Darden University of Virginia (USA)
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Fannie Mae's Data Dynamics
Lichtendahl, Kenneth C. Jr.; Loutskina, Elena; Grushka-Cockayne, Yael; Yemen, Gerry; Boatright, BenjaminCase DARDEN-QA-0903-EDecision AnalysisThis case uses one of Fannie Mae’s credit-risk transfer instruments (CRT) to explore its data set platform and predict loan defaults through machine learning algorithms. The CRT, called Connecticut Avenue Securities (CAS), issued bonds valued on the performance of preselected pools of mortgages. The material works well to unfold natural language processing using Python. Through a three-class series, students will learn to wrangle data, experience...Starting at €8.20
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MovieLens: Filtering on Others' Reactions
Lichtendahl, Kenneth C. Jr.; Boatright, Benjamin; Holtz, PaulCase DARDEN-QA-0927-EDecision AnalysisThis case introduces students to relational databases and the basics of collaborative filtering, a popular recommendation system technique. The case points to a dataset shared by GroupLens, a research group developing algorithms that supply movie recommendations through a website called MovieLens. SQL queries provided in the case propose a collaborative filtering strategy for generating simple recommendations with a small degree of personalizatio...Starting at €8.20
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Mobilizing Surge Response Teams
Lichtendahl, Kenneth C. Jr.; Tassone, Eric; Boatright, BenjaminCase DARDEN-QA-0935-EDecision AnalysisIn July 2021, the Biden administration formed surge response teams to assist states with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The aim was to track the virus’s development using data provided from the states to keep the country aware of hotspots as the Delta variant spread. In detailing surges in Missouri and Florida, it became apparent that the data regarding deaths related to COVID-19 was where the surge response teams decided to focus as a means to tra...Starting at €8.20
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Zillow Offers' "Volatile Error Rate"
Lichtendahl, Kenneth C. Jr.; Boatright, BenjaminCase DARDEN-QA-0944-EDecision AnalysisIn November 2021, Zillow announced that it was planning to shut down Zillow Offers, its iBuying program that leveraged its home value algorithm to quickly purchase homes for later resale. Zillow made the announcement after its market capitalization dropped from $48.35 billion in February 2021 to $16 billion in November. Poor program performance in 2021 left the company with roughly $500 million in losses due to an extensive inventory of overpaid ...Starting at €8.20
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DIY Zillow
Lichtendahl, Kenneth C. Jr.; Boatright, Benjamin; Andrasko, JoeCase DARDEN-QA-0931-EDecision AnalysisThis case examines a realtor’s attempt to improve an online residential real estate website’s mapping and home estimation features. With the help of a data scientist, the two professionals work to create an interactive map that provides greater filtering capabilities and improved school boundary views, allowing clients to easily locate homes in their desired school districts. In addition to the visualization enhancements, they also build a simple...Starting at €8.20