module specification

This module aims to provide the learner with a thorough overview of the skills and knowledge needed to obtain, analyse, interpret and use information in the context of business analysis. The module encompasses aspects of mathematics, statistics and information technology relevant to not only the business management course but also to all other UG courses. The module focuses on data and analysis techniques that leads to the understanding of Accounting, Finance, Business, Aviation and Economics related information.

The specific aims of this module  are:

• To provide a framework for the development of a range of academic, research, and attributes that will contribute to life-long learning and employability.
• To introduce students to the use of information technology to facilitate business decision making.
• To facilitate a collaborative approach to information that is evidence based, which will aid the student in setting up a practical budget for the first year of operations.
• To enable students to collect and analyse primary and secondary data, analyse the data and report on the findings.
• To prepare students for the UG level courses that requires a business analysis background.

The module further aims to develop skills in the following areas:
Academic Reading and writing
Researching and Data analysis
Presentation of Data
Communicating/presenting – orally and in writing
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Self/Time management, including self-efficacy
Digital literacy and IT skills
Numeracy and Quantitative Skills

1. Data and Information
2. Introduction to numbers and percentages and their operations
3. The type of data and the useful information
4. The various sources of data and their reliability
5. Analysis of data – Descriptive Statistics
6. Analysis of data – Graphical representations and interpretation
7. Data and Information in Accounting and Financial Context
8. Data and Information in Economics context
9. Identifying risks – Probability and interpretation
10. Identifying relationships – Correlation and regression and interpretation
11. Identifying trend and seasonality – Time series data and interpretation
12. The use of Information Technology and its limitations

This module will be delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops.   The workshop sessions will be designed to enable students to develop as learners.   In addition, students will be encouraged to participate in practical and other activities that will link their learning to their understanding, and experience, of business.  

The workshop activities will be dynamic and varied and will require students to work both individually and in groups.  They will be designed to improve key skills and to enable students to become self-aware as learners as well as focus on their future careers. It is envisaged that the classroom and other experience will foster in students a desire to continue their studies and improve their self-development.

O successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Have a realistic understanding of data and information in the context of business analysis that help them to plan, budget and participate in decision making process.
2. Introduce students to the process of business analysis that leads to the understanding of financial accounting
3. Understand the different methods of data collection and be able to discuss the appropriateness of different methods within a business management context.
4. Develop skills on the use of different software packages for analysing and presenting information

The assessment is developed to address the module learning outcomes and provide feedback to students. The assessment has three components:

The first assessment will be on will be a task focusing on the use of spreadsheet to present data efficiently and computing common statistical measures and checking relationships between variables using correlation, regression and other relevant techniques.

The second assessment will be on strengthening the numerical and computational skills important to business and management.

The third assessment will be a task that focuses on analysing projects/business performances by measuring and forecasting Business/ Accounting/ Financial/ Economic/ Aviation related data and information. This part of the assessment helps students to identify their ability and skills to progress to a specific UG course.

The module emphasises the development of learning communities to promote knowledge. Throughout the module, students shall be faced with challenges, problems and questions that require both individual and collaborative cognitive and analytical thinking. The module will be focused on the common goal for all four modules.

Within the active, exploratory and social setting of workshops, interaction amongst participants shall lead to feedback that is formative, immediate, informative, and shall focus on attaining a level for starting a (level 4) degree programme. Feedback shall be provided by both the academic and peers. Formative feedback shall be given throughout the teaching and learning weeks, particularly at the end of each individual and group activities. Summative feedback to individual assignments shall be delivered in writing within three weeks of the submission date.
 

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Dewhurst, F. (2006) Quantitative Methods for Business and Management [ 2nd ed].  Harlow: Pearson
Morris C (2008) Quantitative Approaches in Business Studies [7th ed). Harlow:  Prentice Hall
Oakshott L (2012) Essential quantitative methods for business, management and finance [4th Ed]. Hampshire: Palgrave
Smailes J and McGrane A (2000) Essential Business Statistics, Harlow: Prentice Hall
Rowntree D. (2004), Statsitics without Tears: An introduction for non-mathematicians. Edinburgh: Penguin
Smailes, J. and McGrane A. (2000) Essential Business Statistics. Harlow: Financial Times/Prentice Hall
Swift, L. and Piff, S. (2010)Quantitative Methods for Business, Management and Finance, [3rd ed]. Palgrave
Taylor, S. (2007) Business Statistics for non-mathematicians, [2nd ed]. Palgrave