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
.
In this course you will learn:
The goal of business analytics is to determine which datasets are useful and how they can be leveraged to solve problems and increase efficiency, productivity, and revenue. Extract greater value from your data by learning about these time-tested categories of algorithms:
Linear Regression
The "best fit" line through all data points. Predictions are numerical.
Example:
Learn how a linear regression algorithm can change outcomes for a professional sports team
Logistic Regression
The adaptation of Linear regression to problems of classification (e.g., Yes/No questions, groups, etc.)
Example:
Use logistic regression to predict coronary heart disease
Decision Tree
A graph that uses a branching method to match all possible outcomes of a decision.
Example:
Using a cutting-edge algorithm called an optimal classification tree, we will establish optimal inventory positions for smartphones.
Random Forest
Takes the average of many decision trees, each of which is made with a sample of the data. Each tree is weaker than a full decision tree, but by combining them we get better overall performance.
Example
: Predict Supreme Court decisions using random forest
Clustering
Sees what groups the data points fall into when we apply a clustering algorithm, such as K-Means
Example:
Use hierarchical clustering to group movie genres for Netflix
AI/Deep learning
Allows machines to solve complex problems by learning from large amounts of data, algorithms inspired by the human brain.
Example:
Train a computer to read numbers.