Introducing business analytics in context: An Excel project to analyze product and sales data for inventory purchase decisions

Abstract This article presents a project that uses business context to introduce students multiphase approach analytics while relying primarily on an introductory Excel course for prerequisite knowledge. A range of techniques—including Pivot tables and charts, regression trend lines, linear programming—are combined into integrative project. Using customer orders database, student groups took the role category management teams assigned analyze product sales, pricing, costs create optimized purchase plan replenish inventory. The instructor‐guided was employed in sophomore‐level intelligence positioned within undergraduate core curriculum. Based level, such could be used as fundamentals business, marketing, operations/supply chain management, information systems, or analytics.