DSO 570 - The Analytics Edge: Data, Models, and Effective Decisions

I thought this class was going to be more about understanding business problems and figuring out which models to use for given problems. Instead the professor makes this class so hard - it is more about you constructing models for questions than really understanding how, why, and what insights you gain from models. In addition, no one will be using excel-based models at our level - it is all automated through tools and we might be the ones doing more of the insights/presenting on the models than running the models. The professor needs to change the class for MBAs to be how to apply, utilize, and when to use the models rather than doing the actual modeling. *it is helpful to know the foundations of the model, but 99% of this class is that versus the insights.

Good practical applications.

The course is really challenging, but the professor is extremely caring and answers emails in less than 10 min (unbelievable). I don't think he will stay at USC for next semester, but if next professor is as enthusiastic as Paat for optimization problems, I highly recommend it. Even though the exam is impossible, Paat always says that nobody will get less than an B+ (so, no worries!!)

great professor! Prepare to spend many hours on your homework. The class is challenging.

A lot of work but learn a lot from the class

The class material is really difficult, but the professor does an awesome job of making it interesting by using a lot of in class activities.

Paat is extremely helpful. He isn't interested in your failure. He's online 24/7 giving you very quick and very details answers to all questions. Paat is also not interested in giving you a final graded lower than B+. He brings lots of visuals to the class, so it's a lot of fun. He even has games for money. Homework assignments are huge and very time-consuming but they make you think. Sometimes it took me 3-4 days to finish one assignment. A lot of Excel, particularly Solver, is involved. This class is something like advanced Rogers (GSBA-516) if you know what I mean. Sometimes the recommendations that we give in the assignments are very simple. I wish we did more complicated analysis rather than pure modeling.

Paat is awesome - cares so much about students. Material is relevant and Paat keeps it interesting with occasional classes with games/prizes related to solving problems.

Paat really cares about his students, in fact after going to his office hours, he followed up later that evening with a personal email to make sure that I understood the material. I was up to 3 a.m. working on a case when I ran into a snag. I emailed him and received a response before 9 a.m. the next day. You won't find a more dedicated professor at Marshall. / / Having said that, prepare to work your butt off in this class. It's probably the hardest course I took during my two years at Marshall. I was challenged on every case and homework assignment. However, if you're interested in using statistical modeling techniques to solve problems then there isn't a better course to take. Side Note: This is NOT the same as spreadsheet based business models. You will learn Solver and Regression techniques, but it is fair beyond basic model building techniques.

This course has helped me feel more comfortable with Excel. Furthermore, it has helped me evaluate problems that seem similar to what I might encounter in the workplace. I highly recommend. Paat also has lots of office hours which are so helpful. It's a challenging course, but you will get through it if you put in the effort.

This professor is one of the best at Marshall. He is very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and will spend hours with you in his office to go over the hw. Pro tip: do not go the week before an assignment is due as everyone will be there; go two weeks before. / Learned a lot in working with Excel

Prof Paat was one of my favorite professors at Marshall. He is a real-life genius as well as a super-energetic and friendly guy. Class is always entertaining and he really knows this stuff. You get to do a lot of advanced modeling and the coursework is intense. Not an easy class but he's not out to skewer your GPA. His office hours are amazing, he's so patient and willing to help. I probably went at least every 2 weeks. This class is amazing - Prof Paat is amazing.

Take this class no matter what your career function is. This is easily one of the best classes offered at Marshall, for ALL career functions.

Challenging course but the professor is excellent. He is available out side of class and very approachable for doubts. This is applicable to analytics problems in marketing/operations. Use excel throughout the course.

Should maybe even be a core class

Awesome/funny professor and great class. Class is very similar to "Building Spreadsheet-based Business Models" but with better professor and more in-depth regressions. Only Excel is used, few easy homework and group projects, exams very straight forward (open note, internet, etc), professor reserves "B grade for the worst student".