Contributing Writer
Nathan Heinze
One of the exciting developments in the continued evolution of the CCIT BAS degree, is the introduction of a new sub-plan focusing on business analytics. The field is growing rapidly, and a recent study of IT needs in the Tampa region revealed that local companies have an increasing need for business analysts.
The idea behind business analytics is to use technology and quantitative methods to process and analyze data as a means of improving organizational decision-making. Data analysts are not involved in creating the software used to analyze data; rather, they are skilled in selecting the correct data to analyze and attribute meaning to that data and apply it to help achieve organizational goals.
There will be a total of five new courses that comprise the sub-plan. In an exhaustive study of local needs, curriculum recommendations and other bachelor’s programs, we have decided on the following five courses:
1. ISM XXXX Data Fundamentals: Introduces statistics for business. This course will cover probability, regression, data collection, variability, sampling, distributions, and associated topics. It will give students the statistical foundation to understand data behavior and analysis.
2. ISM XXXX Business Intelligence: This course explains what business intelligence is and how it is essential to the performance of modern organizations. It includes a particular focus on strategic data management.
3. ISM XXXX Business Analytics: This course will cover the use of spreadsheet modeling to make and analyze business decisions.
4. ISM XXXX Web Analytics: This course will cover the collection and analysis of information from the web in order to help improve business decisions. Some of the topics covered are web-based surveying, online community research, blog scraping, and user data gathering.
5. Data Mining and Warehousing: This course covers data mining methods. Data mining is the practice of taking data and trying to discover trends or patterns to aid in the decision making process. The course will include a review of data warehousing and coverage of common data mining techniques.
I am currently working on researching the exact topics and how they should be addressed in each course; and I am also beginning to look for appropriate textbooks and supplemental materials. Actual development will begin over the summer, and at least two courses should be finished by end of August.