I teach a combination of information technology strategy and economics and business analytics.   For 2023 (Spring) I am covering my analytics classes (OIDD1050/3150) and the MBA flex core class in information economics and strategy (OIDD6130).

For Penn students, you can view my teaching and difficulty ratings at the Penn Course Review site (pennkey login required).

Note: Prior to 2020, OIDD105 was taught as a 1 cu course that combined the current material from OIDD1050, along with the use of SQL and Databases. Students wishing to get the same “105” experience as in the past, and a full credit, can pair this course with OIDD3150 (either sequentially or concurrently).

OIDD1050 – Building Tools for Data Access and Analysis (0.5 cu, typically Q3) (Course Outline)

This course introduces the construction and use of data analysis tools that are commonly used for business analysis. The course builds on the spreadsheet and analytical skills developed in OIDD1010, providing a much more extensive treatment of spreadsheet application development (using Visual Basic for Applications). In addition, we will cover best practices in programming and analytics generally which can carry over to other tools and languages. Time permitting, we will do an introduction to some advanced analytical methods that show up in complex data analysis tasks and provide a foundation for further study.

The course is intended for students without prior experience in programming, but students must have familiarity with computer‐based tools as covered in OIDD1010 or equivalent, or through personal experience. The course is definitely introductory in that it does not require prior knowledge of the material. That does not mean it will be easy since computers can be unforgiving when you make a programming mistake and understanding some concepts, like object orientation, takes some time. We expect the course to be especially useful for students seeking entry‐level analyst positions in data‐intensive firms, or those generally seeking to broaden their knowledge and skills in the construction and use of computer‐based analytical tools.

OIDD3150 – Databases for Analytics (0.5 cu, typically Q3 and Q4).  (Course Outline)

Relational databases are the primary way in which business data is stored and processed.  This course focuses on the analysis of data in databases and the development of databases to support analytical tasks.  Over the course of the semester, students will learn the database language SQL and use this language to perform analytical tasks on existing and self-created databases.   In addition, we will cover database scripting languages and extensions.

The course is intended as students with little or no database background and does not presume prior computer science or coding experience.  This course is nearly all hands-on coding.  Students interested in more conceptual discussions of technology should consider other OIDD offerings.

OIDD6130 – Online Business Models and the Information Based Firm (0.5cu, Q3) (Course Outline)

This course is devoted to the study of the strategic use of information and the related role of information technology. It is designed for students who want to manage and compete in technology-intensive businesses. Heavy emphasis is placed on applying information economics principles and theoretical rigor to analyze businesses in information-intensive industries using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Technology skills are not required, although a background in information technology management, strategic management or managerial economics is helpful.

If “software is eating the world”, then a new view of economics is needed to understand how pricing, competition, and markets will change as more of the economy is digitized.  We will study information-based industries like digital media, social networks, financial services, and online retail as well as traditional businesses that are being changed by new digital capabilities. There are four broad themes for the course: the economics of information goods and services, information and consumer behavior, markets and market design, and network economics. Each day we will discuss a core topic in one or more of these themes, with an emphasis on bridging theoretical ideas to real world applications. Application topics might include applying artificial intelligence, platform economics, and cryptocurrencies.

The course is likely to be especially useful for students interested in working in the information economy. For those interested in becoming consultants, business technologists and analysts (e.g., product managers or technology management roles), analysts of various types, and entrepreneurs this course will introduce critical frameworks for understanding the economics of competing in digital business.

OIDD955 – Research in Information Strategy and Economics (ISE) (last taught Spring 2019) (Course Outline)

This course provides an overview of the relevant economics, strategy, information systems and other research literature necessary to do research in the field of Information Strategy and Economics (ISE) or to participate in the types of research presented at the NBER Economics of Digitization Conference.  While it is intended as a “first course” for OPIM doctoral students in ISE, it may also be useful for students who are engaged in research or plan to do research related to information technology in other disciplines.The course emphasizes three broad areas:  economics of information technology and organizations, information goods, and network economics.  The principal workload will be regular readings and class participation, as well as a term paper.  The course presumes familiarity with intermediate microeconomics and basic graduate-level statistics/econometrics, although the theoretical foundations for the papers discussed will be reviewed as part of the class.  In the past this course has been taken by doctoral students in OPIM, business economics and public policy, management and healthcare, as well as engineering masters and doctoral students.

(Note:  OPIM955 has been offered previously as a half-semester of ISE and a half-semester of information and decision technologies (IDT).  For Spring, 2015 and forward it is all ISE).