Operations analytics courses can help you learn process optimization, supply chain management, data visualization, and performance measurement. You can build skills in statistical analysis, forecasting, and resource allocation, which are crucial for improving operational efficiency. Many courses introduce tools like Excel, Tableau, and R, which are used to analyze data and visualize trends, helping you make informed decisions that enhance productivity and streamline operations.

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Operations Research, Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Operational Analysis, Business Operations, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Operations Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Demand Planning, Forecasting, Simulation and Simulation Software, Business Modeling, Inventory and Warehousing, Process Optimization, Risk Analysis, Supply Chain Planning, Decision Making
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: People Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Customer Analysis, Human Capital, Human Resource Strategy, Operations Research, Financial Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Analytics, Operational Efficiency, Predictive Analytics, Customer Insights, Financial Data, Operational Analysis, Peer Review, Human Resources, Financial Accounting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Google Analytics, Marketing Effectiveness, Smart Goals, Web Analytics and SEO, Advertising Campaigns, Google Ads, Web Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Goal Setting, Search Engine Optimization, Verification And Validation, Marketing Strategies, Customer Insights, Campaign Management, Performance Reporting, Target Audience, Business Reporting, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Performance Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Content Performance Analysis, Dashboard, Surveys, Newsletters, Search Engine Optimization, Marketing Budgets, Email Automation, Marketing Analytics, Marketing Automation, Marketing Planning, Spreadsheet Software, Web Analytics, Email Marketing, Content Marketing, Performance Reporting, Social Media Management, Google Analytics, Collaborative Software, Lead Generation, Pivot Tables And Charts
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Planning, Process Improvement, Capacity Planning, Logistics Management, Sustainable Business, Analytics, Corporate Sustainability, Scheduling, Inventory Management System, Forecasting, Data Analysis, Security Management, Expense Management, Operating Expense, Risk Management, Data Visualization, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Earned Value Management, Workflow Management, Business Process Automation, Change Management, Project Management, Project Controls, Performance Measurement, Automation, Predictive Modeling, AI Enablement, Strategic Communication, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Risk Analysis, Process Improvement and Optimization, Process Optimization, Analytics, Cloud-Based Integration, Generative AI, Systems Integration, Machine Learning
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Organizational Strategy, Manufacturing Operations, Operational Analysis, Business Operations, Supply Chain, Inventory Management System, Process Analysis, Decision Making, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Strategies, Cost Benefit Analysis, Demand Planning, Capacity Management, Service Level
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Business Intelligence, Excel Macros, Pandas (Python Package), Prompt Engineering, Forecasting, Data Storytelling, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Data Quality, Responsible AI, ChatGPT, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Modeling, Generative AI, Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Skills you'll gain: Inventory Control, Materials Management, Supply Chain, Financial Statement Analysis, Data Analysis, Case Studies, Competitive Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Business Modeling, Business Analytics, Analytics, Data Modeling, Business Mathematics, Process Optimization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Microsoft Excel, Decision Making, Linear Algebra, Spreadsheet Software, Graphing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Process Improvement, Performance Improvement, Process Design, Process Analysis, Inventory Management, Process Management, Business Operations, Operational Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Operational Efficiency, Inventory Management System, Workflow Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Inventory Control, Capacity Management, Prioritization, Service Level, Resource Utilization
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Preprocessing, Apache Airflow, Star Schema, Data Storytelling, Process Mapping, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Transformation, SQL, Data Pipelines, JSON, Apache Kafka, Data Warehousing, Data Modeling, Pandas (Python Package), Business Intelligence, Data Validation, Data Quality, Performance Improvement, Python Programming
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
To excel in Operations Analytics, you should consider acquiring the following skills:
Data Analysis: Develop a strong understanding of data analysis techniques and tools, such as statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling. Proficiency in SQL, Excel, and statistical software (e.g., R or Python) will be beneficial.
Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarize yourself with popular BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView. These tools facilitate data visualization and reporting, enabling you to communicate insights effectively.
Supply Chain Management: Gain knowledge of supply chain processes and concepts. Understand how data analytics can enhance supply chain performance, optimize inventory, and improve forecasting accuracy.
Operations Research: Familiarize yourself with optimization techniques utilized in Operations Research, such as linear programming, queuing theory, and simulation. Knowledge of optimization software, such as CPLEX or GAMS, would be advantageous.
Data Mining: Learn techniques for data extraction, cleaning, and transformation. Familiarize yourself with machine learning algorithms like decision trees, clustering, and regression to extract valuable insights from large datasets.
Process Mapping and Improvement: Understand process mapping techniques like value stream mapping or business process modeling. Acquire knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles to identify and streamline operational inefficiencies.
Project Management: Develop project management skills to effectively execute analytics projects. Being able to handle data-driven projects from scoping to implementation is crucial.
Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest tools and techniques in Operations Analytics is vital for professional growth. Consider joining online courses, training programs, or participating in workshops to enhance your skills in this field.‎
Operations analytics is the practice of using data analysis techniques to improve operational efficiency and decision-making within organizations. It involves collecting, processing, and analyzing data related to operations, such as supply chain management, production processes, and service delivery. This field is important because it helps organizations identify inefficiencies, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall performance. By leveraging operations analytics, businesses can make informed decisions that lead to cost savings, improved customer satisfaction, and a competitive edge in the market.‎
Careers in operations analytics are diverse and can lead to various roles across industries. Some common job titles include Operations Analyst, Business Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, and Data Analyst. These positions typically involve analyzing operational data to provide insights that drive strategic decisions. Additionally, roles such as Operations Manager or Consultant may also benefit from a strong foundation in operations analytics, as they require the ability to interpret data and implement improvements in processes.‎
To succeed in operations analytics, you should develop a mix of technical and soft skills. Key technical skills include proficiency in data analysis tools and software, such as Excel, SQL, and statistical programming languages like R or Python. Understanding data visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI, is also beneficial. On the soft skills side, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential, as you will need to convey complex data insights to stakeholders clearly and persuasively.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in operations analytics. For instance, the Operations Analytics course offered by Wharton provides a comprehensive introduction to the field. Additionally, the Salesforce Sales Operations Professional Certificate can help you understand the operational aspects of sales processes. Exploring these courses can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills to advance your career in operations analytics.‎
Yes. You can start learning operations analytics on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in operations analytics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning operations analytics can be approached through a combination of online courses, practical projects, and self-study. Start by enrolling in relevant online courses, such as those mentioned earlier, to build foundational knowledge. Supplement your learning with hands-on projects that allow you to apply analytical techniques to real-world scenarios. Additionally, reading books and articles on operations analytics can deepen your understanding and keep you updated on industry trends.‎
Typical topics covered in operations analytics courses include data analysis techniques, process optimization, supply chain management, and performance measurement. Courses often explore statistical methods, data visualization, and the use of analytics tools to interpret operational data. You may also learn about key performance indicators (KPIs) and how to use them to assess and improve operational efficiency.‎
For training and upskilling employees in operations analytics, courses like the AI-Powered Business Operations Specialization can be particularly beneficial. This specialization focuses on integrating AI into business operations, providing employees with modern tools and techniques. Additionally, the Supply Chain & Operations Specialization offers insights into optimizing supply chain processes, making it a valuable resource for workforce development in this area.‎