In this highly interactive executive workshop, leaders learn a practical, repeatable approach to turning business goals into answerable analytics questions, evaluating dashboards and insights, and using data to confidently drive better strategic and operational decisions.
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Format: In-person
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Dates: June 9–10, 2026
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Duration: 2 days
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Location: TBD
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Tuition: $2,495 (group and partner pricing available)
Organizations are investing heavily in analytics, dashboards, and data tools — yet many efforts fail because leaders are unsure how to translate strategy into the right questions, how to evaluate the insights they receive, or how to ensure analytics actually leads to better decisions. Too often, analytics becomes a reporting exercise instead of a powerful management capability that drives meaningful performance gains.
Business Analytics for Decision Makers shifts the focus from “learning tools” to building managerial fluency. Grounded in the QDAC model (Questions → Data → Analysis → Communication), this program helps leaders frame better questions, understand what “good data” looks like, choose the right type of analysis for the decision at hand, and recognize when dashboard insights are reliable and actionable. Through hands-on labs, case work, and guided exercises, participants learn to interact more effectively with data teams and to lead analytics initiatives with clarity and confidence.
By the end of the program, leaders leave with a structured playbook they can apply immediately — including a personal analytics sponsorship plan, a dashboard critique framework, and a practical approach to turning strategy into measurable, decision-ready insights.
Key Takeaways
Participants will learn how to:
- Use the QDAC framework to translate strategic objectives into strong analytics questions
- Match the right analytics type (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive) to the right business decision
- Identify essential data readiness requirements, risks, and governance considerations
- Critique dashboards and data stories for clarity, accuracy, and decision usefulness
- Sponsor and scale analytics initiatives with clear success metrics, adoption planning, and ROI framing
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for:
Roles
Middle- to senior-level managers, executives, and functional leaders who use analytics
to guide decisions
Industries
Applicable across all industries, including business services, healthcare, finance,
operations, marketing, HR, technology, and public sector
Situational readiness
- Leaders responsible for performance outcomes
- Leaders sponsoring analytics initiatives
- Leaders seeking greater confidence using dashboards and analytics insights
Curriculum & Topics
Module 1: Business Analytics as a Leadership Capability
What analytics really means, why initiatives fail, and what leaders must own
Module 2: The “Q” That Matters – Turning Strategy into Questions
Using structured questioning to define decisions, metrics, and hypotheses
Module 3: The “D” – Data Reality & Readiness
What leaders must insist on: definitions, quality, cadence, governance, and trust
Module 4: Evaluating Dashboards & Insights
How to determine whether dashboards support real decision making
Module 5: Choosing the Right Analysis for the Right Decision
Understanding analytics types and interpreting uncertainty responsibly
Module 6: Communication, Adoption & Decision Impact
Executive storytelling, alignment, and ensuring analytics actually changes behavior
Faculty
Uday Murthy, PhD - Program Facilitator
Uday Murthy is the Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Programs, and International Affairs at the USF Muma College of Business and the Quinn Eminent Scholar in the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy. His expertise focuses on accounting information systems, analytics, and auditing in technology-driven environments, with research published in top academic journals. He brings both academic leadership and prior professional experience at Price Waterhouse.Benefits for Organizations
Participants will return with improved ability to:
- Ask stronger analytics questions that clarify strategy and decisions
- Evaluate dashboards and analytics output with confidence
- Drive measurable performance through disciplined analytics use
- Lead analytics initiatives with clearer expectations, governance, and impact focus
This program supports organizations seeking to:
- Strengthen analytics maturity and decision quality
- Improve ROI on data investments
- Build a culture of evidence-based leadership
Program Format
This program is delivered in an immersive, interactive format designed to maximize engagement and peer learning. A detailed agenda will be shared with registered participants in advance.
Certificate & Pathways
Participants will receive a USF Executive Education Certificate of Completion.
Logistics
Detailed program information, including the agenda, parking instructions, and recommended hotel accommodations, will be provided to registered participants prior to the program start date.
All cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted in writing.
Cancellations
Cancellations received 14 days or more prior to the program start date will receive a full refund, minus a $250 administrative fee. Cancellations received within 14 days of the program start date are non-refundable.
Substitutions
Substitutions may be made at any time prior to the program start date at no additional cost. If pre-program assessments have already been completed, associated assessment fees are non-refundable.
Program Changes
The University of South Florida reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program. In the event of cancellation by the University, registered participants will receive a full refund.
Group Pricing & Custom Options
Discount Eligibility
USF alumni and active-duty military members and veterans are eligible for a 10% discount on all open-enrollment programs.
Please enter the appropriate discount code at checkout. Discounts are offered in good faith. Proof of eligibility may be requested prior to program start.
Discounts cannot be combined with other promotional offers.
USF Alumni
USF alumni receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code USFALUMNI10.
Military & Veterans
Active-duty military members and veterans receive 10% off open-enrollment programs with code MILITARY10.