New orientation in Business Analytics offered by the MTE Master
© 2017 EPFL
Meeting with Prof. Daniel Kuhn, MTE section director, who will be in charge of this new orientation open to students as of September 2017.
In one sentence, what is Business Analytics?
Business analytics uses data, mathematics and business insights to solve societal and business challenges.
Why this new orientation?
This orientation answers the industry’s demand for skilled graduates who have both traditional management skills as well as expertise in data science. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that governments of developed European countries could save more than EUR 100 billion in operational efficiency improvements by using state-of-the-art business analytics techniques. McKinsey also forecasts that 1.5 million more managers and analysts with analytical skills will be required by 2018 because companies fear to be “uberized”. Leveraging EPFL’s success in science and engineering will be a key advantage for the new orientation.
What are the professional perspectives of students choosing this specialization?
The Master in MTE with a specialization in Business Analytics provides students not only with the skills and knowledge to become experts in data science but also equips them with strong communication skills and with a comprehensive understanding of business and management practices. We expect our graduates to gain employment as business analysts across a range of industries including digital media, financial services and healthcare, or providing analytics expertise at strategy consultancies and marketing agencies. Graduates might also pursue academic careers. All major universities are currently hiring business analytics faculty.
The MTE offers 3 orientations. What kind of interests is necessary to follow each of them ?
- Business Analytics
This orientation educates a new generation of business analysts. It appeals to students with a deep interest in data science, statistics, machine learning and optimization who are keen to apply these methods in new contexts.
- Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
This orientation develops competences in managing the innovation processes within firms. It appeals to students interested in creating their own company, integrating new technologies in an organization, setting up processes facilitating innovation or managing human resources in a technology environment.
- Operations Management & Systems Modeling
This orientation develops competences in managing and improving industrial processes through quantitative models. It appeals to students interested in supply chain management, logistics, product development, production, manufacturing and revenue management.
Registration to the Master in Management, Technology & Entrepreneurship: