Predictive Modelling in Business Analytics: Detailed Analysis

With a growing number of competitors in the business industry, irresolute projections do more harm than good. Guessing market ideas and trends in hopes of fueling business growth is nowhere near what planned and statistics-backed reports can. These stats can be generated through the large flow of data consistently leveraged by companies to serve their customers to further assess and forecast activities for a better future for the company. In the same manner, predictive modelling works to help business analysts leverage analytics to create applied predictive modeling.

According to Google Trends, predictive modelling is an emerging concept in Business Intelligence. It serves excellent benefit to using databases more than just knowing the current whereabouts of the market, but also knowing probable market scenarios and taking a step ahead of others. The field of Business Analytics works towards generating better opportunities, and predictive models are turning out to be a great tool in cementing accurate reports. 

Learn Job-ready Program in Business Analytics from upGrad to become a certified Business Analyst professional. Fast-track your professional career after graduation with this Business analytics course with placement assistance.

But how do these two work together? What are the steps and benefits of using predictive modelling in Business analytics? Let’s find out!

What is Predictive Modelling?

Predictive modelling involves retrieving valuable information with the help of machine learning artificial intelligence and applying the acquired information in mathematical models to forecast several aspects for businesses. Predictive analytics models include sets of algorithms that work together as a data mining process dealing with historical data to predict future scenarios and the what-ifs of any practice. 

The process seeps through the vast database, analyses, identifies patterns, obtains the most valuable information, and is used further by analysts to create informative reports comprehensively. Companies rely on predictive models to add a competitive edge to their businesses by staying a step ahead with valuable projections. The volatility of companies can be regulated with accurate, stats-backed insights, and predictive analytics models work to create the same.

Types of Predictive Modelling

Different businesses require different predictive model types best suited to their requirements and available resources. Therefore, predictive models are composed of different techniques to make relevant predictions. Here are a few examples of predictive models.

• Classification Models: A frequently used model in multiple industries, Classification Models categorise data based on information collected through historical data. The data categories work with newer data to analyse trends and make projections.
• Forecast Models: Forecast Models are the most prominently used predictive models due to their versatility. Forecast Models work with metric values to make predictions by analysing the patterns in historical data. For instance, a clothing store predicts the number of products they require for the next sale with the help of historical data from the previous sale.
• Clustering Model: Clustering Model simplifies data management by sorting data into different categories with common characteristics. These datasets are simplified and easy to use for varying purposes.
• Time series models: Time Series Model refers to a predictive model that works through databases based on time periods and categorises the same to use where time variation trends are helpful to make predictions. 
• Outliers models: While other predictive models work with homogenous data types or those sharing a common attribute, Outliers is a helpful predictive model created to work with anomalous data types. The Outlier predictive model captures the information that does not align with the norm.

Methods of Predictive Modelling

Business Analysts can choose predictive modelling methods to analyse data structures. Here are a few of these frequently used models.

• Polynomial Regression

The Polynomial Regression method analyses the nonlinear relationship between residuals and the predictor to carry out the process. 

• Simple Linear Regression 

The Simple Linear Regression method uses the relationship between two continuous variables. 

• Multiple Linear Regression

Multiple Linear Regression uses a statistical method to mention the relationship of more than one continuous variable. 

• Decision Tree Regression

Decision Tree Regression follows a tree-like structure to create classification algorithms. The predictive modelling method divides data into smaller chunks to process.

• Support Vector Regression

Support Vector Regression is another form of regression method that uses key data features to characterise the algorithms. 

• Naive Bayes

The method makes predictions related to inventory and production rates by using historical data. It can also identify failures through inconsistencies, allowing room for improvement with risk management.

Advantages of Predictive Modelling in Business Analytics

Predictive models have a diverse set of advantages to extend to Business Analytical practice. Here are some of the benefits any Business Analyst can reap through creating and implementing predictive models.

Predictive modelling plays a crucial role in detecting external and internal business fraud. Model algorithms work to identify discrepancies and inconsistent behaviour to map out the possibilities of criminal behaviour. Predictive models attack any seeping vulnerabilities to create a reliable system with the growth of cybersecurity issues.

Efficient marketing campaigns can be conducted with the help of predictive modelling as the process leverages metrics and stats related to customer behaviour and aligns its campaign agenda around it. The models analyse buying trends, preferences and more about the customer to further work on altering their marketing strategies and making it as per the customer demand.

Risk management is the greatest benefit of predictive models. For example, institutions such as banks use an individual’s credit score to allow the services and investments, which can often take a negative turn when the system fails to have a background check on the person. Fortunately, predictive models handle the issue by analysing the chances of fraud or an individual’s creditworthiness through historical data.

Application of Predictive Modelling

Diverse industries apply predictive models to redeem various benefits. Here are a few examples of predictive modelling applications. 

The retail sector uses predictive modelling to plan products and prices accordingly. They analyse customer behaviour, create promotional events, and determine which offers are most likely to fuel sales. 

The banking sector uses predictive modelling to run background checks on obtaining the eligibility status of any individual to reduce credit risk. It also retains customer information to extend benefits and offers. 

The manufacturing sector uses predictive models to analyse supply chain performance inconsistencies and helps optimise most of the limited resources. The industry frequently uses the Business Analytics model to analyse each of its sections and maintain efficiency through all.

Transform Your Business Analytics Skills with Certification

Do you want to strengthen your resume with the right Business Analytics skills? upGrad’s Job-ready Program in Business Analytics is the right place for you! 

The program is created following the most sought-after skills in the Business Analytics industry, under the guidance of industry experts. It compiles subjects such as Data Visualisation, Exploratory, Data Analytics, Advanced Machine Learning Techniques and more to keep your skillset relevant. 

Along with extending a well-compiled course structure, the platform provides added benefits of peer-to-peer networking, career guidance, mentorship, etc. Check out the course on upGrad and find many more to improve your Business Analyst resume for exciting opportunities!

Conclusion

Predictive modelling is a crucial part of Business Analytics, helpful for businesses to reach their optimum performance. The reports obtained from these models are well-informed, metric-backed and more accurate than any other prediction method to help improve the organisation’s current and future performance.