DECS B205 Business Statistics 3 crs.
This course is an introduction to the statistics used in business. Topics covered are sources and collection of business data, describing data, probability concepts, the use of confidence limits to estimate the mean or the proportion, the use of hypothesis tests, analysis of variance, and simple correlation and linear regression to discover how two variables are related to each other. The use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software is an integral part of this hands-on course.
Prerequisite: MATH A115 or Math A110, Co-requisite MGT B250, sophomore standing
Major + Minor Courses
Students in the Business Analytics major / minor take the bulk of their required major / minor coursework in the DECS "Decision Science" course area, with supplementary coursework from MGT, COSC, MATH, and other areas.
Business Analytics majors and minors must earn a grade of C or above in the relevant prerequisite courses to fulfill the prerequisite requirements marked * below.
DECS B305 Business Decision Modeling 3 crs.
This course covers the development and interpretation of statistical, financial, and mathematical models for business decision making. Modeling techniques discussed may include applied probability distributions, time series analysis / forecasting, classification and/or clustering models, scenario / what-if analysis, linear optimization and sensitivity analysis, simulation models, decision trees / decision analysis, and expected value / utility analysis. Students gain expertise in the application of rigorous quantitative analysis to complex business decisions in the areas of strategic planning, financial management, and operations research.
Prerequisites: DECS B205, MGT B250, junior standing
DECS B310 Decision Support Systems 3 crs.
This course covers the use and design of the information, knowledge / intelligence, and technological resources that are employed by managerial decision makers to gain a better understanding of a business and its customers. “Decision support systems” refers to the “front-end” technology that is generally associated with a data warehouse, and which provides modeling and analysis capabilities to help key decision makers evaluate ways in which to improve business operations and reach organizational goals. This course covers general topics related to the design of such systems, as well as practical issues of implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), “dashboard” analytics, or other business applications. Data security and ethics are also considered.
Prerequisites: COSC A211, COSC A208 or MGT B250 or ACCT B340, junior standing
DECS B360 Econometrics I - Linear Models 3 crs.
This is an intermediate level statistics course. After a brief overview of statistics, the course covers least squares estimation, statistical inference, diagnostic methods, selection and evaluation of functional form, and simultaneous equations estimation. The course focuses more on applied work than on its theoretical underpinnings. Students are actively involved with computer exercises in this course, using the STATA software program. Students will complete a comprehensive statistical research project.
Prerequisites: DECS B205*, ECON B101, junior standing
Cross-listing: ECON B360
DECS B365 Econometrics II - Time Series 3 crs.
This course is an advanced level statistics course focusing on time-series models. The course covers how to detect, estimate, and make valid inferences from univariate, multivariate and potentially panel data. Classic univariate models may include autoregressive, moving average, integrated, and distributed lag models; multivariate models may include vector autoregressions and cointegrated models; and panel-data models include panel-VARs. The course focuses more on applied work than on its theoretical underpinnings. Students are actively involved with computer exercises in this course, using the STATA software program. Students will complete a comprehensive statistical research project.
Prerequisites: DECS B360*, junior standing
Cross-listing: ECON B365
DECS B375 Contemporary Managerial Decision Making 3 crs.
This course prepares students to be effective decision-makers by providing diagnostic and analytical tools / skills for informing effective decisions. A course project requires students to use (1) diagnostic skills to formulate problems, (2) decision-modeling skills to frame and manage results and risk, (3) data collection skills to obtain appropriate information, (4) data analysis skills to draw conclusions, (5) oral and written communication skills to explain why/how the problem can be solved, and (6) managerial skills such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling to show how the solution can be deployed.
Prerequisites: MGT B325, junior standing
Cross-listing: MGT B375
DECS B390 Consumer Analysis + Research 3 crs.
This course teaches the student how to measure and analyze consumer attitudes and behavior. Measurement techniques covered include observation, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Analysis tools used include descriptive statistics, chi square, and spreadsheet analysis for value determination.
Prerequisites: DECS B205, MKT B280, junior standing
Cross-listing: MKT B390
DECS B493 Special Topics in Decision Science 3 crs.
This course designation is applied to topical electives in Decision Science offered on an irregular basis.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
DECS B499 Independent Study in Decision Science 3 crs.
Prerequisites: DECS B205, junior standing, overall GPA of 2.0
See description in College of Business overview