Predictive Analytics Competition

This competition is co-sponsored by ISACA Toronto Chapter.

Returning for its third year, the UWCISA Predictive Analytics Competition had 392 second-year students, organized into 77 teams to showcase their analytical skills and innovative thinking.

The four finalist teams gathered on Friday, August 30, 2024, to present their solutions to a compelling business challenge. Each team developed advanced predictive models using Python, demonstrating their ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making. Their task was to help a business owner, Raymond Verstappen, navigate complex market dynamics and identify growth opportunities.

Finalists presented their findings and recommendations to a panel of judges, whose expertise spanned various industries and data analytics domains.

This competition showcases the ingenuity and creativity of these future data leaders as they tackle real-world business problems with cutting-edge analytics in the upcoming competition.

The third annual UWCISA Predictive Analytics Competition, sponsored by the ISACA Toronto Chapter, brought together a talented group of second-year students who showcased their expertise in predictive analytics. Hosted by Haaris Mian on August 30, 2024, this year's competition challenged students to support Fontana di Angeli, a Canadian company specializing in high-quality outdoor decorations, by analyzing sales transaction data to provide growth strategies for the business.

Out of 77 teams, the winning team stood out for their innovative approach, analytical precision, and strategic insights. Congratulations to Robert D, Muhammad H, Ambrose K, Aiden P, and Saharsh S, who delivered exceptional recommendations that impressed both the audience and judges alike.

We extend our gratitude to UWCISA, the ISACA Toronto Chapter, Professor Laila Rohani, Professor Efrim Boritz, Professor Theo Stratopolous, and Professor Nancy Vanden Bosch, whose support made this event possible. Congratulations again to the winners and all the participants for their dedication and hard work. We look forward to seeing how these future leaders continue to make an impact in the world of analytics!

450 second year students from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) applied to be a part of the second annual UWCISA predictive analytics competition, 33 of them, organized into 7 teams were finalists on Friday, August 25, 2023. Each team developed predictive machine learning models to help Raymond Verstappen, the owner of Fontana di Angeli, a designer and distributor of high-quality outdoor decorations for gardens and ponds. Each team leveraged years of data ranging from purchases and sales to weather information, using clever analytics techniques such as regression modelling and time-series forecasting, to help Raymond figure out how to grow his business.

The top teams presented their analysis, and ultimately their recommendation, to a panel of distinguished judges with incredible insight into the world of data analytics. The panel consisted of:

• Luisa David, Research & Insights Manager at Google
• Elvin Aghayev, Head of Finance & Strategy at Squaredance
• Megan Walker, Director of Product Planning at D2L

Congratulations to the first place winning team: Luka P., Manu K., Pratham A., and Jason C. The team delivered a well-crafted and concise story to the managers of Fda (played by our judges). 
 

Out of 400 students from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), 25 second year students, organized into 7 teams, were selected to compete in the first ever UWCISA predictive analytics competition. Each team developed predictive machine learning models to help Bibitor, a liquor retailer that operates almost 80 stores across USA, determine whether it should pursue a pricing promotion, a key business decision for any growing organization. Each team leveraged years of data ranging from purchases and sales to weather information, using analytics techniques such as regression modelling and time-series forecasting.

The top teams presented their analysis, and ultimately their recommendation, to a panel of judges with incredible insight into the world of data analytics. The panel consisted of Derek Bodkin, VP Insurance New Business at Canada Life, M. Jameel Hussain, Chief Financial Officer at Marina Homes Inc. Judy M Pin, Business Analysis Consultant, and Neil Shay, CEO & General Manager of Caradoc Townsend Mutual Insurance Company.

Congratulations to first place winners, representing his team, team 10, Alexander K. delivered a concise and well-crafted story to the managers of Bibitor (played by our judges), The rest of Group 10 includes Sarah B., Mahek K., Ciara M., and Ajay N.

Second place went to team 12 – Thomas D., Chun S., Christian W., Lauren Y., and Vivian Z.  And third place went to team 56 – Hazel R., Joyce W., Vivian W., Aaris X., and Charis Z.