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Short Course

Introduction to Analytics: Transforming Data into Insights

Learn a repeatable process for turning complex data into actionable insights, enabling smarter decisions through hands-on analysis and real-world applications.

Introduction to Analytics

Current Offerings

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Overview

In today’s increasingly complex business world, critical decisions can become ‘shots in the dark’ unless informed by relevant data. However, applications and software produce an overwhelming abundance of data that can make it challenging to focus in on answers to critical questions. To effectively leverage data, organizations need to transform it into actionable information, yet many are struggling to do that. This course introduces a repeatable process you can use to ensure you’re getting the most out of your data. Over the three-day series, you’ll learn how to transform data into robust information to be leveraged in a variety of ways to support your success. You will have the opportunity to practice this process through hands-on exercises led by Penn State, reinforced by interactive discussions with peers, ensuring that the course learnings are practical and applicable to your business setting.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for managers and leaders at all levels who want to guide their teams to extract targeted, actionable information from data and leverage it in strategic decision-making.

Program Benefits

Improve your ability to:

  • Understand core data and analytics principles

  • Identify the data that matters most

  • Analyze data using appropriate tools

  • Turn insights into action

  • Apply data to strategic decisions

  • Partner effectively with technical experts

  • Build a culture that supports data-driven decision-making

Well constructed and promoted excellent cross-discussion between businesses. Helped refresh me on the core components of business analytics."

Mike Belitsky

Commoditites Specialist, Kennametal

Program Content

In this course, you will learn a process for effectively and dynamically using data to address strategic and operational decisions critical to your business in a way that is simple to use, repeatable, and empowering for leaders of all levels.

By understanding how to frame strategic questions and seeing the data through new perspectives, you can leverage the most important data in support of critical decisions. To ensure understanding, you will practice course learnings using real-world exercises based around key business challenges.

With this foundational understanding and proven process, you will be able to communicate with your teams and analysts more effectively as they work with you to create and apply insights from data. As a result, you will be better prepared to face your most critical decisions grounded by data as you lead your team or organization toward improved trajectory and growth.

  • Understand the challenges and opportunities of data

  • Clarify key elements of effective use of data

  • Leverage a process leading to the successful application of data to business decisions and strategies

  • Evaluate metrics for alignment with information needs

  • Avoid common pitfalls associated with data use and application

  • Assess data quality and manage disparate data sources for efficient use

  • Uncover the connection between data and the information it provides

  • Understand fundamental analytic terminology and approaches

  • Know when and how to apply specific analytic techniques

  • Guide analysts to interpret data accurately and consistently

  • Analyze data results for actionable information, not just numbers

  • Apply techniques for transforming analytic results into robust insights

Faculty

This course is led by expert faculty, with extensive academic and industry leadership experience, who are committed to sharing unique insights into your organization.

Chelsea Hammond, Ph.D.

Associate Clinical Professor of Marketing, Smeal College of Business

Dr. Chelsea Hammond teaches marketing with a focus on analytics and data integration and directs Penn State World Campus's Marketing Analytics certificate. Prior to Smeal, she spent more than a decade in market research and marketing analytics, helping the world's most iconic brands leverage data to drive business success.

Professional Certificate

Earn an Analytics Professional Certificate

Gain broader analytics expertise while earning a credential that reflects your continued professional development. Complete three qualifying programs to earn an Analytics Professional Certificate, taking programs in any order and over time to fit your goals and schedule.

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Customize this Program

All programs and delivered to groups of 10 or more. A member of our team will reach out to discuss your goals and explore the right fit for your group. You can also reach us directly at 800-311-6364.

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Additional Information

Our Learning Solutions Associate can hold a seat for you in the program. A reservation does not commit you until you submit the online registration form. To reserve your spot, email our office.

A 10% reduced rate on live remote delivery is available to military and government employees, Penn State alumni, individuals pursuing a professional certificate, teams of three or more from the same organization, and CSCR corporate sponsors or affiliated groups.

Yes. This program can count toward a . Complete three qualifying programs at your own pace to earn the certificate. Note: Each program can only count toward one certificate.

After you register, you’ll gain access to your personal learning portal. There, you’ll find pre-program assignments, information about faculty and fellow participants, plus other program resources.

Accepted applicants can transfer to another section if the transfer is arranged more than four weeks before the program begins. Additional transfers are subject to a charge of 10% of the current program fee. A sponsoring company may also identify a replacement candidate, provided the candidate is accepted into the program.

Refunds are based on when written notice of withdrawal is received:

  • More than six weeks before the program begins: Full refund

  • Between two and six weeks before the program begins: 50% refund

  • Two weeks or less before the program begins: No refund

All withdrawals, transfers, and substitutions must be confirmed in writing by the registered participant or their agent. If written notification is not received, the full program fee will be assessed.

Penn State may cancel or postpone a program due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled, registration fees will be refunded; however, Penn State is not responsible for other related expenses, including airline or travel agency cancellation or change fees. If a program is postponed, you may receive a refund or transfer your program fee to another session.

If you have questions about transfers or cancellations, please contact us.