IU Kelley School Launches New Institute for Business Analytics

Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business has launched its new Institute for Business Analytics–one of just a few nationwide that is focused on this area.

Business analytics is an emerging field that directs companies in how to best use data about their practices and consumers — using techniques such as predictive analytics, optimization and simulation — to make fact-based decisions that improve productivity, increase profits and create competitive advantages.

Dan Smith, dean of the school, says the institute will serve the interests of students, faculty and external corporate partners by providing thought leadership, research opportunities, teaching materials and programs, and linkages to ideas and information in this important and exciting emerging field.

The Institute for Business Analytics will support academics programs that prepare students to solve business problems using analytics, as well as corporate partnerships that shape the school’s understanding of analytics and help companies tap into Kelley’s talent. It also will support cross-disciplinary research by faculty and organize seminars, conferences and case competitions.

The institute is co-directed by Vijay Khatri, associate professor of information systems, and Frank Acito, a professor of marketing and former associate dean for information technology of the Kelley School.