Build cutting-edge analytics and data-driven decision-making skills with IIM Ahmedabad's Advanced Business Analytics Programme

When it comes to making decisions, solving problems, or understanding markets and consumers, the default for many businesses is to rely on past experiences, intuition and historical trends. Unfortunately, that often leads to limited insights and missed opportunities. However, with the advent of Analytics and AI, one thing that is fundamentally transforming how businesses make decisions, execute strategies and win consumer confidence is data.

A study by McKinsey & Company underscores this importance. It reveals that organisations with a data-driven culture are 23 times more likely to acquire customers, six times more likely to retain customers and 19 times more likely to be profitable than their industry peers.

These statistics show that data helps companies to grow and expand faster than ever. However, collecting data is only half the battle. Translating this data into clear, actionable business insights is crucial for companies to capitalise on its potential.

In a?Salesforce survey?of nearly 10,000 business leaders and decision-makers around the globe, 79% of business leaders agreed to see data's value, but 69% said that they struggle to use it due to complexity, lack of skills and data overload. This study highlights a critical gap—possessing data is one thing, but harnessing its power to drive business results requires a different skill set.

That is why IIM Ahmedabad has designed its Executive Programme in Advanced Business Analytics (EPABA) to equip working professionals to understand the bigger picture presented by data and make more informed decisions.

Prof. Arnab K Laha , a foremost analytics academician in the country, is the Programme Director of EPABA. His extensive experience ensures participants gain valuable insights into mastering data-driven decision-making and analytics strategies,?which can significantly enhance their professional capabilities.

He highlights?the growing importance of data analytics and AI in the workplace: "The speed at which data is transforming businesses is remarkable.?Imagine a doctor using Analytics and AI to improve diagnoses or a teacher using it to personalize learning. These technologies aren't replacing professionals; they're augmenting our capabilities. By embracing business analytics and AI, professionals can reach new heights."

Wield the Power of AI, ML & Big Data

Data volume and complexity are exploding?and?the technology to?analyse?it keeps pace. New tools and techniques emerge rapidly, forcing professionals to make a critical choice: evolve or be left behind.

EPABA equips participants with the expertise to navigate this ever-changing data landscape. The curriculum dives deep into the cutting-edge technologies that are transforming businesses across all industries. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Big Data and Programming Languages (R & Python).

With EPABA, you'll gain insights into how these powerful technologies can be leveraged to drive innovation, optimise processes, generate valuable insights and fuel informed decision-making.

"EPABA bridges the theory-practice gap," points out Prof. Laha. He emphasizes that this programme?is designed?for professionals who want to apply cutting-edge tools to solve real-life business problems.?“Whether you are a young professional eager to translate your technical knowledge into practical applications, or a seasoned leader seeking to integrate data analytics into your strategic decision-making, EPABA empowers you to make a tangible impact in your organisation," says Prof. Laha.

EPABA alumnus Sailesh Agrahari, Senior Director, R&D Leader, Global Mobile Surgery, Philips, highlights the?programme's?impact: "Our company and the world are undergoing a digital transformation, making technology and upskilling essential. I needed a strong foundation in data analytics to implement digital changes within my organisation. EPABA was the perfect fit, equipping me with key technologies and techniques. I learned how to apply these tools directly to my industry, enhancing my work's relevance.”

Connect data insights to high-impact decisions

Data-driven decision-making is essential for success in your current and future roles. EPABA will guide you in making informed, data-driven decisions, ensuring you can approach business challenges with confidence and accuracy.

With modules on crucial topics such as Statistical Modelling, Data Forecasting and Data Visualization, participants can master techniques to forecast future outcomes and develop proactive strategies. You'll learn to build and interpret models that uncover hidden patterns and predict future trends within your data, components crucial to sharpening your decision-making skills.?

Past participant Prachi Jain, Data Analytics Manager, PwC, shares her experience: "Besides a structured curriculum, I gained industry knowledge from my experienced peer group. Through subjects like Data Modelling and Forecasting,?EPABA?honed my analytical and managerial decision-making skills. I am now confident I can apply my knowledge to real-world scenarios."

Attain functional expertise in Analytics

Analytics isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. To truly leverage its potential, professionals need to develop functional expertise. This means understanding how to apply analytics principles and techniques to solve specific problems within their chosen field.

Think of it like this: a toolbox is only helpful if you know which tool to use for the job. An analyst specialising in marketing might use data to understand customer behaviour and optimise campaigns, while a finance professional might leverage analytics to identify financial risks and opportunities.

The key to success lies in having a clear use case in mind. By defining the specific business problem you're trying to address with data, you can tailor your analytics approach for maximum impact. EPABA focuses on how?analytics can be effectively used?in Marketing, Operations, HR and Finance domains.?

According to Prof. Laha, analytics offer significant cost benefits, making their adoption across industries and business functions a given. “Businesses, driven by the value proposition, are rapidly adopting big data and AI, proving data's power to disrupt industries and deliver high ROI,” he underlines.

Sharad Kumar, Zonal Head (North) SBI Wealth and an EPABA alumnus, shares: "A company's greatest asset is its data, and EPABA helps it make the most of it.? The course covered case studies (national and international) in multiple functions, such as Marketing and Finance, allowing you to expand your horizons in different industries.”

Upskill for the future with EPABA

Competence in analytics and AI has become a critical skill for managers in new-age business organisations. As visionary technologist Bill Joy once remarked, "The smartest people work for someone else." Today, these "smartest people" might be those who have the talent to bridge the gap between raw data and actionable insights, forecast customer behaviour and optimise operations.

That leaves us with a clear message: the future belongs to data-driven businesses. Those that fail to bridge this gap risk falling behind. "The skill map is changing rapidly. Professionals of all ages must embrace reskilling, particularly in data and AI, to stay relevant and avoid becoming redundant in an AI-driven future,” states Prof. Laha.

The Executive Programme in Advanced Business Analytics brings you a unique opportunity to build your analytics skills without impacting your work or personal life. This programme is designed for maximum convenience and impact through a combination of industry-relevant curriculum, hands-on projects, peer-to-peer learning and live interactive classes every Friday (6-9 pm) and Saturday (3-6 pm) over four months at a VCNow Learning Centre near you.

Data can inform your next business move. Make it the one that sets you apart. For more details and admission to Batch 6, click here.