Three University of Virginia entities – Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning, the School of Data Science and the McIntire School of Commerce – have partnered to launch a series of new programs on data science in business, exploring the ways that industries, companies and leaders are capitalizing on the explosion of data, analytics and technology to define and execute better strategies, transform businesses and develop data-savvy future leaders.

The new Foundations of Data Science for Business Leaders program series will bring together award-winning experts from the Darden, McIntire and Data Science schools to provide a concise introduction to topics critical to growth in the modern workplace, specifically related to data, analytics and technology. The programs are designed for senior business leaders interested both in developing their own data science expertise and creating and managing data-intensive teams to improve organizational performance. No prior data science or technical experience is required.

“The proliferation of data and analytics has created unprecedented opportunities and unimaginable risks for many industries and companies,” said professor Yael Grushka-Cockayne, senior associate dean for professional degree programs at the Darden School, who teaches multiple sessions in the program series. “These courses, which bring together top faculty from across UVA, will allow leaders with a variety of backgrounds to capitalize on the rapidly changing technical landscape and execute superior business strategies across teams and organizations.”

“The intersection of data science and business practice offers many opportunities for the innovative application of analytic methods and tools to real-world business challenges,” Phil Bourne, dean of the UVA School of Data Science, said. “Our partnership with Darden and McIntire offers a powerful platform of unique expertise and resources to benefit leaders in business and society.”

The programs, which combine readings, lectures, case discussions, simulations, demonstrations and workshops to explore key topics in data science in business, include:

• Strategic Use of Data (Jan. 19-20) examines the strategic implications of data, analytics and technology, and identifies ways that leaders and their organizations can harness them to compete more successfully and lead more confidently. Participants will identify strategic challenges and opportunities, and create a plan to use analytics and data science to compete and lead in a data-intensive future.
• Data Science Methods and Applications (Feb. 1-2) introduces key data science terminology and techniques, and provides hands-on experience with the tools and technologies available to analyze and interpret data. Participants will learn by working with real-world data, in a process they can incorporate into the workflow of their organizations, to drive powerful insights businesses need to take action.
• Managing Information for Analytics (Feb. 18–19) explores the management and technology capabilities that are required to create and operate the information pipelines that power modern data-savvy organizations. Participants will learn how to develop a vision that includes modern cloud and big data technologies, and address the management and security challenges inherent in information-enabled digital business.

While the two-day workshops will be offered in person at UVA Darden D.C. Metro in Arlington, a virtual learning option is also available to provide maximum flexibility. Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning has been safely delivering in-person classes since August, and virtual courses will deliver the same award-winning learning experience adapted for these uncertain times. Each course counts toward a Certificate in Management from Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning, which can be earned by completing four courses over a four-year period.

“McIntire, Darden Executive Education and the School of Data Science will help business leaders better understand and appreciate the full research cycle – design, data acquisition, analysis, insights and action – and integrate the learnings immediately in their organizations,” said Trey Maxham, associate dean for business analytics at the McIntire School.

The three UVA partners plan additional programming at the intersection of business and data science in 2021, with new lifelong learning courses planned on topics including data science in operations, data science in marketing and data science in finance, among others. The schools further plan an analytical leadership and chief analytics officer symposium and conference in 2021. Additional details on the new courses and conference will be released in early 2021.