Overview

This course responds to the current growing demand and significant shortage of highly-trained analysts capable of interpreting data to find new patterns and relationships, informing business decisions accordingly so as to drive growth and successful business performance. You will have the opportunity to learn to generate value from large data sets, or Big Data, which cannot be analysed using traditional techniques.

If you have an undergraduate degree in business and good numerical skills, this course should support you in developing quantitative and data mining skills to solve business problems by analysing data and converting that information into useful insights. With a focus on applying theory to practical situations through case studies and projects from industry, this course will also give you opportunities to gain hands-on experience of up-to-date technology including SPSS and NVivo, with access to multiple data resources, including ProQuest and Mintel.

Course information

The course has been specifically designed to give a structured understanding of business analytics and the practical tools which can drive business advantage. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to analyse business data and solve business problems analytically.

We start by providing an overview of big data and business analytics and its context in a business environment where data is rapidly becoming one of the most valuable assets. We will introduce you to the historical context and growth of big data, as well as the characteristics defining big data. We also encourage you to consider the social, ethical and legal implications of handling, storing and using all manner of datasets.

We then focus on the underpinning analytical techniques and tools used to analyse and interpret data, forecast future trends, automate and streamline decisions and optimise courses of action. This should include statistical analysis, data mining, forecasting and regression, optimisation, simulation and spreadsheet modelling. You should also gain a deeper understanding of the value and benefits of different analytical techniques for advanced decision-making and how they can be used to identify patterns, relationships, associations, factors and clusters.

Finally, we consider how to apply analytical methods and techniques to specific business functions, such as an organisation’s marketing function, value chain and financial planning. For example, we will consider how to assess financial performance and economic conditions of a business, identifying relevant costs for short-term and long-term decision-making.

Career prospects

Today, organisations in almost every sector and across the world are seeking to capitalise on the benefits of data-driven decision-making.

Successful completion of this course should enable you to enter the field of business analytics and consultancy in small, medium or large organisations across the globe. You could enter professions such as management consultants, business analysts, policy analysts, market researchers, operations researchers and data scientists. Alternatively, you could work in public, private and voluntary sectors where such analytical skills would give organisations competitive advantage.

We aim to develop your capabilities in creative problem solving, strategic thinking, effective communication and research, all directly relevant to employers and of great value when seeking future employment.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.