Recent advances in algorithms, computing, and data capture have created an environment where analytics has a strong impact on organizations.    By combining predictive analytics, such as data mining and statistical approaches, with prescriptive analytics, such as optimization methods, systems can be created that span multiple functions within an organization and impact key strategic decisions.  I will discuss the key trends that are affecting the world of analytics, and illustrate the impact of those trends in my own work in sports scheduling and other application areas.

Bio:

Michael Trick is the Higgins Professor of Operations Research and Senior Associate Dean, Faculty and Research, at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon.  His research interests are in computational discrete optimization, scheduling, and social choice.  He is currently the President of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies, an umbrella organization of 50 national societies, encompassing more than 30,000 members.  He has consulted extensively with companies and organizations such as the Internal Revenue Service, the US Postal Service, Major League Baseball, and many college sports conferences.