Module Code: H8BAR1
Long Title Business Analytics & Research
Title Business Analytics & Research
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Deirdre Bane
Module Author: Deirdre Bane
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Understand how to conduct practical research projects and apply business analytic techniques to real world problems.
LO2 Demonstrate an ability to design, prepare and present a research project to support decision making based on data analytics.
LO3 Apply appropriate analytical tools in a methodologically correct, accurate and rigorous manner to analyse data for trends and patterns.
LO4 Critically evaluate and interpret the results of data analysis and derive implications based on data selection and evaluation.
LO5 Identify and investigate appropriate research outputs necessary to improve decision making in business.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Business Analysis (Wk 1)
What is data analytics? Types of data analytics and usage in business organisations. Making sense of data and information in a business context.
Introduction to Research (Wk 2 and 3)
What is research? The structure of a research project. Making the most of your research – requirements gathering, presentation and discussion of analysis and findings. The presentation of material within a research project.
Research Methodologies (Wk 4)
Introduction to quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and their appropriateness to a business environment.
Literature Review and using other research sources in business (wk 5)
Choosing and appropriate search strategy to locate articles, search a database or consult a print index (Library catalog search).
Development of a theoretical framework (Wk 6)
Understanding the role of a theoretical framework as the conceptual basis for understanding, analysing, and designing ways to investigate relationships.
Methodological considerations for Survey/Interview Design (Wk 7& 8)
Requirements analysis and design demands and use of instruments such as survey monkey. Consideration of quantitative and qualitative questions and the implications of their construction.
Survey/Interview Data Analysis (Wk 9 & 10)
Data preparation and reduction (e.g. SPSS), segmentation and classification, text mining (e.g. Nivo), and analysis.
Decision making and Report Writing (Week 11 & 12)
Students will be asked to address the decision created from the output of their research. Appropriate techniques such as conjoint analysis may be used.
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Presentation % of total: 20
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Continuous Assessment 1 (20%) will require students to pick 3 or 4 literature pieces relevant to their area of interest. Each student is required to present their literature findings in a 15 minute presentation.
Assessment Type: Assignment % of total: 30
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Continuous Assessment 2 (30%) will require students to design a survey or interview instrument and outline in detail (question by question) the expected output and data analysis which will be performed on each question. Linkage to the literature is a critical component of this assessment. The student will present this output in report format. Wordcount c1,500
Assessment Type: Assignment 2 % of total: 50
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Continuous Assessment 3 (50%) will require students to submit a final research report. The report will include the elements required for any research project and also a section on reflection and lessons learned. The output of the reflection and lessons learned should produce a section which outlines the student’s personal research methodology from which they will be in a position to use as guidance for any research project they wish to undertake as a student or in a professional capacity
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat failed items
The student must repeat any item failed

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 1 Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Every Week 7.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Adams, J. Khan, H.T.A., Raeside, R. (2014), Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students, Sage, Global, [ISBN: 978-076193589].
  • James Cadle, Debra Paul, Paul Turner. Business Analysis Techniques, British Computer Society, p.256, [ISBN: 190612423X].
  • Debra Paul (Editor), Donald Yeates (Editor), James Cadle (Editor). Business Analysis, British Informatics Society Ltd, p.302, [ISBN: 1906124612].
  • IIBA, Kevin Brennan (Editor). A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge�, International Institute of Business Analysis, p.272, [ISBN: 0981129218].
  • The Undergraduate Guide to Online Research, available at: http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/undergraduate-online-research-guide/ [accessed December 2014]..
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Sanders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2009), Research Methods for Business Students, 5th. Pearson Education Limited, UK, [ISBN: 0273716867].
  • O’Loughlin, E.F.M.. (2009), An Introduction to Business Systems Analysis: Problem Solving Techniques and Strategies, The Liffey Press, Ireland, [ISBN: 1905785615].
  • Provost, F. And Fawcett, T.. (2013), Data Science for Business: What you need to know about data mining and data-analytic thinking, O'Reilly Media, USA, [ISBN: 1449361323].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: