BUSINESS DATA PROJECT - 2024/5

Module Overview

The Business data project provides the fundamental frameworks and models as well as the empirical data to support the process of making business decisions.
The module develops the skills and knowledge in business analytics in 4 steps: -
Step 1. Build a firm foundation in the statistical knowledge required for business analytics.
Step 2. Develop proficiency in the application of Excel
Step 3. Use Excel for data preparation and data analysis using the quantitative skills developed in Step 1.
Step 4. Apply the quantitative and qualitative skills necessary to present business information for business decision making in a report.
The outcome of this module is students who can communicate clearly using a blend of analytical qualitative and quantitative skills.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

PARCHMENT Ann (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

JACs code:

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

GCSE Math A/ 9 or attendance on 4-week maths course in semester 1. This is separate and attendance will facilitate students achieving the level of maths to successfully achieve the learning outcomes of the module.

Module content

Content will include the following: -

• 1. Use of statistical methods and models


• 2. Application of statistical techniques to empirical data to support the process of making business decisions.


• 3. Proficiency in the use and development of MS Excel spreadsheets


• 4. Application of data analytics in Excel


• 5. Presenting data using analytics in Excel


• 6. Application of qualitative business frameworks


• 7. Context setting based on robust evidence


• 8. Business research and report writing


• 9. Application of business research, business analytics and critical analysis in business decision making

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Alternative assessment for 'Group Business Report (project integrating Excel and analytics) end of module’ is an 'Individual Business Report (project integrating Excel and analytics)’

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to meet the learning objectives. This is achieved by the following summative and formative assessments.

Summative assessment

• 90-minute data analysis using MS Excel undertaken mid-term (50%).  Understanding and application of Excel for a range of business functions competent analysis of business decisions using both qualitative and quantitative data. This assesses students understanding and application of basic statistical functions to the analysis of data using MS Excel (Learning outcomes 1,2,3)


• A 2500-wordgroup business report(50%) will assess students ability to: write effective professional documents understand, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data  think critically and conduct analysis utilise business information to make decisions more effectively  utilise MS Word & Excel effectively The report will be submitted to SurreyLearn at the end of the module. (Learning outcomes 3,4,5)

Summative feedback

Students receive marks out of 100 for both assessments, along with feedback on their individual performance. Students must attempt both assessments to gain the 15 credits for this module. Formative assessment and feedback  Students will be provided with quizzes and case studies in the delivery of the Excel, statistics, and the report components of the module. Students will be provided with the assessment criteria and weighting for each of the assessments when this is introduced in the semester. Report criteria will be referred to during tutorials as students are developing their skills in class activities and planning their report. Students will complete mock tests in a similar format as the mid-term test, which they will mark themselves and will have the opportunity to discuss in class. This will allow them to test their skills as well as practice the format that will be used in the class test.

Formative Feedback

 Students will receive regular verbal feedback on the development of their quantative and digital analytical skills using ICT during labs as the Tutor moves around the room. Tutors will provide regular verbal feedback on their performance through individual, group, and class discussion. Students are encouraged to provide feedback on peer performance and to help with peer development through collaboration on case studies in the report tutorials.Formative feedback informs the student prior to the summative assessment.

Module aims

• To provide students with the fundamental analytical concepts, frameworks and Excel skills widely used in business decision making.
• To apply critical thinking, analysis of business information using business analytics and report writing to communicate effectively in the business world.
• Embeds the digital and analytical skills required by business decision making in a dynamic and uncertainty world.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to help students of all abilities to engage in an effective skills development process whilst enhancing their employability.

Students are encouraged to:
· Develop quantitative, qualitative, and digital skills (both study-related, work-related)
· Enhance their business knowledge, communication, and critical analytical aptitude.
· Participate in appropriate learning opportunities from within this module¿s activities and the wider university,
· Demonstrate competence and confidence in analysing business data forensically and in real-time using critical thinking and analytical skills
· Reflect on their progress through the 4 steps highlighted in the module overview.

Learning and teaching methods include delivery via lectures, tutorials, and labs.

· Competence in the analysis and interpretation of basic statistics required for business analytics will be developed in tutorials.
· Digital skills will be developed via Labs using MS office. This will provide basic understanding of ICT as used in the business world, employability, and Personal & Professional Development process
· Critical thinking and analytical skills as applied to business will be progressively developed throughout the lectures, tutorials, and labs,
· The ability to analyse business information and make robust evidence-based decisions is embedded in the module at all 4 steps.
· Evidence of competence in business information analysis, evaluation, and presentation will culminate in a written business report.
· Extensive supporting material will be provided on the university VLE.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN1144

Other information

This module embeds three of the five pillars of the SBS curriculum framework. This is achieved by: - 1. Developing the knowledge and skills which underpin employability via the ability to communicate using qualitative, quantitative, and digital methods. 2. Demonstrating an understanding of the sustainability of organisations to remain a going concern. 3. Analysing, synthesizing, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative data through the application of digital skills. This module provides the opportunity for students to develop their digital agility and supports the foundation of business data analytics as life skills for business.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.