Analytics Magazine Analytics Magazine, January/February 2014 | Page 27

The six finalists will make presentations at the INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research in Boston, March 30-April 1. The winner will then be announced at the Edelman Awards Gala held in conjunction with the conference. Now in its 43rd year, the INFORMS Franz Edelman Prize competition recognizes outstanding examples of analytics and operations research projects that transform companies, entire industries and people’s lives. Using innovative advanced analytical methods, the teams were instrumental in helping their respective institutions make better decisions, providing a disciplined way by which management can improve organizational performance in a wide variety of situations and across both public and private organizations. INFORMS Franz Edelman finalist teams have contributed more than $200 billion in benefits to business and the public interest. The 2014 finalists were chosen after a rigorous review by accomplished verifiers, all of whom have led successful analytics projects. Finalists are chosen on the merits of how analytics methodologies were applied to solve problems, reduce costs or otherwise improve results in real-world environments. Additional information about the INFORMS Franz Edelman Award A NA L Y T I C S competition, including video interviews with 2013 finalist executives, can be found online at https://www. informs.org/Recognize-Excellence/ Franz-Edelman-Award. NEW DATES FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR ANALYTICS PROFESSIONALS Following its successful launch in 2013, INFORMS will once again offer its popular continuing education courses “Essential Skills for Analytics Professionals” and “Data Exploration & Visualization” in 2014. Essential Practice Skills for Analytics Professionals Gain essential tools for integrating your analytical skills into real-world problem solving. “The course was expertly presented and outlined methods that were immediately applicable to my everyday work. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills as well as their ability to present complex projects and problems in a clear, concise and logical way.” - Richard St-Aubin, P.Eng., IPEX Management Inc. Upcoming classes: Feb. 20-21 - Atlanta March 28-29 - Boston June 20-21 - San Jose, Calif. J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 014 | 27