Human resource (HR) management is the process of delivering competitive advantage through people. People drive organizational performance. Performance relies on measures. HR professionals need to be skilled at planning and interpreting organizations' "people metrics." This requires a solid grasp of people analytics: the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data designed to improve decisions about talent and the organization as a whole. The use of analytics is changing the way HR professionals quantify the value that people (a.k.a., talent) - a company’s biggest asset - have on the organization's ability to succeed in the market or in accomplishing its mission.

To enable executive and line managers to make smart decisions about talent, HR needs to effectively leverage data. When equipped with metrics that are properly designed and easy to interpret, HR can provide managers with analytics to make decisions that will not only improve operations, but also create systemic advantages.

Upon the completion of this course:

1. Students can apply analytical techniques to evaluate and resolve HR issues (e.g. recruitment, talent management, compensation, retention),

2. Students can analyze HR related data,

3. Students have insights on some mistakes to avoid when interpreting data, or when assessing reports and interpretations offered by others, such as consultants,

4. Students can use the results of data collection and analysis to tell a story in a compelling manner.