040436 VK KFK ORPE: Data Analysis in Organization and Personnel (2012W)

This course is intended to equip students with a background in applied statistical analysis for human resource management. Answering economic questions, such as the effectiveness of training programs for worker education or the impact of investments in human capital on subsequent earnings are paramount for labor economists and managers involved with human capital management. However, to do this, a solid background in applied statistics and econometrics is indispensable. Rather than teaching and preaching statistical tools, we will apply the statistical toolbox available to real life situations and datasets to investigate the economic impact that various HR mechanisms have on human capital compositions and employee performance.
Students will learn when and how they can use these statistical techniques to answer economic questions with appropriate rigueur. Using modern statistics to answer real life problems marks the transition from being a student of economics to be an applied economist. The content of this course should enable students to work on their own empirical project (such as a Master thesis) or apply the concept in real-life (such as their subsequent job assignments). The course is highly relevant for students aspiring a career involving the education and management of employees.