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Course information

Learning outcomes

Business Analytics refers to the use of quantitative models to help make better business decisions. This course focuses on mathematical optimization models that are commonly used in business applications. After the course the student can (i) recognize the types of real-world business decision problems where use of these models brings added value, (ii) interpret results of these models to derive defensible decision recommendations, and (iii) build and solve these models using relevant software to support business decision making.

Content

Linear, mixed-integer, non-linear and multiple objective optimization/programming models with applications examples in supply chain management, production planning, finance and marketing.

Teacher

Juuso Liesiö

Study material

Lecture slides, scientific articles, assignments, computer implementations of mathematical models, and the textbook (An Introduction to Management Science by Anderson et al., 2014, ISBN Code: 978-1-111-82361-0).

Workload

Lectures, exercise sessions and exam. 

Prerequisites

Recommended prerequisites: The students are expected to have completed courses ISM-A1002 "Johdatus data-analytiikkaan" ("Introduction to data analytics") and 30A02000 "Tilastotieteen perusteet" ("Introduction to statistics"), or obtained equivalent skills from other university level courses. These skills include basics of linear algebra, multivariate functions, matrixes, vectors, probability, random variables as well as good Excel skills. Previous experience in programming with some modern language (Python, R, Java) will be useful.

Evaluation

Assignments and exam.

Teaching time and location

The teaching time and the location of the course can be found at 

1. The link leads to Completion methods tab of the course page
2. From the top of the page (Version drop-down menu), check that academic year 2025-2026 is selected  

3. From the blue bar, click Lecture and open the Groups and teaching times tab to see the teaching time and the location of the course. Exam times can be seen by clicking Exam.
    

   Exam instructions at the Open University

The teacher has four (4) weeks to grade the exam submissions starting from the exam date.

Further information

Equivalences to other courses: 27C01000 Business Decisions 1
 

Online learning environment for the course  

MyCourses online learning environment is a tool for both students and teachers for communication and managing everyday course work. You need an Aalto User ID to log in to the course's MyCourses workspace and participate in teaching.

Digital workspace of the course:

More details on completing the course will be available at MyCourses closer to the start of the course.

Registration and course fee

Registration for Open University courses is done via the link below: 

Registration for this course starts on 22.9.2025 at 9.00  
Registration for this course ends on 13.10.2025 at 23.59

It is not possible to register before the registration period has started or after it has ended.

The number of participants is limited to 3.

This course is organized by the Aalto University School of Business.

The course fee is paid upon registration for each course at a time and it is binding. Familiarize yourself with registration and payment rules as well as other guidelines for students:
Registration, payments and rules

Activating Aalto ID and Multifactor Authentication

You can activate your Aalto User ID the day after the registration and you should activate it no later than the day before the start of the course.
Instructions for activating your Aalto user ID

Once you have activated your Aalto user ID, also enable multifactor authentication. Some of Aalto University's services require multifactor authentication.

Instructions for using Multifactor Authentication