Business Analytics and AI: From Data to Decisions
Enrolling in this program is the first step in your journey to alumni benefits.
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Key Takeaways
This program will position you to:
Align strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics by capturing data-enabled business opportunities and apply an AI-centric operating model where it delivers real impact and value
Solve real business problems using predictive, prescriptive, and experimental techniques to drive results
Ensure responsible data and AI practices by addressing ethics, privacy, and governance to build trust
Create data-based decision-making models across your organization
Leverage data and experimentation to drive innovation
Better evaluate business analytics approaches and strategies
Develop a virtuous cycle built on user engagement, data collection, algorithm design, prediction, and improvement
Data Is Driving the Future of Business
Today’s business leaders know that analytics is critical to tomorrow’s success. Many have already discovered how data-driven decisions enable stronger business cases and greater agility, while others are behind the curve.
Across every sector, business professionals—including those with no coding or advanced analytics experience—are recognizing the need to develop their data fluency and understand how key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) intersect with data analytics. In this program, with the help of hands-on activities, live sessions as well as real-world case studies you will discover how data-driven decisions enable stronger business cases and greater agility.
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Who is This Program For?
Businesses are using analytics to increase efficiency, improve customer service, and identify risks and opportunities across all sectors. This program is designed for business professionals who recognize this growing trend and want to use data and analytics techniques to guide strategy at the top levels of their organizations. (No previous coding or advanced analytics experience is necessary.) Business Analytics and AI: From Data to Decisions program could be particularly beneficial for those in the following roles:
Mid- to Senior-Level Managers who want to drive innovation at their organizations by leveraging data-based decision-making models. Representative roles include:
Project Manager
Sales Manager
Finance Manager
Operations Manager
Product Manager
Marketing Manager
Director of Product Marketing
Director of Engineering
Director Strategic Products and Services
Investment Director
Executive Director
Senior Executives and Business Heads who want to better understand the business opportunities that analytics enable, as well as regulations related to data protection and privacy implications. Representative roles include:
Chief Strategy Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Managing Director
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Information Officer
Founder
Partner
Chief Marketing Officer
Consultants who want to provide client solutions based on the latest data and technology. Representative roles include:
Digital Transformation Consultant
Principal Consultant
Financial Consultant
Management Consultant
Data Analytics and Technology Professionals who want to lay out the road map for analytics and AI initiatives for their organization, with the objective of solving key business problems. Representative roles include:
Data Analytics Manager
Information and Data Systems Manager
Technology Innovation Designer
Data Strategist
Business Intelligence Manager
Analytics Project Lead
Technology Lead
AI Focused Learning You Can Apply
The application-led curriculum demonstrates how AI, machine learning (ML), and ethical data use connect to real business functions — empowering smarter, automated and more scalable decision-making. You will explore:
The four components of an AI-centric operating model and practical approaches for developing AI algorithms
Supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms to uncover patterns, forecast outcomes, and support analytical decision making
Core concepts in reinforcement learning (RL) and how RL supports dynamic, real-world business decisions
Ethical challenges and data privacy while drafting a proposal leveraging Big Data and AI to solve a real business problem.
Program Topics
Over the course of two months, you will incrementally build your analytics acumen to better equip you for a rapidly evolving, data-centric world.
From the beginning, this program grounds your understanding of business analytics in the real world by citing actual business cases, not just theoretical applications. In this module, we introduce the AI-centric operating model and how to leverage its four components to achieve scale, scope, and innovation.
This module is all about data: how to access it, process it, transform it, and make it AI-ready. We will also introduce the concept of data visualization and learn some of the best practices for accomplishing it.
In this module, you will learn how to exploit patterns in historical data to forecast future events using predictive analytics, a key tool for identifying risks and opportunities. We will also examine the scope of supervised learning in business using several examples.
Continuing our discussion of supervised learning and predictive analytics, in this module, we introduce state-of-the-art AI techniques to enable data-driven decision making.
In this module, we switch to unsupervised learning, which can help you group and cluster data more effectively. The wide range of business applications includes everything from customer segmentation to detecting fraudulent transactions.
Here, we explore the ways that AI-centric businesses use reinforcement learning for recommender systems, web advertising, stock trading, healthcare, and many other applications. The computer performs a succession of trial-and-error interactions within a dynamic environment to try to determine which approach is best.
In this module we learn how businesses develop experimentation platforms that enable them to run many tests at high velocity, which in turn allows them to learn, adapt, innovate, and make sound business decisions even in times of uncertainty.
We will first discuss some concerns associated with the use of machine learning in prescriptive analytics, and how this might affect our business strategies moving forward. We will then discuss data protection and privacy, which will continue to be an important consideration in the world of Big Data. We will not only present some best practices associated with data protection, but also outline steps for developing a more general data strategy.
The two-month Business Analytics and AI: From Data to Decisions program culminates with a capstone project in which you solve a real-world business problem using an AI-centric operating model.
Live Sessions
The program includes four live sessions designed to help professionals apply business analytics with confidence. Each session is led by distinguished Berkeley Haas faculty with deep connections to Silicon Valley and the world’s most innovative organizations. These sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing.
Live Session in Module 2: Descriptive Analytics: Accessing, Transforming and Visualizing Data
See how raw data is refined into actionable insights using an AI factory framework, and learn to use an AI maturity matrix to classify projects by expected returns and strategic impact. Apply key concepts to group activities exploring insurance, utility, and financial services scenarios.
Live Session in Module 4: Predictive Analytics II: Supervised Learning for Business
Study an AI-enabled antibody-selection platform to understand how rich data, rapid feedback loops, and precise models drive predictive value. Apply these principles to real-world contexts and share strategic recommendations.
Live Session in Module 6: Prescriptive Analytics: Reinforcement Learning for Business
Explore the application of supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, including real-world examples such as churn prediction, fraud detection, pricing, and customer segmentation. Participate in a group exercise showing how clustering and prediction can combine to prevent misleading conclusions, then deep-dive into data-driven market segmentation and assessing cluster quality.
Live Session in Module 7: Prescriptive Analytics: Experimentation
Examine how prescriptive analytics drives decision-making and supports what-if analysis through A/B testing and reinforcement learning. Design a pricing experiment for a ticket-resale platform and review a real-world A/B text conducted by StubHub comparing pre-checkout and post-checkout fee models.
Case Studies
To get a clearer understanding of how business analytics actually works in the real world, you will examine several case studies involving these prominent companies:
LendingClub
Explore how LendingClub used supervised learning (or predictive analytics) to predict whether borrowers will repay or default on their loans.
eBay
Discover how eBay used prescriptive analytics and experimentation to make strategic decisions for feature implementation.
Osaro
Explore how Osaro leveraged deep reinforcement learning to enable automation and transform the warehouse market.
Ant Group
Learn how Ant Group built an AI-centric operating model based on analytic approaches to achieve scale, scope, and innovation.
Note: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. The study of these products and/or companies does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Program Faculty
Professor, UC Berkeley’s Department of Economics and Haas School of Business
An expert in applied microeconomics, Prof. Finan teaches graduate courses in data analytics in Haas’ Executive MBA Programs. His research uses data analytics to explore the in...
Associate Professor, Department of Economics, UC Berkeley
An expert in applied microeconomics, Prof. Finan teaches graduate courses in data analytics in Haas’ Executive MBA Programs. His research uses data analytics to explore the in...
Testimonials
Certificate
Get recognized! Upon successful completion of the program, UC Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants. Participants must complete 80% of the required activities including a capstone project (if any) to obtain the certificate of completion. This program also counts toward a Certificate of Business Excellence.
Successful completion of this program fulfills two curriculum days (minimum requirement of 17 curriculum days) towards the UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
Learn more about how it works.
Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of UC Berkeley Executive Education.
This program counts toward a Certificate of Business Excellence
Curriculum Days: Two days
Pillar(s): Entrepreneurship & Innovation / Strategy & Management
A UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence gives individuals the opportunity to create a personal plan of study structured by our four academic pillars. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with certification from a world-class university, and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years.
FAQs
How do I know if this program is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this program?
Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above. Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.
What other dates will this program be offered in the future?
Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
How much time is required each week?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.
How will my time be spent?
We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Completing your final project, if required
The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.
What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?
More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.
All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.
A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.
How do I interact with other program participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.
This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.
Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?
No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
What is the organizational structure of Berkeley Executive Education?
UC Berkeley Center for Executive Education, dba Berkeley Executive Education, is a California nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of operating executive education programs in support of UC Berkeley and the Haas School of Business.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.
How long will I have access to the learning materials?
You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.
What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?
Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.
Do I need to be online to access the program content?
Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the program?
Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?
Program fees for Emeritus programs with UC Berkeley Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?
Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.
What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?
The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.
What is the program refund and deferral policy?
For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 864 668 8832 (US) / +44 121 387 3504 (UK) / +65 3129 7057 (SG)
Flexible payment options are available.
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