision-making in your organization.
• Build expertise in identifying and interpreting the right data while addressing critical considerations like privacy and fairness.
• Transform your ability to communicate data-driven insights, creating clear, actionable stories that resonate with stakeholders.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in AI, ensuring your organization is prepared for new opportunities and regulatory shifts in the data landscape.

A highly-interactive, hands-on program format

Gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, network with peers, and learn from leading experts in the field.

This program incorporates:

• Collaborative group work with feedback from peers and mentors
• Hands-on workshops integrating the latest analytical tools such as AI into your models
• Case studies demonstrating best practices in data-driven decision-making
• Capstone project: Participants will choose a business challenge; using tools and techniques in the program, they will create a compelling presentation to drive a decision for their business

This program is designed for mid- to senior-level executives (managers, directors, VPs, and C-suite) with the desire to solve their organization’s critical business challenges through a data-driven approach.

This program will benefit executives who are:

• Responsible for the strategic direction of a team, department and/or business unit(s)
• In roles where data-driven decision-making is crucial, such as general management, finance, marketing, operations, project management, or IT
• Seeking to give their business a competitive edge by using the latest analytical methods and tools for strategic planning and decision-making.

In addition, this program is recommended for groups of executives seeking to build a culture of evidence-based decision-making across their organization.

Week One: Introduction to the Chicago Booth Approach and the Impact of AI on Analytics

• Understand the Chicago Booth Approach to Data Analytics
• Explore the impact of AI, machine learning, and deep learning on data analytics
• Apply the Empirical Strategy Framework to define a business challenge

Week Two: Define Business and Analytic Objectives

• Craft precise business and analytics objectives
• Frame effective questions to drive insightful analysis
• Formulate a specific, data-driven question for your Business Challenge

Week Three: Theory Building and Hypothesis Development

• Articulate theories and formulate hypotheses aligned with specific business objectives
• Apply critical reasoning to  challenge assumptions and refine hypotheses
• Uncover overlooked factors impacting your specific Business Challenge

Week Four: Construct Data-Driven Models

• Translate business theories into quantitative models to test hypotheses
• Apply strategies to account for unobservable factors, building robust data models
• Explore the applications of AI technologies in enhancing business analytics
• Develop a mathematical model for your Business Challenge that translates your theory into testable equations

Week Five: Data Identification and Methodological Approaches

• Identify relevant data sources and appropriate analytic methods to support model development
• Recognize and avoid common data interpretation pitfalls and overcome biases
• Determine the necessary data sources and analytic methods to quantify your model

Week Six: Transform Data Into Actionable Insights and Strategic Implementation

• Apply methods to generate actionable insights from data models
• Leverage AI technologies to enhance data-driven insights
• Develop roll-out strategies to successfully implement your models
• Create a 'data story' to communicate insights
• Create an implementation plan for your Business Challenge

Week Seven: Data policy: privacy, and fairness

• Examine the implications of privacy considerations in analytics, including the handling of personal data
• Understand societal impacts of algorithms, such as fairness and bias, in data-driven decision-making
• Draft your final analysis that effectively communicates key insights, quantified impact, and actionable recommendations for your Business Challenge

Week Eight: New Frontiers in Analytics

• Explore the future applications and implications of Artificial Intelligence
• Understand the role and benefits of synthetic data in data analytics
• Develop strategies for responding to regulatory changes in data and AI
• Present the final analysis for your Business Challenge

Curriculum subject to change