The Feasibility for a Master's Program in Business Analytics

• Activity Number: 137
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, August 2, 2010 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistics and Marketing
• Author(s): David Dobson*+
• Companies: Simon Fraser University
• Keywords: Business Analytics

Abstract

Most businesses collect some sort of customer data. That, along with increased computing power, has created greater analytics opportunities. This, in turn, has resulted in a huge demand for university graduates to fill in the analytics "shoes" for such companies. These organizations are looking for graduates that are not only able to use analytical technology, but also able to understand its business implications. In response to the increase in demand for individuals with business analytics training, the Faculty of Business at Simon Fraser University explored the possibility of offering a Master's degree in this field, and conducted a market research study by surveying the analytical experts from various industries. The objective of this market research was to understand industry's opinion and interest towards the possibility of a Master's program in business analytics.