Companies across the globe are collecting huge volumes of data about their customers, operations, and performance—but data alone won't deliver competitive advantage. This big data analytics program explores the strategic opportunities presented by the explosion in data, and enables you to harness the power of big data to transform your company. You will acquire a firm grounding in data analytics and practical strategies for implementing data-focused initiatives that create and capture more value.

Summary: Companies across the globe are collecting huge volumes of data about their customers, operations, and performance—but data alone won't deliver competitive advantage. This big data analytics program explores the strategic opportunities presented by the explosion in data, and enables you to harness the power of big data to transform your company. You will acquire a firm grounding in data analytics and practical strategies for implementing data-focused initiatives that create and capture more value.

Key Benefits

To lead a digital transformation, you need to move data and analytics from the periphery of your organization to its center. This program guides you through that process, offering frameworks for developing data-savvy teams, breakthrough business models, and decision-making processes that create competitive advantage. You will learn how to build essential data collection and analysis capabilities that enable your company to improve operational efficiency and seize new market opportunities.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Apply big data and analytics to reshape your business model and operations Apply big data and analytics to reshape your business model and operations

Draw on big data to inform your organization's long-term strategies
Use experimentation and predictive analysis to improve your business
Recruit and develop data-savvy talent who can take your company's data perspectives to the next level
Integrate algorithms and data analytics teams into decision-making processes and key functions across the organization, such as marketing, supply chain, human resources, and more

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Apply big data and analytics to reshape your business model and operations

Draw on big data to inform your organization's long-term strategies
Use experimentation and predictive analysis to improve your business
Recruit and develop data-savvy talent who can take your company's data perspectives to the next level
Integrate algorithms and data analytics teams into decision-making processes and key functions across the organization, such as marketing, supply chain, human resources, and more

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

Senior managers who want to refine their skills in strategic data management and fact-based decision-making
Digital officers, technology officers, and individuals building and launching data science teams
Senior managers in marketing, supply chain, information technology, human resources, talent management, product development, operations, and other strategy-related functions

Participating Companies Have Included:

Chevron

Google

Natixis Global Asset Management

Pepsi

Pfizer

Royal Bank of Canada

SAP

Saudi Aramco

Swisscom

Telefonica

U.S. Department of Defense

Dive Deeper into the Experience

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Who Should Attend: Senior managers who want to refine their skills in strategic data management and fact-based decision-making

Digital officers, technology officers, and individuals building and launching data science teams

Senior managers in marketing, supply chain, information technology, human resources, talent management, product development, operations, and other strategy-related functions

Participating Companies Have Included:

Chevron

Google

Natixis Global Asset Management

Pepsi

Pfizer

Royal Bank of Canada

SAP

Saudi Aramco

Swisscom

Telefonica

U.S. Department of Defense

Dive Deeper into the Experience

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Learn More

Learn More

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Learn More

Learn More

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Learn More

Learn More

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Learning and Living at HBS: When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

What You Will Learn

Through faculty presentations, global case studies, and small-group discussions, you will explore how market-leading companies are using customer data to reshape their capabilities, offerings, and industries—and gain competitive advantage. This big data analytics program begins with foundational concepts in data analysis and moves on to examine the strategic opportunities and challenges presented by big data. In the process, you will explore hot-button issues such as blockchain and predictive analytics.

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Quantitative foundations: a two-day bootcamp Quantitative foundations: a two-day bootcamp

Building your knowledge of core analytics concepts
Understanding foundational topics such as machine learning pipelines, quantitative analysis, regression, data architecture, causation, and correlation
Collaborating with the CIO on data analysis strategies

The strategic potential of big data The strategic potential of big data

Comparing big data analytics with a traditional small data approach
Improving your company's data perspectives to create and capture more value
Exploring the data explosion in the "four Vs"—variety, velocity, veracity, and volume
Creating smart, connected products with the potential to reshape your company and industry
Building breakthrough business models based on data
Understanding the strategic implications of supply chain and marketing analytics
Recognizing and exploiting the difference between correlational and causal patterns

The data-savvy organization The data-savvy organization

Building data capabilities for competitive advantage
Attracting and developing data analytics teams
Implementing a digital transformation across the organization that builds customer trust and generates valuable data
Managing your company with real-time analytics to improve overall efficiency

Key Topics

Quantitative foundations: a two-day bootcamp

Building your knowledge of core analytics concepts
Understanding foundational topics such as machine learning pipelines, quantitative analysis, regression, data architecture, causation, and correlation
Collaborating with the CIO on data analysis strategies

The strategic potential of big data

Comparing big data analytics with a traditional small data approach
Improving your company's data perspectives to create and capture more value
Exploring the data explosion in the "four Vs"—variety, velocity, veracity, and volume
Creating smart, connected products with the potential to reshape your company and industry
Building breakthrough business models based on data
Understanding the strategic implications of supply chain and marketing analytics
Recognizing and exploiting the difference between correlational and causal patterns

The data-savvy organization

Building data capabilities for competitive advantage
Attracting and developing data analytics teams
Implementing a digital transformation across the organization that builds customer trust and generates valuable data
Managing your company with real-time analytics to improve overall efficiency

What You Will Learn: Through faculty presentations, global case studies, and small-group discussions, you will explore how market-leading companies are using customer data to reshape their capabilities, offerings, and industries—and gain competitive advantage. This big data analytics program begins with foundational concepts in data analysis and moves on to examine the strategic opportunities and challenges presented by big data. In the process, you will explore hot-button issues such as blockchain and predictive analytics.

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Quantitative foundations: a two-day bootcamp Quantitative foundations: a two-day bootcamp

Building your knowledge of core analytics concepts

Understanding foundational topics such as machine learning pipelines, quantitative analysis, regression, data architecture, causation, and correlation

Collaborating with the CIO on data analysis strategies

The strategic potential of big data The strategic potential of big data

Comparing big data analytics with a traditional small data approach

Improving your company's data perspectives to create and capture more value

Exploring the data explosion in the "four Vs"—variety, velocity, veracity, and volume

Creating smart, connected products with the potential to reshape your company and industry

Building breakthrough business models based on data

Understanding the strategic implications of supply chain and marketing analytics

Recognizing and exploiting the difference between correlational and causal patterns

The data-savvy organization The data-savvy organization

Building data capabilities for competitive advantage

Attracting and developing data analytics teams

Implementing a digital transformation across the organization that builds customer trust and generates valuable data

Managing your company with real-time analytics to improve overall efficiency

Key Topics

Key Topics

Quantitative foundations: a two-day bootcamp

Building your knowledge of core analytics concepts

Understanding foundational topics such as machine learning pipelines, quantitative analysis, regression, data architecture, causation, and correlation

Collaborating with the CIO on data analysis strategies

The strategic potential of big data

Comparing big data analytics with a traditional small data approach

Improving your company's data perspectives to create and capture more value

Exploring the data explosion in the "four Vs"—variety, velocity, veracity, and volume

Creating smart, connected products with the potential to reshape your company and industry

Building breakthrough business models based on data

Understanding the strategic implications of supply chain and marketing analytics

Recognizing and exploiting the difference between correlational and causal patterns

The data-savvy organization

Building data capabilities for competitive advantage

Attracting and developing data analytics teams

Implementing a digital transformation across the organization that builds customer trust and generates valuable data

Managing your company with real-time analytics to improve overall efficiency

Individual Project

During the program, you will create a case study on your own company's data challenges and receive real-time feedback from faculty and peers.

Individual Project: During the program, you will create a case study on your own company's data challenges and receive real-time feedback from faculty and peers.

Faculty

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe

Faculty Cochair

John A. Deighton

Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration Emeritus. Member of the Marketing Unit; faculty cochair of "Competing on Business Analytics and Big Data."

"It's critical for companies to recruit and build data analytics teams."

Read Full Bio Read More

Karim R. Lakhani

Charles Edward Wilson Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty cochair of "Competing on Business Analytics and Big Data."

Discussing the revolutionary online record-keeping technology.

Read Full Bio Watch the Video

Faculty

Ryan W. Buell

UPS Foundation Associate Professor of Service Management. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "Transforming Customer Experiences."

Read Full Bio

Dennis W. Campbell

Dwight P. Robinson, Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Accounting and Management.

Read Full Bio

Kris Johnson Ferreira

Assistant Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Tsedal Neeley

Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

Michael Parzen

Senior Lecturer on Statistics and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Read Full Bio

Jeffrey T. Polzer

UPS Foundation Professor of Human Resource Management. Chair of the PhD program in Organizational Behavior; and member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

Faculty: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe

Faculty Cochair

John A. Deighton

Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration Emeritus. Member of the Marketing Unit; faculty cochair of "Competing on Business Analytics and Big Data."

"It's critical for companies to recruit and build data analytics teams."

Read Full Bio Read More

Karim R. Lakhani

Charles Edward Wilson Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty cochair of "Competing on Business Analytics and Big Data."

Discussing the revolutionary online record-keeping technology.

Read Full Bio Watch the Video

Faculty

Ryan W. Buell

UPS Foundation Associate Professor of Service Management. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit; and faculty chair of "Transforming Customer Experiences."

Read Full Bio

Dennis W. Campbell

Dwight P. Robinson, Jr. Professor of Business Administration. Unit Head, Accounting and Management.

Read Full Bio

Kris Johnson Ferreira

Assistant Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Technology and Operations Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Tsedal Neeley

Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

Michael Parzen

Senior Lecturer on Statistics and Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Read Full Bio

Jeffrey T. Polzer

UPS Foundation Professor of Human Resource Management. Chair of the PhD program in Organizational Behavior; and member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

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More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

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Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

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