IBM and DePaul Uni Roll Out Analytics Initiatives

In the US, DePaul University has added the nation's first Masters of Science in Predictive Analytics to its curriculum, while partnering with IBM to open an analytics center focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world knowledge.

Through the predictive analytics masters program, the university says students will obtain a variety of skills required for a career in data mining and predictive analytics. These include the ability to analyze large datasets and to develop modeling solutions to support optimized decision-making; a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of marketing and customer relationship management; and, the ability to present results effectively to a non-technical business audience.

Separately, the Chicago-based 'DePaul University Center for Data Mining and Predictive Analytics' - which opens in September - is an applied research center that focuses on the applications of data mining across all industries as students prepare for their careers.

As the Center's first partner, IBM will provide industry expertise and guidance to professors and researchers as they apply predictive analytics and data mining skills to solve business challenges. IBM will also donate resources in the form of IBM predictive analytics software, curriculum and datasets, and provide guest lecturers.

In support of the Center, IBM is also announcing its Analytic Certification in Education (ACE) program that validates a student's proficiency in IBM SPSS predictive analytics software, which it says serves as a 'significant differentiator' for those vying for positions in today's job market.

'The new center affirms DePaul's commitment to prepare students for future jobs with highly-marketable skills,' explains Suzanne Fogel, Chair, Department of Marketing at DePaul. 'Working in collaboration with IBM offers students the rare opportunity to acquire real-world knowledge that should benefit them - and society - for years to come.'

In the last four years, IBM has invested $11bn to build its business analytics portfolio, and made 18 acquisitions - including that of web analytics specialist Coremetrics, which was announced earlier this week.

Deepak Advani, IBM's VP of Predictive Analytics, says that IBM and DePaul University 'share the vision' that educating students in the application of predictive analytics will advance careers and create leadership opportunities in tomorrow's workforce.

Web sites: www.ibm.com and www.depaul.edu .