DYS544: Making Predictions and Forecasts with Data

The Dyson School, Cornell University

“Making Predictions with Data” Action Plan

This course is devoted to helping you make predictions with data, using Excel, so that
you can make informed business decisions. What are the key business questions you’re
hoping to answer through making predictions?

Answer the following questions, using as much space as you need.

1. Describe the key business need you have for making predictions with data. For
example, you may be hoping to budget more effectively, make better financial
decisions, or plan for different scenarios based on changing funding.

2. What is it that you need to do, better or for the first time? Describe your goal(s) for
making predictions.

3. Identify some of the mistakes or missteps you have made in the past that you hope to
avoid repeating in the future by making predictions based on data.

4. As you work through this course, identify the strategies you will use and the Excel
functions that will be most helpful to you. Identify how you will incorporate those
functions into your work.

5. Describe your plans for making sure that your predictions are accurate. How do you
think you can best accomplish this? Which colleagues or departments will you need to
collaborate with?

1
© 2018 eCornell. All rights reserved. All other copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and logos are the sole property of their respective owners.
 DYS544: Making Predictions and Forecasts with Data
The Dyson School, Cornell University

6. Set a timeline for success: What do you plan to do in the next month? In the next
three months?

2
© 2018 eCornell. All rights reserved. All other copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and logos are the sole property of their respective owners.