PE7050 - Statistics & Business Intelligence

Each module session follows a similar structure of Learn, Explore Further and Apply. All learning materials and resources are accessible via our virtual learning environment. Indeed, through the e-learning portal you will be provided with resources in the form of scanned articles, links of books/articles/journals, PowerPoint lectures, word document, video lectures etc. relevant to your module. You will be given a reading list, but will also be required to create your individual reading resource as well. You will be using a discussion board to share your work and create a knowledge base for your peers. You will be also using Wiki (a learning tool on e-learning portal) to form focus groups on module submission and assessment criteria.

The module includes a combination of methods to support learning, including recorded lecture slides/notes, independent directed and self-directed learning to allow you to put the theory into practice, and tutor feedback provided through online discussions. Topics will normally be introduced in slides/notes provided and explored through real world examples and self-learning practical exercises and guided learning activities. You will be encouraged to explore further in the subject area. You will also learn from your own work experience, through reflecting on your experiences and applying your knowledge from the module to your practice in the workplace.
You will also conduct independent study, as it forms an important element of the module. Independent learning will centre upon identification and pursuit of areas of interest, by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, research etc.
You will access virtual classrooms (available on the e-learning portal) for live discussions and virtual taught sessions, which will be recorded and stored on the e-learning portal. These online sessions are timetabled at key points in the module and will deliver relevant knowledge, information and direction for you to fulfil the learning outcomes.

A range of approaches are adopted to accelerate your learning in this module.

During the first week of this module, you will receive information about the module and Teaching & Learning Plan. The teaching and learning plan (TLP) sets out
• Learning outcomes and overall module and programme aims
• Teaching, learning and assessment strategy
• Teaching schedule
• Directed reading references (text and journals) and core texts for the module

During this module your module tutor will provide academic support including:
• Delivering online materials
• Providing guidance in relation to assignments
• Development of key resources, made available through the VLE
• Assessing assignments and assess or review any other agreed summative or formative outputs as appropriate

You will also have opportunities to receive formative feedback from your tutor in response to opinions you express and issues you raise during workshop sessions and face-to-face or online tutorials. These formative feedback sessions are formally scheduled at key points throughout the module.

Where appropriate, students may also be directed to engage with Study Skills +, or other resources offered through the University Student Support Services such as Dyslexia Support.

The Library is open 24 hours a day and E-Learning Portal houses all your module documents including your timetable. These services can be accessed on a range of devices

The module will also have an e-reading list which directs learners to specific reading for each session. This includes direct access to repositories, journal articles and other academic sources. You will also be provided with access to a significant set academic research sources via the Northumbria University library portal.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. A critical understanding of key aspects of statistics and business intelligence techniques for forecasting future trends and business growth

2. Application of appropriate techniques for understanding and exploring business data and how it can be exploited for decision making

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Apply different statistics and business intelligence techniques to complex real world business environment having to deal with and exploit huge volumes of data

4. Critically evaluate and critically reflect on solving real life business problems using suitable exploratory data analysis techniques and algorithms

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Build an awareness of legal, cultural and ethical issues surrounding analysis, exploration and dissemination of data

The coursework assessment will comprise analysis of data by using appropriate statistical and business intelligence techniques for understanding and exploring business data and solving business decision problems (100%) and will test MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

You will be given detailed feedback on the assignment clearly identifying both the weaknesses and strong points of the work.

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The aim of the module is to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills for applying modern analytical techniques to business data. Indeed, the module combines both theoretical and practical approaches so that you will have the skills to tackle problems in various realistic business settings.

Specifically, the module is primarily concerned with examining and analysing (big) data arising from business(es) and to relate the extracted information to strategic, tactical and operational decision-making in organisations. In doing so the module adopts a research tutored approach which focuses the learning and teaching activities on current research issues related to the subject and subsequent skillset required by potential employers. The subject is structured around research active staff within the area with a secure knowledge of personal development planning and employability.