Bayesian networks in business analytics

Bayesian networks are a popular and powerful tool in artificial intelligence. They have many applications in commercial decision support. The point of this paper is to provide an overview of the techniques involved from this perspective. We will proceed by giving a simplified mathematical overview of what Bayesian networks are and the flavors they come in. We then look at how they can be created or learnt from data and the situations that lead to the use of ensemble models. Then we look at how an application of such a technology would proceed, using the human resources example of talent retention for international firms in China, examining the full process rather than technology specific elements. Finally we look at the outputs that would be generated from such an application.