Business Analytics MSc

Keele University

This module covers a variety of cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques, showing how they can be applied to real-world problems and datasets and the associated legal, ethical and social aspects. You will explore a variety of different areas and techniques including: decision making and behaviour control; reinforcement learning and deep learning; machine learning applied to areas such as social media; recommender systems used for entertainment and e-commerce; and voice and facial recognition.

During June and September, you will spend 8 to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You?ll put into practice what you?ve learned, developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem, issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment, you?ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. For example, you might choose to critically evaluate the value of implementing a new technology or analyse the impact of the changes to an information system. Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process.

This module provides a practical introduction to the study of creativity in a business context and encourages you to effectively and creatively solve problems. The module critically determines the cultural, individual and organisational barriers that may inhibit creativity and evaluate the advantages of collaboration in learning processes and in the development of business organisations.

Provides an overview of database operations and knowledge of a variety of tools and statistical techniques to help you better understand and make sense of the exponential growth of big data and related issues. You will learn advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques, enabling you to determine how best to analyse and extract information from a set of data typically available in a modern business or research organisation.

The dissertation is a formal written academic project of between 15,000 and 20,000 words, making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests, and with support throughout from a supervisor with relevant expertise, you?ll choose a topic to research in the field of business analysis. For example, you might explore how new analysis techniques could improve aspects of performance, assess the impact of new data collection technologies e.g. IoT on operations and decision-making or critically evaluate how digitalisation impacts business models and organisational structures.

An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture, this module will provide you with the time, space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months, you?ll be given the option of a base within the University?s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time, you?ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited, and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module. Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only.

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer, you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable, paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement, you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment, you?ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace.?Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local, national and international organisations.

After you have completed the taught core module, Research Methods, you will also undertake a large project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of applied business analytics such as: dissertation, management consultancy, placement project, entrepreneurship project. You will choose one of the options.

The information age is characterised by large amounts of data generated as part of an ever-widening range of day-to-day activities. When properly analysed this data can lead an organisation to better decision-making, insight, and competitive advantage. The module will help you understand how data analytics is used to interpret big data within areas such as health, security, science and business.