New generation of business analytics programs fuelled by relentless demand for data analysis skills.
Big data has been breaking into MBA courses everywhere but a new generation of specialist masters programs dedicated to business analytics have emerged, fuelled by a relentless rise in demand for data analysis. Stripping out some core modules to focus on data, a host of top business schools have established programs for the age of machine intelligence. NYU Stern, USC Marshall and Melbourne have all launched data degrees. Scores more, including Chicago Booth, HEC Paris, and Berkeley’s Haas School are mining data within their MBA programs, as firms look to unlock value with analytics.
“The demand for analytics-driven outcomes continues to increase,” says Prith Banerjee, managing director of global technology R&D at Accenture, in an interview with BusinessBecause.
Robert Sullivan, dean of the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, says: “Companies are increasingly data-driven and there is a vast need for professionals who are able to analyse that data and translate it into meaningful business outcomes.”
Rady School this week become the latest high-ranking business school to launch a masters in business analytics. The program will focus specifically on the application of analytics in business environments, and on topics such as consumer data and the supply chain.
“Students will graduate knowing how to positively impact a businesses’ bottom line — and sustain it,” Robert says.
Business schools say students are desperate to hone their analytical skills. “We are seeing especially strong interest,” says Kalyan Talluri, director of the MSc Business Analytics at Imperial College Business School.
But the rise of new program launches is also being driven by business. There is a dearth of talent at all levels, with KPMG reporting this month that only 14% of companies have all the talent and capabilities they need to fully leverage data and analytics (D&A).
“In the last two years we’ve seen a tremendous increase in D&A adoption and maturity,” says Christian Rast, KPMG global head of data and analytics. “Yet, we also know that business leaders face some critical challenges in realizing the full value of their data insights in the areas of revenue growth, serving customers and overall competitive advantage.”
José Casado, academic director of IE Business School’s Master in Business Analytics and Big Data, says there is a real need in the market to hire experts in the field who can lead change processes.
“Big data analysis is one of the main technological engines that are transforming today’s business organizations,” he says.
Online programs have emerged, allowing managers to master the art of analytics from the office or armchair. Indiana’s Kelley School of Business and Arizona’s W. P. Carey School offer analytics courses online, Carey’s just six months long.
“Those who take this certificate program will be able to contribute to the new culture of evidence-based decision making,” says Dawn Feldman, executive director of executive education at W. P. Carey School. “This will really help managers, marketers and others who regularly interact with data scientists.”
Demand for programs to address the worrying skills gap is being met not just by traditional educational institutions but disruptive new online players.
“Much of demand is driven by people who are already out of school. They are in the workforce,” says Julia Stiglitz, head of business development at Coursera, an online learning group with 14 million users which offers data science courses.
Arne Strauss, associate professor of operational research at Warwick Business School, says there is an increasing number of degree programs offered on analytics by educational institutes, but that they tend to focus on technical aspects.
The crucial skill, he says, is how to translate this into business insight: “Great technology and methodology does not help if the understanding of how to apply it to the business is flawed.”
Student Reviews
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
