Online Business Blog

Using historical data as a foundation, predictive modeling incorporates statistical modeling, data mining techniques and machine learning to increase profitability and gain a competitive advantage. This article will explore 10 types of predictive analytics modeling techniques and how they’re used to drive business strategy.

Both asset and wealth managers focus on managing investment portfolios on behalf of their clients. However, there are some significant differences between asset management vs. wealth management.

Have you ever wondered why customers make the decisions they do? There’s a whole science devoted to that, and it’s known as behavior analytics. The definition of behavior analytics, as it applies to the business world, is analyzing patterns and activities to understand the how, when and why behind a customer’s actions.

A master of accounting program for non-accounting majors can open up these career possibilities even if you’ve graduated in an unrelated field. Accountants are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting that the field will grow 6% over the next 10 years, faster than the overall average for all professions.

Any time you make a decision, you rely on some form of data. The data can be internal—based on previous experiences or knowledge—or taken from external sources. Data analysis is the process of gathering data, refining it and using it to make an informed decision.

Companies now have access to more data than at any other time in history, and savvy leaders can use this information to find new opportunities, reduce costs, optimize performance and increase customer satisfaction. However, before you can take advantage of data-driven decision-making, you need to understand how it works and how to use data effectively to make good decisions.

Behavioral segmentation is one of the four primary categories of customer segmentation: demographic, geographic, psychographic and behavioral. This article will explore how you can better understand behavioral segmentation and how to incorporate it into your marketing strategies.

This article will explore data analytics in operations and how it optimizes daily business processes to boost efficiency and drive effective decision-making.

In this student spotlight, we learn what mattered most to Ivan Trent as he looked for an MBA program, and how earning this degree impacted his professional development.

Learn about 5 common behavioral biases that impact investing decisions and discover strategies to avoid costly mistakes and improve your financial outcomes.

What sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest? The ability to solve complex problems effectively. As markets become increasingly competitive and business challenges grow more intricate, organizations are actively seeking professionals who can navigate uncertainty with confidence and precision.

Discover what an MBA program teaches, from leadership and strategy to finance, providing essential skills and knowledge for career advancement.

Explore business analytics jobs in the U.S. Learn about top roles, industries, salaries and tips to kickstart a successful career in business analytics.

Discover how data and analytics can solve small business problems, from customer retention to inventory management, with practical solutions and tips.

Explore whether an MBA is necessary for success in private equity, including its benefits, alternatives and what firms look for in candidates.

A master’s degree in accounting is a graduate degree that includes advanced courses on the history, theory and practical applications of accounting. Learn what you can expect from an accounting master’s program and how to get your degree.

Improve your customer satisfaction and increase your revenue. Discover key insights into customer behavior analysis to enhance your marketing strategies.

Explore the diverse career opportunities available with an MBA degree, from leadership roles to specialized fields, and discover the benefits of an MBA.

In the 21st century, “wicked problems” appear at every turn. Wicked problems, as defined by design theorist Horst W. J. Rittel and city planning professor Melvin M. Webber in the 1970s, are complex social or cultural problems with an unknown number of potential solutions.

Big data might seem like a topic for large corporations, but small businesses can also benefit. Discover essential data analytics strategies for small businesses to drive growth and improve decision-making.

William & Mary’s Residency Weekend brings together online graduate business students in Williamsburg, Virginia, twice a year for immersive experiences.

Professor Tingting (Rachel) Chung, associate clinical professor at William & Mary, demystifies AI for her students, creating transformative learning experiences.

Explore how cybersecurity and business analytics work together to protect data integrity. Learn more about safeguarding your organization today.

Explore how AI is shaping the future of business intelligence and analytics, providing powerful tools to manage data, improve data quality and refine their approach to decision-making.

Explore how you can become a data scientist through an online education and get career tips for getting started.

Explore the application of artificial intelligence in business, including how it can lower costs and increase productivity while driving strategic decision-making.

Learn what a marketing plan is and how to craft one that drives results and sets your business up for success.

Discover the evolution of the accounting profession as it shifts from traditional practices to strategic business partnering.

Learn about the best AI startup business opportunities and how you can develop, fund and market your new venture.

Recent advancements have engendered numerous AI applications that are changing business operations and strategy.

Explore 12 effective marketing strategy examples, learn how to create your own and get expert tips for success. Boost your business growth with these strategies.

Practical AI applications are already significantly changing our business processes.

Explore finance graduate development programs, including the types of jobs available, the benefits you can gain and the skills you can develop. Compare these programs with a master’s in finance degree program.

Discover the application of AI in business. Learn how AI technologies are transforming operations, enhancing decision-making and driving growth.

Explore AI enterprise use cases, including how to deploy AI in the enterprise and potential challenges you may face.

Explore the top five ways AI revolutionizes business through automation, data analysis, customer experience, predictive analytics and decision-making.

Today’s brands rely on digital marketing channels to promote their products and services. Learn the basics of digital marketing, its benefits and the career opportunities it presents.

Learn how supply chain analytics optimizes efficiency, cuts costs and predicts disruptions, empowering businesses to streamline operations effectively.

Explore the role of finance professionals in wealth management, as well as the personal finance strategies and wealth management principles professionals might recommend, including retirement and tax planning.

Business leaders need accurate and timely information to make day-to-day decisions. Management accounting is the field that delivers these strategic reports.

If you don’t know what your customers want, you can’t give it to them. Explore digital consumer behaviors and learn how understanding them helps businesses create more effective marketing strategies and campaigns.

The finance industry was data-driven long before the modern era of big data. However, advancements in artificial intelligence now allow finance professionals to streamline all areas of operations. Discover how AI, machine learning and predictive analytics are revolutionizing finance.

Explore valuable networking skills and how you can use them to build professional relationships that will add value to your MBA degree and experience.

As an MBA student or new graduate, you have high hopes for your career. You’re ready for the next leadership opportunity that comes your way, and you’re itching for the chance to prove your capabilities. However, you may be overlooking something that can truly propel your career to the next level: mentorship.

Businesses rely on data to make strategic decisions about everything from new products to customer service. With technology incorporated into almost every aspect of daily life, there’s no shortage of data to analyze. However, not all data is equally valuable or useful.

If businesses could read their customers’ minds, they’d be able to create wildly successful products and know exactly where and how they should market those products. Customer behavior analytics are the next best thing, helping companies understand what their customers want and how they can reach those customers.

Do you have what it takes to solve complex problems that businesses face today? Do you have the confidence to take strategic risks against critics within your organization? Whether you’re interested in the C-suite or founding a non-profit venture, an MBA can take you where you want to go.

Real estate finance is an exciting and challenging path for a savvy entrepreneur. By performing in-depth risk analysis and making smart investments, you can turn real estate finance into a successful career or a passive income opportunity.

What is behavioral finance? And how do psychology and decision-making intersect? Discover the key impact of behavioral finance on investor psychology, market anomalies and decision-making in finance.

Around $8 out of every $10 spent on marketing today goes toward digital strategies. Two of the most prominent digital marketing tactics today are search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click advertising (PPC).

The internet has expanded educational access for everyone, which means you no longer have to move across the country to get an MBA from a top university. However, to get the best results, you’ll need the right technology to take advantage of the available opportunities in your online MBA program.

As technology evolves and digital transactions constantly expand in complexity and volume, accountants need tools for real-time monitoring and analysis.

An online MBA can open the door to greater career opportunities, including better pay and leadership roles. However, before committing to a program, it’s essential to understand the time and financial investment required.

Businesses use e-commerce marketing strategies to attract visitors to their online stores and convert them into paying customers. They work at all stages of the customer journey, from building brand awareness to cementing customer loyalty.

Effective governance frameworks promote ethical behavior and integrity and reduce the potential risk of fraud. They help companies build a positive reputation and create sustainable growth.

Modern businesses have an advantage that those in the past could only imagine—the insights gleaned from the vast amounts of data generated by their customers’ everyday activities. Learn how data analysts extract insights from big data to gain a competitive advantage.

What is the current job market for MBA graduates? Explore the various career paths and the top industries open to online MBA grads.

With detailed descriptions and valuable insights, quantitative methods can simulate real-world scenarios to predict outcomes and optimize strategies. Business leaders use them to identify patterns, relationships and trends in data, as well as find the most efficient solutions to business challenges so they can allocate resources effectively.

Explore the pivotal role of branding in digital marketing. Discover how brand identity, compelling storytelling and reputation management influence your digital presence and success.

Almost all businesses depend on resources from other countries, whether from a dispersed workforce or raw materials for production. Today’s business leaders need a global perspective to be effective at helping their companies grow.

Explore how online MBA programs provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, leadership skills, resources and opportunities to launch, manage and grow their own businesses.

Explore diverse roles in modern financial planning and analysis (FP&A), skills required for success and industry challenges and trends.

Discover the nuances between public and private accounting careers. Explore the education and skills required, plus industry trends to make informed decisions for your accounting journey.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) aren’t just for games anymore. Explore how AR and VR technologies can be applied in marketing to drive better brand awareness, customer engagement and more.

Nonprofit organizations work to improve many social, educational and environmental issues. Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits are funded through donations, grants and fundraising events. Explore nonprofit accounting challenges, including understanding governance practices and transparent reporting requirements.

The invention of the computer led to the rise of electronic markets, which allowed traders to make transactions from anywhere in the world. This shift contributed to the rise of a new field called quantitative finance.

The world of international finance is constantly evolving. Factors such as digital technologies, sustainability, shifting demographics and geopolitics are shaping the future of finance and affecting economies worldwide. To understand these changes, you first have to understand how international financial systems work and why they matter.

Soft skills are the so-called 'people skills' that are valuable in any position. For some people, such skills are innate, but they can and should be taught as part of leadership development in an MBA program.

Explore how influencer marketing drives brand growth. Learn about partnerships, boosting awareness and the authenticity that resonates with audiences.

In an online learning environment, interaction and engagement with faculty members helps students perform better and develop core competencies, including problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Explore the role of online MBA faculty and how they can help you get the most out of your online MBA program.

Forensic accounting is a specialized branch of accounting that uses investigative techniques to uncover fraud and other financial crimes. Learn more about forensic accounting techniques and careers.

Explore evolving international accounting standards, tax reforms and regulatory compliance. Stay updated on critical changes affecting businesses and professionals.

Predictive analytics allows business leaders to identify likely outcomes based on historical data and statistical models. Armed with these tools, businesses can implement a data-driven business strategy in areas such as market research, product development and marketing.

The move to a more sustainable world has affected every industry, and finance is no exception. As investors’ priorities shift, companies are held to new accountability standards, and finance professionals look toward a more sustainable future. Explore the ins and outs of sustainable finance.

The ESG framework considers the impact of corporate decisions and practices on the planet, society and clients. Explore the importance of ESG reporting in accounting and the practical steps for implementing this approach.

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential is among the most prestigious certifications an investment management professional can earn. Learn more about the CFA exam, including its structure, its requirements and how you can prepare for it.

Learn the structure of the CPA exam and study tips and strategies that will help you pass. In addition, discover how a top master’s program, like William & Mary’s Online Master of Accounting, can ensure you are well-prepared to take the CPA exam and pass on your first attempt.

Building a professional network opens doors to numerous opportunities and fosters career development. Though you may think you’ll have a harder time networking as an online student, that’s not necessarily true. Online networking can bridge the gap between academia and real-world practice, offering professional connections, valuable insights, potential internships and future job prospects.

Content marketing isn’t new. In fact, some point as far back as Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac for the discipline’s origins. Despite this longevity, the digital landscape has a profound effect on content marketing. Learn more about effective content marketing strategies in the digital age.

Explore the different facets of mobile marketing and the role of responsive design in enhancing user experience and winning conversions.

It’s crucial to engage effectively with the virtual learning environment. Explore strategies that will not only help you navigate online education but also ensure a rewarding and enriching experience.

Discover how the integration of cloud technology has transformed how organizations access, analyze and utilize data, enabling more efficient and effective decision-making processes.

Up to 70% of business operations across all industries could be automated by generative artificial intelligence by 2030. Without a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of AI, as well as how it can be used to achieve an organization’s strategic objectives, business leaders won’t be equipped to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

Content marketing is going through a massive $584 billion growth spurt. While social media is undoubtedly a large chunk of that, the email marketing platform still reigns supreme. In this competitive landscape, it pays to know your email marketing best practices.

The demand for business professionals is steadily rising. Explores essential strategies and skills you can develop to stand out, achieve work-life balance, and advance your career with an Online MBA.

The demand for business analysts has soared as more businesses embrace this approach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for management analysts-an umbrella term that includes business analysts-will increase by 10% between 2022 and 2032. This guide covers essential business analytics skills that can help you jumpstart or advance your career in this rapidly growing field.

Online master’s programs in finance help students develop the skills needed to start or advance their careers. Explore career paths for finance graduates and the benefits of enrolling in an online master’s program.

Social media marketing has become one of the most powerful tools for companies that want to engage new and familiar audiences. Discover platform-specific strategies and general best practices to take your digital marketing to the next level.

Taking a structured approach to marketing yourself and your career can differentiate you from other candidates when you’re job hunting. Treating yourself as a brand, using many of the same principles, will help people quickly understand who you are, what you offer and why they should want to hire you or work with you.

An online master's program with a well-rounded curriculum of finance courses can help students jumpstart or advance a career in the financial sector.

In our modern, data-driven world, analytics play a crucial role in almost every business’s success. Analytics allow business owners to track their ROI, gain insight into their target audience, plan for the future, and sharpen their decision-making.

You can find accountants in every corner of the economy, including public companies, private industry, nonprofits and the government sector. Nearly all organizations need one or more accounting professionals to track monetary transactions, review financial statements and prepare taxes.

Looking for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program? You have a world of options. It can be hard to know how to recognize the online program that's best for you.

The business world can be as challenging as it is rewarding. College graduates hope their newly earned bachelor’s degrees will be stepping stones to long and lucrative careers, but what transpires after graduation day doesn’t always meet expectations.

As business operations expand and become more complicated, the need for accurate and dependable financial information grows. Auditing helps guarantee financial statement integrity and assures stakeholders that financial information is presented fairly and accurately.

Brand perception encompasses the thoughts, emotions and judgments that consumers have about a brand, a product or a service. When it comes to how your company’s brand is perceived, it’s important to understand your role as a marketer.

Accounting apps, software and other innovative tools offer many benefits for accountants. But it can be challenging to determine which tools you should implement into your daily routine, especially if you’re new to computerized accounting systems.

Learn how Artificial Intelligence is transforming marketing by driving personalized experiences backed by data analytics.

Finance pros need to master fintech and its applications in today's evolving finance landscape. Dive into modern fintech and its role in online financial education.

While businesses have been making decisions based on statistics for decades, this vast amount of unstructured data—mined with sophisticated machine-learning techniques—allows businesses to uncover trends that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Learn why employers in the finance industry are seeking applicants with fine-tuned soft skills and how an online Master’s in Finance can help you get ahead.

Data ethics help ensure that organizations gather and interpret information accurately and fairly. Explore the role of ethics in business analytics and the social impact of ethical data usage.

Take your marketing campaigns to the next level by promoting your customer from consumer to co-creator. Let’s explore four ways to successfully incorporate your customers into your marketing plan.

Learn how to leverage digital networking to create a brighter future. Apply to William & Mary's Online MBA program and take charge of tomorrow.

Online MBA programs have exploded in popularity in the last five years. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) reports that 45,038 students enrolled in online MBA programs in the United States during the 2020-2021 academic year.

The accounting profession forms the backbone of our economy and individual businesses, maintaining financial stability and fostering growth. It functions as the custodian of economic health and sustainability. Yet, its efficacy depends on adherence to ethics and professional standards as much as on technical proficiency.

Whether it’s the neighborhood grocery store, the weekend farmer’s market, an auction or even an online marketplace like Amazon or your state’s health insurance exchange, markets work to bring together interested buyers and sellers so mutually beneficial transactions can take place.

Traditional forms of marketing blossomed in the middle and late parts of the 20th century, although the roots stretch much further back. In this post, you’ll learn about the differences between traditional and digital marketing, the advantages offered by digital marketing and where the future of marketing is heading.

It can be a mixed blessing to have multiple interests and talents: You face the opportunity—and responsibility—of making complex, interesting choices. In looking for a graduate program that best fits your unique combination of skill, curiosity and achievement, you owe it to yourself to get a clear picture of what each program offers and how it can shape your future.

People who learn about financial concepts can make more informed financial decisions at work and home. Read on to learn about five principles of finance and discover how the William & Mary Online MS in Finance can prepare you for the challenges you’ll face as a financial manager or C-suite leader in today’s evolving business landscape.

Getting an MBA is an achievement that can lead to great things for your career, but mastering the material and finishing assignments requires both hard work and time. But exactly how long it takes to get an MBA depends on a number of factors. Read more here.

Traditional economic theories assume that people act rationally when making financial decisions. So, what is behavioral finance?

If you’re wondering how to start a career in marketing, there are some concrete steps you can take to make the transition smoother. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to becoming a marketing professional.

Every day, over 338 million terabytes of data are created as people engage with the internet for business and personal use.1 Data analysts and other data professionals can leverage this data to gather business insights and drive business decisions. However, data-driven insights are only as good as the data behind them.

A sense of belonging is very important to us as humans. It’s so important that it’s included as one of the five levels on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs along with survival essentials like food, water, shelter and safety. It should be no surprise, then, that it is also important to cultivate belonging at work.

During each month of 2022, an average of four million U.S. workers quit their jobs. Even as more layoffs are being seen in early 2023, employers can benefit from understanding the mindset of workers coming out of the pandemic. Companies that want to retain high performers need to design jobs and work environments that offer better value.

It’s fairly obvious when someone isn’t actively listening to you. When telling a story, asking a question or giving instructions, your words fall flat. The person on the receiving end isn’t engaging, is doing something else entirely or is visibility checked-out of the conversation. This has an expanded set of implications in work environments, not just on productivity and quality, but on morale, culture and team connection.

Real estate finance is a branch of finance that focuses on how people purchase real estate, whether that be a home, an office building or a plot of land. This area of finance involves the analysis, planning and management of financial resources related to real estate, commercial loans and properties.

In the world of sports, we honor and recognize the most valuable players. If a team wins a national championship, players take home a trophy, earn positive media coverage about their achievements and are celebrated with parades. In the world of work, not so much.

Organizations are always changing and evolving. What worked for companies a century ago likely won’t work in the present day. One example of an organizational change for the modern era is the addition of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The future of digital strategy belongs to those who know how to use these sophisticated tools to gain valuable marketing insights. Let's take a deep dive into data analytics in digital marketing.

Today’s world involves an enormous amount of digital data. By the end of 2021, internet users were creating 2.5 billion gigabytes of data daily. It’s estimated that by 2025, more than 200 zettabytes of data will live in the cloud.

The Benefits of Earning a Master's in Business Analytics When it comes to choosing to attend graduate school, prospective students often look for the answer to one question above all others: Is this degree worth it? Often, prospective graduate students are searching out the certifications to...

If you’re thinking about earning an MBA to advance your career, you may be wondering what your MBA specialization should be. What are the highest-paying MBA concentrations, and what type of work will you be doing in those specialized fields?

Only 36% of employees report feeling engaged with their work and workplace. Pair this with the recent trend of “quiet quitting,” and this statistic should cause some alarm for managers, leaders and business owners, as engagement has a considerable impact on morale, productivity and retention.

If you’re thinking about earning an MBA to advance your career in business or finance, you may be wondering about the career paths available to MBA graduates and how they differ. Private equity and management consulting are two areas in which you could be highly successful upon earning your MBA, but which career path is right for you?

A Master of Accounting (MAcc) is a versatile and marketable degree that can open doors to various lucrative careers, and it’s often a requirement for high-level financial leadership positions in many industries.

Corporate finance is a branch of finance that focuses on how corporations approach capital structuring, funding sources, investments, and accounting decisions. Its primary goal is to maximize shareholder value while striking a balance between risk and profitability.

Financial statements are documents that convey a company’s business activities and financial performance. As the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) succinctly put it, “They show you where a company’s money came from, where it went, and where it is now.”

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can drastically increase your earning and career potential. A quick scan through open business positions reveals that an MBA is frequently listed as an essential requirement...

There's no question that earning an MBA is challenging. The good news is that you aren’t alone when it comes to tackling the challenges of business school. Not only are your fellow students facing many of the same issues, but you also have access to a great deal of support and resources to help yo...

If you’re currently working in the financial sector, you may be looking to advance and take your career to a new level. But you don’t want to have to put your career on hold and give up your personal life to pursue an advanced degree.

Ahh, the MBA: the gold-standard credential of business expertise, offering the promise of better jobs, higher salaries and enviable careers. It holds such appeal that, according to Poets&Quants, an increasing number of graduate students are choosing to pursue the degree online “because they don’t have to give up their jobs and lose their income” while adding this feather to their caps.

What’s the best way to move ahead and continue getting ahead? While some people might quickly choose to pursue an MBA, there are many strong, professionally beneficial reasons to earn a specialized finance degree, instead.

William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business is launching an Online Master of Accounting (MAcc) program.

As a graduate student, you’re going to be fielding a lot of advice. It starts before you enter the program—with application tips and strategies for how to craft the perfect essay—and it carries right on through to graduation. Graduate school interview preparation, in particular, is a topic prospective students sh...

Once you've completed your admissions essay for the Online MSBA, take some time to explore the technical skills and business acumen you'll build in preparation for your future as a data scientist, storyteller and strategist.

Sometimes the hardest thing an emerging and even established business professional can do is sell themselves. Whether the struggle stems from humility or self-doubt, nothing embodies this challenge greater than the resume, that one-page summary of your years of life lessons and work experience. Be...

Graduating from a master’s program is always an impressive and praise-worthy feat. But the class of 2022 reached a particularly momentous milestone as their numbers included the 500th recipient of an MSBA degree from William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business.

Meet Ted Hallum, MSBA ’20. This U.S. Army veteran and Senior Defense Machine Learning Engineer for Octo Consulting Group hosts The Data Canteen—a podcast that grew out of the Veterans in Data Science & Machine Learning (VDSML) community, which he founded.

Meet Cherise M. Newsome, MBA ‘23 Candidate. Named one of the “Top Forty Under 40” by the Virginia Pilot in October 2021, she’s Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

In recent years, business schools have seen increased interest in specialized master’s degree programs, even as applications and enrollments in full-time MBA programs have declined somewhat. One of the four most popular business master’s degrees offered today by business schools attempting to meet this shifting demand is a master’s in marketing.

You’ve made up your mind: To launch yourself on the path to a fulfilling career in one of the most dynamic and creatively invigorating areas of the business landscape, you’ve decided that you’re going to pursue a master of science in marketing. Congratulations!

The pursuit of a graduate degree requires enormous determination and persistence. By the time you’re considering which MBA program to choose, you’ve already become an academic achiever and, very likely, a successful professional. It would be dreadful if the financial costs of a quality MBA program derailed your advancement and success. They don’t have to.

The Online MBA program at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business has earned the No. 11 ranking in the Poets & Quants Best Online MBA Programs of 2022, rising eight spots from last year's ranking.

Designed for students aspiring to advance into positions of management, entrepreneurship or executive leadership, Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs typically take an analytical approach to management.

These days, the quantity of data that humans collect is so vast that it would be impossible to sort through it manually. To help us make sense of all the information available, data scientists have developed powerful data mining software that effortlessly sorts facts using a variety of complex methods.

You enjoy working with numbers and conquering complex challenges, and you’re interested in pursuing a high-level career in finance … but you have a full-time job, and the thought of adding graduate school to your schedule is daunting.

What are your principles? What constitutes, as Merriam-Webster defines it, the “comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption” or the “rule or code of conduct” by which you choose to live and interact with other people?

Anyone thinking about earning a master’s degree has a lot of decisions to make. One of the first questions you need to answer is what type of degree you plan to earn.