Introduction
Throughout the game, you will learn how to apply data analytics concepts in a business setting. Cortex: Fundraising Using SAS Viya is a game that SAS contestants will use pre-built SAS diagrams to create the best model to get the highest points for the leaderboard.
More about the game:
Fundraising Using SAS Viya challenges contestants to maximize fundraising from a diverse database of individuals. Each person in the database has unique backgrounds, personalities, education, and salaries, which influence their likelihood to donate. The objective is to achieve the highest score by balancing the cost of cold calls with the donations generated. Since each person has predetermined donation behaviors, your task is to analyze the data, make informed decisions, and develop a model that optimally balances costs and revenues.
Why should you join the Cortex Challenge?
- Real-World Application: Take your classroom learning and apply it to a fun, interactive scenario. See how data analytics truly impacts business outcomes.
- SAS Viya Experience: Get hands-on experience with SAS Viya, a leading analytics platform used by businesses worldwide. This is a valuable skill to add to your resume!
- Competitive Fun: Compete against your classmates for bragging rights and a spot at the top of the leaderboard.
- Prizes and Recognition: Top performers will win [Free SAS Exam of your Choice/In House or Online].
- Boost Your Resume: Participating in the Cortex Challenge demonstrates your data analytics skills and your ability to apply them in a practical context.
Game Rules:
In order to play the game and make decisions, you will have access to a dataset of 1 million potential donors as well as the costs associated to calling them:
Table 1 Members' Data
| Category of data | Example |
| Membership activity (historical info) | Minimum, maximum, & total donation, ... |
| Demographic data | Age, Gender, ... |
| Socioeconomic status | Salary, education... |
| Previous behaviour (last year & this year) | If members gave and how much |
Table 2 Example of a Cost Schedule
| Number of contacted members | Cost per person |
| 0 - 60,000 | 5$/person |
| > 60,000 | 25$/person |
THE GAME HAS 2 ROUNDS
PRACTICE MODE
The goal of Round 1 is to familiarize yourself with the project files and pre-built SAS diagrams. This round allows you to practice, explore the game mechanics, and upload your solution to the leaderboard. Since this is a practice round, your leaderboard position will not count toward the final rankings.
REAL DEAL
Now that you have experience with the game and software, ROUND 2 is for try to win the game and finished as higher as possible in the leaderboard. In this round you will import two pre-built diagrams – Probability of Giving and Conditional Amount. Improve these diagrams separately and note that each will create its own Excel file.
Registration ends 30th April 2025.
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