Program Overview

Data Driven Decision Making Master Module

Introduction

Organizations are collecting more data than ever before, yet many decisions remain minimally data-driven. The Data Driven Decision Making Master Module equips participants with the knowledge to leverage data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance both strategic and operational decision-making. The program transitions from isolated reports and dashboards to comprehensive decision-making processes that clarify which information is critical and how it reaches the appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner.

The curriculum will explore the continuum from descriptive to prescriptive analytics, emphasizing the importance of data quality, governance, visualization, and the creation of interpretable models. Additionally, the program will address the human aspects of decision-making, including bias, noise, intuition, and external pressures. Attendees will learn to cultivate a structured and transparent decision-making framework that effectively balances data insights with professional judgment and experience.

Program Details

• Start Date: September 24, 2026
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Language: English
• Costs: €4,500
• Accreditations:
  • EQUIS
  • AACSB
  • NVAO
• Rankings: TIAS is recognized in the Financial Times Executive Education Rankings and is rated as one of the best educational institutions in the Netherlands by the Keuzegids Masters 2025.
• Study Mode: Part-time
• Program Structure:
  • Online start moment
  • Three physical training days
  • Self-study and case study focused on personal practice
• Results: TIAS certificate (Microcredential, 4 ECTS)

Participant Profile

The program targets professionals who are responsible for significant decisions and are eager to integrate data, analytics, and AI into their decision-making processes. Participants typically work in environments where reports and analyses are plentiful, yet decisions often rely on intuition or immediate necessities. The program is designed for those seeking a framework to systematically manage decisions, determining when a data-driven approach is necessary, the appropriate analytics to utilize, and how to effectively implement processes, roles, and governance.

Average Demographics:

• Age: 36 years
• Gender Distribution: 68% men, 32% women

Average Work Experience: Participants generally possess 8 to 15 years of experience across various sectors, including:

• Supply chain & logistics
• Manufacturing and industry
• Retail and e-commerce
• Financial services
• Technology and IT-intensive environments
• Healthcare
• Energy
• Critical infrastructure
• Government
• Business services

Unique Features of the Program

• Impact in 6 weeks: The combination of online initiation, on-campus training, self-guided study, and individual case studies enables immediate applicability of insights in professional settings.
• Academic Recognition: Participants earn 4 ECTS credits as a microcredential that contributes towards an accredited master's degree and can be stacked for further studies.
• Expert Faculty: Courses are taught by TIAS professors and seasoned industry professionals, offering a balance of theoretical concepts and practical applications.
• Blended Learning: The small class size fosters intensive guidance and peer engagement, enriching the learning environment through both online discussions and in-person interactions.
• Collaborative Learning: Participants benefit from shared experiences and collaborative reflections with peers, enhancing their practical case studies with real-world insights.

Learning Outcomes

• Data to Decision-Making Power: Learn to systematically link analytics to critical strategic and operational decisions.
• Control Over Bias and Noise: Gain understanding of human and organizational distortions in decision-making and strategies to mitigate these influences.
• Transparent Decision Criteria and Trade-offs: Develop practical frameworks that clarify alternatives for stakeholders and ensure decisions are verifiable and explainable.
• Embedding Data-Driven Processes: Acquire tools to incorporate data and models within organizational governance and culture, with direct applications to personal practice.

Program Overview

The Data Driven Decision Making Master Module challenges participants to explore how organizations can utilize increasing volumes of data to improve decision-making rather than simply generating additional reports. The program emphasizes the connection between analysis and specific decision areas, priorities, and strategic trade-offs related to operations and customer engagement.

Training includes diverse analytical approaches, from descriptive and diagnostic to predictive and prescriptive methodologies, as well as initial steps towards implementing automated decision-making. Key topics such as data quality, governance, bias, and visualization will be thoroughly examined, alongside the psychology influencing decision-making under varying levels of uncertainty and pressure.

Participants will map out the significant decision areas within their organizations and evaluate where data-supported or automated decisions can add value, ultimately crafting design choices that strengthen data-driven decision-making as a sustainable organizational asset.

Microcredential and Stackability

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a TIAS certificate with a digital badge (microcredential, 4 ECTS). The ECTS credits earned can be applied towards the following NVAO-accredited master's programs:

• Executive Master in Information Management and Digital Transformations (MIMDT)
• Executive Master of Operations and Supply Chain Management (MOS)
• Executive Master of Marketing and Customer Management (MMCM)

Faculty

• Freek Aertsen: Adjunct Professor, Academic Director of the Executive Master in Operations and Supply Chain Excellence. Focuses on forecasting, demand management, and S&OP processes.
• Tom van Woensel: Professor of Freight Transport & Logistics, leading research in Smart Logistics, primarily centered on Freight Transport & Logistics.

Costs and Financing

The investment for the Data Driven Decision Making Master Module is €4,500 (VAT exempt). The fee covers:

• Day packages (lunch, coffee/tea, and soft drinks) during lecture days
• Enrollment, registration, and administrative fees
• Assessment (including one resit)
• Access to the online learning environment

Excluded from the fee are:

• Dinners and overnight accommodations (if required)
• Literature and other teaching materials
• Optional online pre-master modules (indicative cost €400–€800)

Additional Information

Participants are eligible for a 10% alumni discount if they are alumni of TIAS, Tilburg University, or TU/e. Various payment and financing options are available, including invoice payments and installment plans, conducive to employer contributions or R&D funding.

For further information regarding schedule, registration, or other program specifics, applicants are encouraged to consult with a program adviser.