Big Data, Big Win

MSBA Students Win $50K and Place First in Humana-Mays Healthcare Analytics Competition

Three University of Louisville Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) students have propelled the College of Business (CoB) into the national spotlight, proving that UofL students have the technical expertise, analytical prowess and business acumen to emerge as leaders among the most talented graduate business students in the United States. Receiving a cash prize of $50,000 and earning first place in the prestigious Humana-Mays Healthcare Case Competition out of more than 280 teams from across the country, team members Sakthiraj Kandasamy, Susan Miracle and Hope Odubena —aptly named Cardinalytix— outperformed final round teams from Oklahoma State University, the University of Houston, Georgia Institute of Technology and Boston University, impressing judges in the annual online competition with their ability to tackle the kind of complex, real-world healthcare problems Humana faces using data analytics and generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This year’s competition focused on improving Medicare health plan member engagement with primary care providers (PCPs) through the development of a predictive model that would identify plan members least likely to visit their PCP within a given year, and to propose actionable strategies and programs to increase engagement of those members.

MSBA Program Director Sandeep Goyal explained the significance of this competition for UofL students pursuing degrees in data analytics – particularly those with interests in the field of healthcare. “Humana-Mays is critical because Humana is the biggest employer in the Louisville area and is one of the only competitions run primarily by a healthcare provider,” he noted.  “The cash prize makes it a great avenue for students to participate.”

PREDICTIVE PREPARATION

Team members were introduced to the competition during the summer 2024 semester by System Vice President for Strategy & Business Intelligence at UofL Health Abraham Gage, who taught a healthcare analytics elective course at the CoB. The students went on to complete a predictive analytics course taught by Information Systems, Analytics and Operations Assistant Professor Brittany Green prior to the competition, which included building predictive models and provided them an opportunity to construct a case using real-world data, albeit on a smaller scale than Humana-Mays. Part of the competition and a major component for developing effective forecasting, the team aptly utilized learned AI skills such as data modeling and machine learning algorithms to identify underlying patterns in historical data, apply that information to Humana’s presented concerns and structure a viable solution to their issue. Goyal credits Cardinalytix’s ability to showcase these cutting-edge technical skills as one powerful way in which the team soared beyond the competition. However, he believes that the team’s first-place win was not just the result of technical know-how, but also their ability to work together and their drive to succeed, noting that, “The team excelled due to a combination of hard work, mutual respect and commitment to excellence.”

FUTURE FRAMEWORK

Interim Dean Jeff Guan believes the MSBA program at UofL stands apart from similar university programs due to the technical, business and leadership skills the group displayed throughout the competition. “Companies value our graduates because they can solve business problems,” he explained. “Our student team set themselves apart by their ability to derive business insights from the model and analysis.” Cardinalytix’s victory highlights the strength of the program’s graduates in tackling authentic business concerns and providing actionable solutions. They don’t just use high-level AI tools to access predictive data—they also have the expertise to interpret complex insights and turn them into a compelling, strategic narrative. Goyal echoed Guan’s views, explaining that, “Our students showcased the data modeling and machine learning skills they learned in the MSBA program to show the top Humana leadership their ability to tackle complex real-world healthcare challenges. Throughout each rigorous round, they demonstrated technical proficiency, business acumen, and an analytical mindset. This achievement highlights both their dedication and skill, as well as the strength of the MS in Business Analytics program’s curriculum in preparing future data leaders.”

Are you looking to begin or advance your career with a graduate degree in data analytics? Find out if our MSBA is right for you. https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/graduate-programs/msba/

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