MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis / Course details

This course explores the crucial role of data in shaping and enhancing organisational strategy. Students will develop a strong understanding of how data can drive decision-making and create competitive advantages in today’s business landscape. The course unit covers data governance, ethics, and management, while also building proficiency in data visualisation techniques that transform complex data into actionable insights. By working with real-world case studies and modern data tools, students will learn to design and implement effective, data-driven strategies that align with organisational objectives.
 

The unit aims to:

To equip students with a deep understanding of how data can be strategically leveraged to enhance decision-making and drive business outcomes within organisations.

To develop proficiency in data visualisation techniques, enabling students to transform raw data into compelling visual narratives that support strategic insights.

To provide hands-on experience with data tools and technologies, fostering the ability to extract, analyse, and present data in ways that support organisational goals.

To enable student to assess, design, and implement data-driven strategies that align with an organisation’s objectives.
 

Knowledge and understanding                            

KU1       Critically assess the impact of data strategies on organisational performance and propose improvements based on real-world case studies and scenarios.

KU2       Demonstrate the ability to assess different data sources and evaluate their reliability, relevance, and value for strategic purposes

Intellectual skills         

IS1         Apply data analytics approaches to business scenarios in support of strategic decision-making.

IS2         Critically assess and report on the ethical and legal issues of data analytics and governance.

IS3         Formulate data-driven strategies that align with the strategic objectives of an organisation.

Practical skills               

PS1        Design and present data-driven reports that support organisational goals, apply appropriate analytical techniques and visual representations.

PS2        Design and create visual narratives that align with organisational strategies and facilitate data-driven decision making.

PS3        Critically evaluate how data is used to inform decision-making processes and drive business outcomes.

Transferable skills and personal qualities     

TS1        Research data-driven strategies.

TS2        Communicate data-driven strategies to stakeholders.

Syllabus (indicative curriculum content):

1. Introduction to data strategy and visualisation.
2. Data governance, ethics and management.
3. Data sources and collection methods.
4. Introduction to data visualisation.
5. Visualisation tools and techniques.
6. Data analysis for strategic insights.
7. Implementing data-driven strategies.
8. Data-driven decision making for leaders.
9. Measuring and optimising data strategies.
10. Emerging trends.
 

Interactive lectures: 20hrs
Labs on data analytics and visualisation: 10hrs
Guided independent study: 120hrs
 

Written feedback provided on CLE

Turban, E. et al. (2014) Business Intelligence: A Managerial Perspective. Harlow, Essex: Pearson.  https://www.librarysearch.manchester.ac.uk/permalink/44MAN_INST/bofker/alma992982180922101631