Business Data Management and Communication Specialization

In a world driven by big data, it is crucial to understand how valuable information can be extracted from large volumes of data. Further, it is pivotal to utilize information to its full potential. This not only requires one to extract value from data but also to effectively communicate the information obtained. The Business Data Management and Communication Specialization is tailored to deliver a well-balanced curriculum that focuses on all three aspects - Understanding Data, Extracting Valuable Information, and Effective Communication. The courses in this Specialization will focus on advanced accounting, working with big data, communicating data and information analysis. 

Applied Learning Project

The core concept based on which the specialization is structured is that data and information, when utilized effectively, can provide significant economic benefits. Getting from raw data to valuable information involves a plethora of analytical processes and understanding of the underlying data. Each course in the specialization will provide an in-depth application and data analysis exercise.

Financial accounting : Foundation

In this course, you will learn foundations of financial accounting information. You will start your journey with a general overview of what financial accounting information is and the main financial statements. You will then learn how to code financial transactions in financial accounting language. In the meantime, you will learn about the most important concept in contemporary financial accounting: accrual accounting. You will then critically analyze how firms recognize revenues. Finally, you will finish the course with an analysis of accounting for short-term assets where you will go into detail on how firms account for accounts receivables and inventories.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: • Understand main financial statements and the financial information they provide • Write a financial transaction in financial accounting language and understand how this impacts main financial statements • Understand how accrual accounting and fundamental accounting concepts work • Understand revenue recognition principles and how they impact main financial statements • Account for accounts receivables and inventories. This course is part of the iMBA offered by the University of Illinois, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.

Financial Accounting: Advance topics

In this course, you will explore advanced topics in financial accounting. You will start your journey with accounting for assets with more than one-year life. You will learn in detail how firms account for fixed assets. You will then move to financing of assets and discuss accounting for liabilities. The course will continue with an in-depth exploration of shareholders’ equity. Finally, you will critically evaluate preparation, components, and analysis of cash flows statement. 

Introduction to business analytics

This course introduces students to the science of business analytics while casting a keen eye toward the artful use of numbers found in the digital space. The goal is to provide businesses and managers with the foundation needed to apply data analytics to real-world challenges they confront daily in their professional lives. Students will learn to identify the ideal analytic tool for their specific needs; understand valid and reliable ways to collect, analyze, and visualize data; and utilize data in decision making for their agencies, organizations or clients.

Business information economics and data monetization