Management Analytics: Decision-Making Lessons from the Sports Industry

This program is designed for managers and executives who want to learn how to transform their organizations and make them more data-driven. While the technology used to analyze data is advancing, it’s still up to leaders to organize the way data is used and leveraged in an organization. This course aims to teach professionals how to lead this change, from planning to execution.

“You can invest in data technologies and collect all the data you can possibly imagine, but it’s worthless if it’s not analyzed or communicated to decision makers so that action can be taken from the insights.” -Forbes, March 2019

In an era of technology and information, managers and executives need to have the skills to lead their organizations with a data-driven strategy. In this course, you will be exposed to the Analytics Management Framework, which outlines the strategic, technical, and managerial skills necessary to plan the integration of data analytics into your organization.

In order to develop these key capabilities, this program connects best practice case studies from the sports industry, which has led the way in analytics, to illustrate how data analytics can be used for improved insights at an organizational level. These case studies cover a wide range of factors involved in implementing data analytics in an organization, such as goal setting, identification of challenges, selection of appropriate technologies and tools, structuring of teams, interpretation and communication, and evaluation of the efficacy of an analytics strategy.

Over the course of six weeks, you’ll be guided on how to align data analytics with your organizational goals, how to improve decision making using data analytics, and how to translate analytics insights into positive, impactful action.

Learn more about the self-paced online experience.

Learn more about GetSmarter technical requirements.

The recommended weekly time commitment for core content is 4-5 hours, taking into account the busy lifestyles of working professionals, with an additional 2-3 hours recommended for non-compulsory weekly extension activities, should you have the time. Each module is released weekly, allowing a flexible but structured approach to learning. You’ll be supported as you engage in individual activities and group discussions, ensuring you feel confident to submit your best work at each weekly deadline.

Upon successful completion of your course, you will earn a certificate of completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management. This course may also count toward MIT Sloan Executive Certificate requirements.

"The sports industry offers compelling case studies in not only innovative data analytics but also the application of data in decision making to drive results. Sports is also competitive and fun, which I hope makes learning this subject even more engaging." – Ben Shields, Senior Lecturer, Managerial Communication

This course provides you with the necessary guidance to lead a data-driven transformation in your organization. With an emphasis on process, management, and innovation, this program is designed to help business owners, leaders, and aspiring analysts understand the core elements of data analytics from a business perspective.

If you’re looking to establish your organization as a forward-thinking entity in the disruptive digital age, this program will assist you in incorporating data analytics into your business strategy. With access to relevant subject matter, respected faculty members, and an engaging environment, you’ll learn to utilize data to drive business growth and deliver strategic value. You’ll explore the frameworks, ideas, and practical considerations you need to integrate data into your organization, and the knowledge to extract value from that data moving forward.

On completion of the program, participants will walk away with a data analytics action plan, that will equip them for successful data-driven decision-making in business.

This program is for you if:

• You’d like to transform the way you make decisions using data in your organization with an analytics strategy
• You’re interested in learning about the technologies and tools that support data-driven decision making
• You’re looking to validate your knowledge with an MIT Sloan certificate of completion

We do not recommend this program to past participants of Data-Driven Teams: The Art and Science of Winning unless you are looking for a refresher.

GetSmarter™, a brand of 2U, Inc., partners with the world's leading universities to select, design and deliver premium online short courses with a data-driven focus on learning gain.

Technology meets academic rigor in our people-mediated model which enables lifelong learners across the globe to obtain industry-relevant skills that are certified by the world’s most reputable academic institutions.