Case Article—Mapping Business Problems to Analytics Solutions: Surrogate Experiential Learning in an MBA Introductory Data Science and Business Analytics Course

The case presented in this article can be used as a surrogate experiential learning exercise in an introductory MBA course on data science and business analytics. Students learn about the life cycle of data analytics projects by alternating between study of analytical techniques and participation in a data analytics project running through the course. The project begins as a simple business question which, through sequential discovery, expands into rich discussions and experiences, and culminates with presentations that test students’ ability to translate computational results into insights for various stakeholders. In the process, students learn about effective information gathering and discovery, identifying major stakeholders, problem framing and mapping, model identification, data visualization, and basic model implementation. They also learn how to present their findings to different audiences with the greatest possible impact. This approach elicits student engagement, teamwork, and multiple perspectives as students are asked to view themselves and evaluate their colleagues from the point of view of various roles in the company.

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