BUILDING  BLOCKS FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata uses SAS to promote the study and dissemination of knowledge of Statistics

The genesis of Indian Statistical Institute goes way back to December 17th 1931. What began as a small room in the Presidency College in 1931, now comprises buildings on several acres of land in four major cities (Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad). What began with a total annual expenditure of less than Rs.250 in 1931, now has a total annual expenditure of over Rs.15,000,000. What began in 1931 with a solitary human ‘computer’ working part-time, now comprises over 250 faculty members and over 1,000 supporting staff and several modern-day personal computers, workstations, minicomputers, super-mini computers and mainframe computers.

“Unity in Diversity” - the motto of the Institute clearly defines its roadmap to success. The diversity within the Institute is evident. The unity has been the unity of purpose - furthering of statistics. The Indian Statistical Institute has not only succeeded in aiding the birth of statistics, but has also succeeded in nurturing the baby well.

Apart from promoting the study and dissemination of knowledge of statistics, the Institute focuses on research work on sample surveys and design of experiments, research in multivariate analysis, statistical inference and probability gained tremendous momentum. Research work on mathematics, especially related to solving intricate technical problems in probability and statistics, also is a focal theme of the Indian Statistical Institute.

With an objective of promoting the study and dissemination of knowledge of statistics, to develop statistical theory and methods, and their use in research and practical applications, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) has developed programmes that go beyond the conventional classroom method.

A two-year course on Quantitative Economics (QE) at ISI, Kolkata is one such programme that has been designed to drive business excellence among the students, through a combination of academic and non-academic initiatives. The entire programme objective is focused on inculcating in participants, sensitivity to real-world issues and to develop an ability to become leaders in statistical analysis by adopting innovative and quantitative decision making approach.

With emphasis on a seamless combination of the theoretical and practical in statistical analysis, SAS was considered as a key solution to garner analytical capabilities in true business situations within students at ISI, Kolkata.

SAS being a top Business Intelligence Solution, it was the obvious choice to help students understand the power of statistical analysis and to instill the significance of driving business excellence backed by quantitative and analytical reasoning.

According to Mr. Debashis Roy, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, “We deployed SAS in our Institute to provide exposure to students with the state-of-the-art business intelligence solution and to promote the study and dissemination of knowledge of statistics. With SAS being an industry recognized Business Intelligence Solution, experience on SAS is certainly seen as an advantage for better prospects for our students in the Financial Services Industry.”

Mr. Debashis Roy added, “We want our students to develop analytical decision making ability, for achieving competitive business advantage. This is what will make them highly marketable individuals. And we believe that knowledge of SAS will enhance their statistical analytic capabilities and makes them more marketable.”