This module is about managing business information. This not only requires various mathematical techniques such as statistical measures, but also is highly dependent on information technology (IT) for the gathering, summarising and communicating of this information. Mathematics and information technology are mutually dependent business topics. One would not use mathematics in business without the support of IT, and application software such as spreadsheets and databases are only used effectively with an appreciation of their underlying mathematical dependence. The module will be delivered using a problem-centric approach emphasising the application of mathematical techniques with the aid of information technology, and the employability skills associated with these.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Each week students will receive three hours of scheduled learning and teaching. The sessions will be interactive and include a mix of teacher-led learning, problem-solving and student-led learning. The underlying philosophy of this module is that mathematics and information technology are not mutually exclusive topics in the business world, but are, in fact, mutually dependent subjects that support efficient and effective business problem-solving and the day-to-day running of a business. Therefore, the sessions will cover both topics using a problem-centric approach where associated employability skills will be highlighted.
Due to the experiential nature of the learning on this degree, and the importance of professional development enabling students to develop practical skills, learn from and interact with others, attendance is essential.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | 22 three-hour interactive laboratory teaching sessions | 66 |
Guided independent study | Review and preparation for lectures and workshops (66 hours) Independent work and preparation for practical exams via practical exercises, formative quizzes and reading (138 hours) Professional Excel Exam preparation (30 hours) | 234 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Every session will provide ample opportunities for practice and formative feedback. The students will work on a business-related problem in groups, and will receive feedback both from their peers and from the academic delivering the session. Summative assessment will be through coursework and practical exams.
The assessment is:
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
Understand and use mathematical techniques to solve business problems | Data Analysis and Modelling practical exam, Infographic project |
Describe how business organisations use IT and mathematics in order to function more effectively and sustainably | Data Analysis and Modelling practical exam and Data Query and Web Tools practical exams and infographic project |
Use IT-based models to analyse data and information using appropriately chosen technology, such as web pages, spreadsheets or databases | Data Query and Web Tools practical exam, Data Analysis and Modelling practical exam and infographic project |
Describe how IT is used to communicate solutions to business problems | Data Query and Web Tools practical exam |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Data Analysis and Modelling | Practical Exam | 25 |
Infographic Project | Coursework | 25 |
Data Query and Web Tools | Practical Exam | 50 |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Wall, S., Quantitative Methods for Business and Management, Pearson.
Morris, C. Quantitative Approaches in Business Studies. Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Croft, A., and Davison, R. Foundation Maths. Prentice Hall.
Holzschlag, M. E. Spring into HTML and CSS. Addison-Wesley.