While a picture is worth a thousand words, data tells a more compelling story in today’s business world, where analytics and AI are influencing decision-making. “Data are just summaries of thousands of stories,” as Dan Heath, an American author, stated, “Tell a few of those stories to help make the data meaningful.” While data may hold tremendous amounts of business value, it remains inert unless insights are uncovered and translated into actions or business outcomes.
This is where business analytics comes into play. It transforms raw data into actionable insights that can optimise operations, enhance customer experiences, and improve overall business performance.
According to AIM Research, the proportion of data engineers with over six years of experience has increased significantly across various sectors, rising from 27% in 2023 to 38% in 2024. This suggests a growing demand for senior-level talent in the field.
Moreover, there has been a notable increase in the number of data engineers earning between INR 6-10 lakh, which escalated from 24% in 2023 to 32.4% in 2024, marking an increase of 8.4%.
Recognising the critical need for advanced analytical skills in the modern marketplace, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) offers its Executive Programme in Advanced Business Analytics (EPABA), a four-month programme led by Prof Arnab Kumar Laha.
Prof Laha completed his master’s and PhD from the Indian Statistical Institute and has various research and publications to his credit. In 2014, Analytics India Magazine named him among the ‘10 Most Prominent Analytics Academicians’. Other notable faculty members include Prof Ankur Sinha, Prof Kavitha Ranganathan and Prof Dhiman Bhadra.
About the Programme
EPABA seeks to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of data and analytics and their applications in marketing, finance, operations, and HR, enabling them to become proficient in the latest technologies (artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data), software (R and Python) and methods (statistical modelling, data visualisation, and forecasting).
The course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
It is structured to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, with live interactive classes planned twice a week at designated VCNow Centres across India.
To meet the eligibility criteria for the programme, applicants need to hold a graduate degree in a relevant subject with a minimum of 50% marks. A postgraduate degree in a related field is desirable, and candidates must have at least two years of work experience in a relevant field.
The total course fee for the EPABA programme is INR 4,75,000 plus GST, payable in three installments. Additionally, there is a non-refundable application fee of INR 2,000 plus GST.
Key Features of the Course
- Mode of Delivery: The course will be delivered through a combination of live interactive online sessions and on-campus modules at IIMA. Participants can attend the live lectures on video in any VCNow centre in India.
These sessions are scheduled conveniently on Fridays from 6 pm to 9 pm and Saturdays from 3 pm to 6 pm, accommodating the busy schedules of working professionals.
Students will get the opportunity to visit the prestigious IIMA campus for an immersive learning experience. This on-campus schedule spans nine days, spread across three visits, allowing participants to delve deeper into the subject matter and gain insights from their first-hand experiences at the institute.
- Curriculum: The EPABA curriculum is divided into several modules, covering essential topics such as AI, ML, big data, and applications of analytics in essential business functions. This comprehensive coverage ensures that the participants build leadership and managerial capabilities in the Data Age that can meet the industry’s demands.
- Pedagogy: The teaching methodology is highly interactive, incorporating lectures, case studies, projects, quizzes, group discussions, and simulations. This approach not only enhances learning but also fosters peer-to-peer interaction and networking among participants.
- Hands-on Experience: Participants will gain practical experience with popular analytical tools such as R and Python, enabling them to automate tasks and extract valuable insights from data. The programme also includes a capstone project, allowing participants to apply their learnings to real-world business scenarios.
Upon meeting the assessment and attendance criterias, successful participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion (CoC) by IIM Ahmedabad. The participants in the programme will be evaluated through assignments, quizzes and examinations for all the courses.
IIMA is currently accepting applications for the sixth batch of the EPABA programme. The second round of applications closes on May 31, 2024. For more details and application, click here.
