Module catalogue

MN4081 - Data Driven Decision Making (2025/26)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2025/26

Module title

Data Driven Decision Making

Module level

Certificate (04)

Credit rating for module

School

Guildhall School of Business and Law

Total study hours

150

15 hours	Assessment Preparation / Delivery
90 hours	Guided independent study
45 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Examination	100%		Class test on seen case study

Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time
Spring semester	North	Monday	Afternoon
Spring semester	North	Tuesday	Afternoon
Spring semester	North	Tuesday	Morning

Module summary

Data analysis is an important aspect of modern businesses and management. It informs organisational performance. With advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever-increasing rate. It is therefore logical that business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of appropriate analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

You will be introduced to data-based decision making and performance measurement and you will be provided with the practical experience of using technology and intelligence to transform data into meaningful information. In particular, you will be introduced to data description, categorisation and project management.

You will be provided with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making and textual data analysis. In doing so, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation and consultancy project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative and qualitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business and management information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance.

Syllabus

The syllabus for this module will introduce students to the various types of data, both quantitative and in qualitative forms, currently used in business to ensure that its presentation and analysis is conducted clearly and appropriately to prepare students to current practices in business, management and more generally the world of work. The content will also cover correlation analysis in order to investigate the connection between business variables and probability to deal with the uncertain business situations. Network diagram and critical path analysis will equip the students with an introduction to project management.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

This module is delivered through 3-hour weekly workshops which are enhanced by a mixture of blended and independent learning.

Relevant learning resources will be available on Weblearn.

The course instructor is available outside class during office hours. Students will be fully supported in the preparation of the written exam. There will be regular opportunities for feedback and opportunity for formative assessment during the Reading Week.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
LO1. Appreciate the role of quantitative and qualitative methods for business analysis in planning and performance measurement;
LO2. Use advanced technologies to transform data into information to facilitate problem solving and business decision making;
LO3. Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics and categorisation techniques, and
LO4. Interpret and communicate the findings in meaningful report and/or executive summary.

Bibliography