MS Business Analytics | Assessment of Learning

Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 –Analytic Skills:  Demonstrate ability to use analytics tolls to solve business problems.  

  1. Demonstrate ability to use tools such as Python and “R” to solve business problems.
  2. Conduct data manipulation, preparation, cleaning and analysis.

Program Goal #2 –Business Strategy: Articulate and implement analytics strategy consistent with business strategy and goals:   

  1. Distinguish between firm types, in terms of development, industry and strategy.
  2. Articulate possible analytics strategies.
  3. Plan and implement analytics and data management strategies and goals.

Program Goal #3 –Data Management:  Demonstrate skills in data management:

  1. Articulate and implement data management in a business setting.
  2. Demonstrate skills in database query.

Program Goal #4 –Domain Knowledge:  Demonstrate knowledge in key business functions:

  1. Articulate solutions to solve data-centric business problems in functional areas.

Outcomes Data

We have compiled data to assess competency objectives through our MS Business Analytics courses, These course serves as a comprehensive tool for evaluating progress toward our key objectives and AACSB accreditation standards, as it is a mandatory requirement for all undergraduate students. We have outlined various assessment methods across different areas of the course, which allow us to collect data and measure performance against established benchmarks.

Find program outcomes data here: MS Business Analytics | MS Business Analytics - Online

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the MS Business Analytics program. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

  • Advisory board feedback emphasized the importance of a strategic focus in project assignments. Faculty and board members reviewed current project requirements to ensure alignment with industry expectations. Based on the examples provided by the board, new and modified projects were incorporated across the curriculum, allowing students to understand data analytics from a strategic perspective.

Potential changes to assessment methods

  • Progressive Coding Assignments: In MKTG 768 Marketing Analytics, a series of progressively challenging coding assignments was implemented to bolster students’ skills in data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis, aligning with Program Goal 2: Articulating and Implementing Analytics Strategy.
  • Real-World Data Application: BANA 680 Data Management was revised to incorporate a real business dataset and increased early-stage coding experiences. This adjustment was designed to improve student competency in meaningful analytics and insights, supporting Goal 4: Domain Knowledge.