Finance Professionals: Business Intelligence and Analytics

Introduction:

This Business Intelligence and Analytics course addresses the dynamic challenges finance professionals encounter in today’s competitive marketplace. Organizations strive for maximum client and investor engagement, and financial professionals must transcend traditional reporting to leverage Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA) for value creation. This training focuses on advanced methods and tools that enhance financial decision-making by providing relevant insights to senior executives.

Objectives:

By the end of this Business Intelligence and Analytics course, participants will be able to:

• Frame financial insights within business process improvement.
• Implement and utilize BI and BA systems, tools, and techniques.
• Develop both financial and non-financial key performance measures.
• Apply predictive analytics tools and methodologies.
• Design effective graphics and infographics for data visualization.

Training Methodology:

• Case Studies
• Interactive Workshops
• Simulations
• Group Discussions
• Real-life Scenarios

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Understanding Business Models and Business Processes

• Delivering Value to Major Functional Constituents of the Organization
• Role of Finance in Modern Business
• Business Models and Business Processes
• Business Process Improvement (BPI) and Re-engineering
• Importance of Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA)
• Introductory Concepts in Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM)
• Financial Metrics: Key Value Drivers and Total Shareholder Value
• Determinants of Success and Critical Success Factors

Unit 2: Purpose and Principles of Business Intelligence and Business Analytics

• Establishing a Business Performance Management System Framework
• Charter and Objectives of Business Intelligence (BI)
• History and Evolution of BI
• Components of BI Systems: Specifications, Objectives, and Software
• Overview of Business Analytics (BA) and Its Goals
• Types of Data Analytics
• Guide for Implementing BI and BA Tools

Unit 3: Principles of Statistical and Predictive Analytics

• Understanding Statistical, Descriptive, and Predictive Analytics
• Features of Business Databases and Database Design
• Distributions and Probability Theory
• Time Series Data Analysis
• Forecasting Methods: Trend, Moving Averages, Linear Regression
• Predictive Analytics: Monte Carlo Simulation and Excel Forecasting
• What-If Forecasting Techniques

Unit 4: Data Visualization and Infographics for Finance Professionals

• Concepts of Data, Information, and Insight
• Differences Between Infographics and Data Visualization
• Using Charts and Graphics for Data Visualization
• Creating Graphics for Non-Financial Specialists
• Implementing Excel and PowerPoint for Data Presentations
• Creating and Using Scorecards and Dashboards
• Tips for Building Effective Dashboards in Excel

Unit 5: BI/BA – System Adoption and Change Management

• Agile Methodology for Systems Development
• Agile BI/BA Systems Design and Construction
• Managing Change and Overcoming Resistance
• Strategies for Successful BI/BA System Implementation

Conclusion:

Participants who complete this Business Intelligence and Analytics course will be equipped with the skills to obtain a Business Analytics and Business Intelligence Certificate. This certification will enhance their ability to harness BI and BA tools, elevating their professional status and effectiveness in various organizational contexts.