CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - May 6, 2013) - Mu Sigma ( http://www.mu-sigma.com ), one of the world's largest Decision Sciences and analytics firms, today announced the world's first Certification Program for decision scientists. The Program is offered through Mu Sigma's training arm, Mu Sigma University (MSU), and is aimed at providing a validation for aspiring decision scientists with the requisite interdisciplinary training in business, applied math, technology and behavioral sciences required for efficient client engagements.
While most companies refer to their analytics professionals as 'data scientists,' Mu Sigma prefers 'decision scientists' -- because the company is focused not just on creating analytics models, but also on helping companies make better decisions. "Decision scientists are not just number crunchers," said Dhiraj Rajaram, CEO of Mu Sigma. "They are individuals who require an interdisciplinary approach that helps turn data into context-specific, objective insights that can foster better, quicker decision making throughout an organization. This is where real value exists. We hope that our Decision Scientist Certification will become widely accepted as a standard across the industry."
Mu Sigma designed the Certification Program to address several industry deficiencies, the two most prominent being:
- The lack of standard qualification criteria for analytics and decision science professionals in terms of the requisite interdisciplinary skills and experience; and
- The lack of defined career paths for decision science professionals.
The Program is available only for Mu Sigma employees. There are three levels of certification: Decision Scientist - Beginner (minimum 18 months of classroom and field experience, plus other criteria), Decision Scientist - Practitioner (minimum 33 months experience), and Decision Scientist - Manager (minimum 42 months experience).
Unlike university degrees, Mu Sigma's Decision Scientist Certification Program incorporates significant amounts of practical experience in client engagements covering a variety of business problems and domains. The Program will not only certify, but also establish an industry-wide gold standard for qualified Decision Scientists. Additionally, the certification will help define a career path for the right professional.
"As the company that pioneered the practice of Decision Sciences, we feel a responsibility to help nurture and create the right talent for the industry," said Rajaram. "With 2500 decision science professionals and more than 75 Fortune 500 clients, Mu Sigma is uniquely qualified to provide this type of certification. We are really excited to kick start this program and help increase the pervasiveness of decision sciences within organizations."
"Mu Sigma has been a pioneer in the creation of analytical talent. This Decision Scientist Certification Program is a move in the direction of setting an industry standard for the right talent," said Pradeep K. Chintagunta, advisory board member, Mu Sigma and Joseph T. and Bernice S. Lewis Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing, University of Chicago.
About Mu Sigma Mu Sigma, one of the world's largest Decision Sciences and analytics firms, helps companies institutionalize data-driven decision making and harness Big Data . The company solves high-impact business problems in the areas of Marketing, Risk and Supply Chain across 10 industry verticals. With over 2500 Decision Sciences professionals and more than 75 Fortune 500 clients, Mu Sigma has driven disruptive innovation in the analytics industry with its interdisciplinary approach combining business, math and technology, and its integrated decision support ecosystem comprised of technology platforms, processes, methodologies and people. Visit www.mu-sigma.com .
Mu Sigma is a trademark of Mu Sigma, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
For information, contact: Michelle G. Faulkner Big Swing Communications Email Contact +1 617 510-6998
