PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Organizations today face major challenges and must adapt to an increasingly complex and uncertain VUCA(T) world. Digital transformation, the proliferation of data in increasingly diverse and unstructured forms, and the rapid adoption of AI are accelerating across industries, yet many initiatives fail to deliver lasting and significant business value. These failures are rarely due to technology itself. Instead, they stem from the difficulty of effectively connecting Analytics, decision-making, and organizational transformation.
To address this systemic challenge, Africa Business School proposes the Master in Business Analytics for Transformation (MBAT), an executive master that is interdisciplinary by essence and that relies on five core convictions:
- 1. Data & Analytics are accessible to everyone, not only technical experts or data specialists.
- 2. Learning about analytics applications is also an opportunity to take a new perspective on the business, as it requires modeling processes and encourages stepping back to critically examine the information and decision dynamics that underpin business activities.
- 3. Digital transformation is not limited to technical aspects, but also encompasses business, organizational, and cultural dimensions.
- 4. One of the key success factors of transformation is the presence of individuals acting as business translators professionals who can translate business needs into analytics use cases and, conversely, embed analytical model outputs back into operational processes and decision-making.
- 5. Business Analytics and Transformation are deeply interconnected in a virtuous cycle. Analytics is not only an enabler of transformation; it is also a powerful driver of change, as it forces the formalization of processes, the articulation of tacit knowledge, and enables organizations to rethink their business models in fundamentally new ways.
The MBAT equips professionals with the ability to move beyond tools and techniques, translate analytical insights into business decisions, and actively contribute to organizational, managerial, and cultural transformation. The program is grounded in real-world business challenges and is accessible to professionals without a strong technical background. Analytics is approached as a strategic business and leadership capability, rather than a purely technical discipline.
UNIQUE FEATURES
A MANAGERIAL APPROACH TO ANALYTICS & AI
The MBAT is designed as a management program first. Beyond tools and models, participants develop the ability to structure analytics and AI initiatives, organize activities, define roles and responsibilities, and build coherent analytics and AI strategies and roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
BUSINESS TRANSLATORS LABS
A core component of the program focused on the emerging role of Business Translators. Participants learn how to frame business problems into analytics use cases, interact effectively with technical teams, and translate model outputs into operational decisions and organizational action.
ANALYTICS & MODEL-THINKING FOUNDATIONS
The program develops strong model-thinking capabilities and a solid analytics foundation, including Python, statistics, machine learning, optimization, and simulation. Participants learn to reason with models, understand their assumptions, and use them as decision-support tools rather than black boxes.
CAPSTONE TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
Participants work on a capstone project grounded in a real organizational challenge. The project mobilizes analytics, AI, and managerial skills to design, structure, and deliver a concrete transformation initiative from problem framing to implementation roadmap.
ANALYTICS IN ACTION
Each module combines applied cases, hands-on labs, simulations, and data manipulation. Analytics is systematically connected to decision-making, change management, and value creation, ensuring that learning translates into practical impact.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Demystify and understand the foundations of AI and Analytics (Machine Learning, Generative AI, analytics models).
- Develop model thinking and abstract reasoning to structure complex decisions.
- Act as an effective translator between business teams and technical experts.
- Identify and prioritize high-impact analytics and AI use cases.
- Contribute to data-driven transformation initiatives across business functions.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
- A complete analytics toolbox: statistics, machine learning, optimization, simulation and data storytelling.
- The ability to identify and prioritize high-impact analytics and AI use cases.
- Skills to frame and contribute to data-driven projects from ideation to adoption.
- Leadership capabilities strengthened through analytical rigor and structured decision-making.
- A strategic, integrated view of the organization through the analytics lens.
- Confidence to influence stakeholders and support transformation initiatives.
PROGRAM DESIGN & APPROACH
The MBAT is articulated around three complementary layers:
LAYER 1 – METHODOLOGY
Understanding the “what” and the “how” of analytics tools and methods: simulation, optimization, statistics, machine learning, deep learning, and AI.
LAYER 2 – BUSINESS APPLICATION
Applying analytics to concrete business contexts across functions and industries, and identifying the right use cases with real value creation potential.
LAYER 3 – TRANSFORMATION
Using analytics to rethink operating models, decision-making processes, organizational culture, and leadership practices.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The MBAT is an 18-month Executive Master delivered as a single, integrated program. It is structured over three progressive semesters.
SEMESTER 1: TECHNOLOGY FOR ANALYTICS
This semester focuses on building strong foundations in analytics, data and decision-making methods.
SEMESTER 2: APPLICATIONS OF BUSINESS ANALYTICS
This semester emphasizes the application of analytics across key business functions and industries. The program also includes a Capstone Project / Field Work, allowing participants to apply analytics and transformation concepts to real organizational challenges.
SEMESTER 3: BUSINESS ANALYTICS FOR MANAGEMENT & TRANSFORMATION
This semester explores leadership, organizational change and transformation through the analytics lens.
CAREER IMPACT
Beyond tools and techniques, the MBAT positions analytics as a lever to strengthen leadership, strategic vision and decision-making.
Graduates of the MBAT are equipped to become:
- Business Translators
- Data-Driven Managers
- Transformation Leads
- Chief Data Officers (future-ready)
- Product Owners / Analytics Leads
They are able to:
- Contribute to data-driven transformation initiatives.
- Identify & deliver high-impact analytics use cases.
- Connect strategic vision with analytical execution.
- Influence decision-making at all levels.
- Drive innovation across industries experiencing digital shifts.
The MBAT positions participants for future-proof roles in a data-driven economy.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Mid-to-senior professionals in business, digital, data, finance, or operations.
- Managers and leaders involved in transformation initiatives.
- Technical professionals seeking to strengthen business acumen.
- Future product owners, transformation leads and analytics translators.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS & FEES
ELIGIBILITY
- Education: Relevant academic qualifications (Master’s degree). Minimum B1 level in English.
- Experience: 5-15 years of professional experience, typically in mid to senior-level leadership or management roles. Experience leading or contributing to business or digital transformation initiatives.
- Core Competencies: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex business challenges. Curiosity and engagement with AI, digital disruption and emerging technologies relevant to business transformation.
- Technical Foundations: Familiarity with basic mathematics and logical reasoning. Ability to build and strengthen technical skills early in the program.
- Commitment: Availability to commit to program activities every three weeks, including preparation, case studies, evaluations and project work.
SELECTION PROCESS
- Online application form
- Upload of required documents (Motivation Letter, CV, copy of diploma)
- Motivation form to be completed
- Online test
- Online interview
FEES
Tuition Fees: 75,000 Dhs TTC
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