Cocoa Academy

Data Analytics for the Cocoa and Agri-Trade Sectors

Dates: 7–8 December 2025

Location: Singapore Management University (SMU) Academy, Singapore

Format: 100% In-Classroom

Organised by: Cocoa Association of Asia (CAA) in collaboration with SMU Academy

Overview

In today’s data-driven world, analytics has become an essential skill across the entire cocoa and agri-trade value chain—from farming and logistics to trading and manufacturing. This 2-day interactive course, developed jointly by SMU Academy and the Cocoa Association of Asia, introduces participants to data analytics thinking, techniques, and tools that empower better decision-making and strategic planning.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, forecasting, and visualization while learning industry-tested frameworks such as CRISP-DM and DELTA to translate raw data into actionable insights. Through engaging exercises and case studies—including 3M’s real-world analytics journey—learners will explore how analytics can enhance productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability in the cocoa and broader commodities sectors.

Programme Highlights

Key Learning Areas

• Understand the fundamentals and levels of data analytics — descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive.

• Apply the CRISP-DM process to define questions, prepare data, and develop analytical insights.

• Use the DELTA Framework to assess organizational analytics maturity and readiness.

• Conduct Excel-based data analysis, linear regression, and demand forecasting using real-world data.

• Create compelling data visualizations and dashboards to support business decisions.

• Explore the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in analytics and its role in the future of decision-making.

Case Study

Participants will examine 3M’s analytics transformation — learning from its success factors, challenges, and implementation pitfalls to understand how analytics can drive operational excellence and innovation.

Who Should Attend

• Mid-level professionals, managers, and executives in cocoa, agriculture, commodities, logistics, or manufacturing.

• Professionals new to analytics who want to integrate data-driven thinking into their roles.

• Teams seeking to build organizational capability in analytics and digital transformation.

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with mathematics and comfort using standard software tools (Excel-based exercises).

Trainers

Dr. Michelle CheongProfessor of Information Systems and Associate Dean, Singapore Management University. Dr. Cheong brings over 20 years of combined industry and academic experience in data analytics, business modeling, and decision sciences. She is the architect of SMU’s pioneering Master of IT in Business (Analytics) programme—the first of its kind in Asia.

Key Benefits

• Learn practical data analytics frameworks tailored for real business use.

• Hands-on experience with Excel and accessible analytics tools.

• Insightful case study on organizational analytics transformation.

• Recognised professional course jointly offered by SMU Academy and CAA.

For enquiries: enquiry@cocoaasia.org

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