Business Analytics and Information Technology

Course Number: 33:136:494

Course Title: Data Mining for Business Intelligence

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The overall objective of this course is to introduce students to both technical and managerial issues and
implications for business decisions of knowledge management and data analytics. Lectures will be
complimented by laboratory exercises to expose students to practical applications of these concepts and
technologies.

The key objectives of this course are two-fold: (1) to teach the fundamental concepts of Data Mining, (2)
to provide extensive hands-on experience in applying the concepts to real-world business applications by
using the R and programming.

The course also covers Linear, Multiple Regression. Classification methods, Logistic Regression, Linear
and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, Nearest Neighbor Classifiers and Support Vector Machines, are
introduced. Clustering methods are also introduced. Clustering methods include K-Means Clustering, K-
Medoids and Hierarchical Clustering. Cross-validation and the Bootstrap, Model Selection and
Regularization procedures are introduced. Lastly Anomaly Detection procedures are introduced.

COURSE MATERIALS

1. An Introduction to Statistical Learning with Applications in R by Gareth

James, Daniell Witten, Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani: Springer This book is
downloadable free from: http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~gareth/ISL/
2. The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining, Inference, and
Prediction by Trevor Hastie, Robert Tibshirani and Jerome Friedman: Springer
This book is downloadable from:
https://web.stanford.edu/~hastie/ElemStatLearn/
3. Introduction to Data Mining (IDM), by Tan, Steinbach and Kumar This
book’s website is:
https://www-users.cs.umn.edu/~kumar001/dmbook/index.php

-Course items in Canvas

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LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

LGO1. Students will apply key quantitative techniques essential for analyzing and improving business
operations. Students will be able to apply important quantitative methods developed in the fields of
statistics, data mining and business intelligence that are commonly used to solve business related
problems.

LGO2. Students will be able to perform skilled statistical data analysis, summarization and interpretation
of datasets by use of analytical software and programming

PREREQUISITES

No previous knowledge of programming languages is required. However, those of you that are familiar
with some other language will have an easier ride in the first few weeks. You need to have access to a
personal computer (Windows, Mac or Unix will all work.) You need to be able to download and install
software on this machine. You also need to have access to the internet.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
I do NOT tolerate cheating. Students are responsible for understanding the RU Academic Integrity Policy
(http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/).
I will strongly enforce this Policy and pursue all violations. On all examinations and assignments,
students must sign the RU Honor Pledge, which states, “On my honor, I have neither received nor given
any unauthorized assistance on this examination or assignment.” I will screen all written assignments
through SafeAssign or Turnitin, plagiarism detection services that compare the work against a large
database of past work. Don’t let cheating destroy your hard-earned opportunity to learn. See
business.rutgers.edu/ai for more details.

ATTENDANCE AND PREPARATION POLICY

- I plan to pass around and attendance sheet during most classes and record the results in my
private grading spreadsheet.

- After missing classes 4 times, you will start to lose 2 points from your cumulative score for
each missing class. For example, if you miss 4 classes, there will be no deduction. However,
if you miss 5 classes 2 points will be deducted from your cumulative score. If you miss 6
classes, 4 points will be deducted from your cumulative score and so on.

- Expect me to attend all in-class sessions. I expect the same of you. If I am to be absent, my
department chair or I will send you notice via email and Canvas as far in advance as possible.

- For weather emergencies, consult the campus home page. If the campus is open, class will be held.

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- Expect me to arrive on time for each class session. I expect the same of you.

- Expect me to prepare properly for each class session. I expect the same of you. Complete all
background reading and assignments. You cannot learn if you are not prepared. The minimum
expectation is that for each class session, you have prepared by studying for at least twice as many
hours as the class hours.

- Expect me to participate fully in each class session. I expect the same of you. Stay focused and
involved. You cannot learn if you are not paying attention.

ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS
All polices are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion:
Assignments:
- I am planning give 2 to 4 homework assignments (number of assignments may change during the
semester). Assignments are planned to be due one week after distribution.
- Due to the difficult logistics of tracking large numbers of students, there is no credit for late
assignments. You will receive a zero score for any late assignments.
- It is key that the homework is well presented, readable, and easy to follow. This will be considered
when grading and the extent to which it impacts your grade will be determined at the instructor’s
discretion.
- Pictures (Jpeg files etc.) will not be accepted, but only R files, Word, PDF, Excel or Access
files, depending on the nature of the assignment.

Exams:
- There will be 3 exams. midterm exams (Midterm1 is on (), Midterm2 is on () ) and Final
exam ().
- Plan to bring a calculator to every exam. All exams are planned to be closed book and closed
notes. No computers, tablets, or phones of any kind are permitted in exams.
- No Makeup Exams
- A make-up test is only scheduled due to illness – a doctor's statement is required. It is your
responsibility to be aware of the correct dates and times of the tests.
In addition, during in-class exams, the following rules apply:

- If you have a disability that influences testing procedures, provide me an official letter from the
Office of Disability Services at the start of the semester.
- You must show a valid Rutgers photo ID to enter the room and to turn in the exam. - Alternate
seating; do not sit next to another student or in your usual seat.

Term Project:
- A team term project is part of the requirements for the Data Mining for Business Intelligence.
- Each team member is expected to contribute to the team effort during the term.
- The Term projects will be graded based on the timeliness and quality of the Team's assignments
and the product, as assessed by me.
- At the end of the semester, each group must present their projects.
- Number of groups and members will be determined during the semester.

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- Individual grades for the project, however, will also take into account your assessment of the
effectiveness of the individual student's participation in team’s activities, informed by evaluations
completed by all team members at the end of the semester.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

- All cell phones should be turned off

- Please raise your hand before asking questions
- Refrain from side conversations, sleeping, and other disruptive behaviors.

EXAM DATES AND POLICIES

There are 3 exams (Midterm1, Midterm 2 and Final) in this course:

Midterm 1: (), in-class, paper based, closed book/notes, calculator allowed, no laptops or PDAs, all cell
phones turned off.

Midterm 2: (), in-class, paper based, closed book/notes, calculator allowed, no laptops or PDAs, all cell
phones turned off.

Final Exam: (), comprehensive (entire class), in-class, paper based, closed book/notes, calculator
allowed, no laptops or PDAs, all cell phones turned off.

GRADING POLICY
Course grades are determined as follows:

Homework 10%
Midterm 1 20 %
Midterm2 20 %
Project 15%
Final Exam 35 %
Total 100%

- Extra credit: None

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- After missing classes 4 times, you will start to lose 2 points from your cumulative score for
each missing class. For example, if you miss 4 classes, there will be no deduction. However,
if you miss 5 classes 2 points will be deducted from your cumulative score. If you miss 6
classes, 4 points will be deducted from your cumulative score and so on.

Grade distribution is as follows:

Letter Range
A 90-100
B+ 85 – 89.99
B 80 – 84.99
C+ 75 – 79.99
C 70 – 74.99
D 60 – 69.99
F < 60

1. Grades will not be rounded up or down – they are calculated and recorded to the one hundredth
place automatically and are used in that form to assign midterm and final grades. There will be no
“curve”.

2. Course grade will be issued when all course requirements are met.

-Grade posting: Grades will be provided within two weeks of an exam, assignment/paper submission, or
quiz. Grades on hardcopy items will be provided in person in the class when the specific items are
returned. For online/Canvas items, grades will be posted in the Canvas.

-Return of graded items: Midterms and Final exam will not be returned. Canvas for this course will
be turned off and archived at the end of the final exam.

-Grade related information: No grade related information will be provided through email. All grade
related information will be provided in-person via appointments. It is expected that you are respectful
when you review your grade with me and accept the grade you have earned. Please do not use abusive
language in email or in person. Any instances of that will be reported according to university guidelines.

-Regrading: Requests to regrade assignments & exams must be done in writing to the instructor within
one week of the specific items being returned. Regraded items will be delivered back to students in person
during after class hours.

-Grade grubbing: Your final grade is not subject to negotiation. If you feel I have made an error, submit
your written argument to me within one week of receiving your grade of the specific item. If you want me
to review the final grade, submit your written argument to me within one week of receiving your final
grade. Clarify the precise error I made and provide all due supporting documentation. If I have made an
error, I will gladly correct it. But I will adjust grades only if I have made an error. I cannot and will not
adjust grades based on consequences, such as hurt pride, lost scholarships, lost tuition reimbursement, lost

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 job opportunities, or dismissals. Do not ask me to do so. It is dishonest to attempt to influence faculty in
an effort to obtain a grade that you did not earn, and it will not work.

-It is key that the homework is well presented, readable, and easy to follow. This will be considered when
grading and the extent to which it impacts your grade will be determined at the instructor’s discretion.

-Pictures or scanned images will not be accepted, but only Word, PDF, Excel or Access files,
depending on the nature of the assignment.

COURSE SCHEDULE

The following schedule is subject to change at instructor’s discretion.

Amended Lecture and Assignment Schedule

Homework Homework

Class # Topic Distributed Due

1 Introduction and Course Policies / Review of
Statistics
2 Review of R

3 Review of R

4 Introduction to Linear Algebra

5 Introduction to Linear Algebra

6 Simple Linear Regression / Multiple Linear

Regression
7 Simple Linear Regression / Multiple Linear
Regression
8 Classification / Logistic Regression

9 Classification / Linear and Quadratic Discriminant

Analysis
10 Classification / Nearest Neighbor Classifier

11 Classification / Support Vector Machines

12 Classification / Support Vector Machines

13 Tree Based Methods

14 Tree Based Methods / Midterm 1 Review

15 Midterm1

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 NO CLASS

16 Tree Based Methods

17 Clustering / K-Means Clustering

18 Clustering / K-Medoids Clustering

19 Clustering / Hierarchical Clustering

20 Resampling Methods

21 Resampling Methods / Midterm 2 Review

22 Midterm2

23 Resampling Methods

24 Anomaly Detection

25 Anomaly Detection

26 Project Presentation

27 Project Presentation

28 Review for final exam

FINAL EXAM

SUPPORT SERVICES

If you need accommodation for a disability, obtain a Letter of Accommodation from the Office of
Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,
provides student-centered and student-inclusive programming in compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998, and the New Jersey Law
Against Discrimination. More information can be found at ods.rutgers.edu.

[Rutgers University-New Brunswick ODS phone (848)445-6800 or email [email protected]]

[Rutgers University-Newark ODS phone (973)353-5375 or email [email protected]]

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If you are pregnant, the Office of Title IX and ADA Compliance is available to assist with any concerns
or potential accommodations related to pregnancy.

[Rutgers University-New Brunswick Title IX Coordinator phone (848)932-8200 or email

[email protected]]

[Rutgers University-Newark Office of Title IX and ADA Compliance phone (973)353-1906 or email
[email protected]]

If you seek religious accommodations, the Office of the Dean of Students is available to verify absences
for religious observance, as needed.

[Rutgers University-New Brunswick Dean of Students phone (848)932-2300 or email

[email protected]]

[Rutgers University-Newark Dean of Students phone (973)353-5063 or email

[email protected]]

If you have experienced any form of gender or sex-based discrimination or harassment, including
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and Victim Assistance provides help and support. More information can be found at
http://vpva.rutgers.edu/.

[Rutgers University-New Brunswick incident report link: http://studentconduct.rutgers.edu/concern/. You

may contact the Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance at (848)932-1181]

[Rutgers University-Newark incident report link:

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?RutgersUniv&layout_id=7 . You may also contact the Office
of Title IX and ADA Compliance at (973)353-1906 or email at [email protected]. If you wish
to speak with a staff member who is confidential and does not have a reporting responsibility, you may
contact the Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance at (973)353-1918 or email
[email protected]]

If students who have experienced a temporary condition or injury that is adversely affecting their ability
to fully participate, you should submit a request via https://temporaryconditions.rutgers.edu .

If you are a military veteran or are on active military duty, you can obtain support through the Office of
Veteran and Military Programs and Services. http://veterans.rutgers.edu/

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If you are in need of mental health services, please use our readily available services.

[Rutgers University-Newark Counseling Center: http://counseling.newark.rutgers.edu/]

[Rutgers Counseling and Psychological Services–New Brunswick: http://rhscaps.rutgers.edu/]

If you are in need of physical health services, please use our readily available services.

[Rutgers Health Services – Newark: http://health.newark.rutgers.edu/]

[Rutgers Health Services – New Brunswick: http://health.rutgers.edu/]

If you are in need of legal services, please use our readily available services: http://rusls.rutgers.edu/

Students experiencing difficulty in courses due to English as a second language (ESL) should contact
the Program in American Language Studies for supports.

[Rutgers–Newark: [email protected]]

[Rutgers–New Brunswick: [email protected]]

If you are in need of additional academic assistance, please use our readily available services.

[Rutgers University-Newark Learning Center: http://www.ncas.rutgers.edu/rlc

[Rutgers University-Newark Writing Center: http://www.ncas.rutgers.edu/writingcenter]

[Rutgers University-New Brunswick Learning Center: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/]

[Optional items that many faculty include:

- Students must sign, date, and return a statement declaring that they understand the RU Academic
Integrity Policy.

- Students must sign, date, and return a statement declaring that they understand this syllabus.]