MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy

University of Hertfordshire

This module focuses on developing essential consultancy and business analysis skills. Students will learn critical competencies in project management, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication while applying theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios. The course emphasises ethical considerations and sustainability in consultancy, enhancing research and analytical skills to propose data-driven solutions. Through teamwork and collaboration, students will gain practical experience managing group dynamics, preparing them to deliver valuable insights and solutions as proficient consultants and business analysts.

This module covers topics in business analytics, including quantitative and management science methods, optimisation techniques, and decision analysis. Students will engage in complex problem-solving and data analysis, applying methods and theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios. Practical sessions will focus on developing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and organisational performance. The module also emphasises the development of critical thinking, project management, and professional collaboration skills essential for strategic decision-making in complex environments.

This module covers data analytics techniques, including statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and data mining. Students will explore data collection, management, and cleaning processes and apply these techniques to real-world problems. The module emphasises practical application through hands-on projects and case studies, enhancing data manipulation, visualisation, and interpretation skills. Additionally, students will develop the ability to communicate complex findings effectively to technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards.

This module explores fundamental data governance and quality management principles, including modelling, storage, and processing for analytics. It also covers data manipulation, analysis, and visualisation tools for creating data quality monitoring reports. Students will gain practical experience applying data governance and quality management techniques and effectively communicating insights. The content is designed to prepare students to handle real-world data challenges and support informed decision-making with advanced data management and storage technologies.

This module explores systems thinking theories and methodologies, focusing on modelling and analysing complex business systems. Key topics include applying systems thinking to business processes, designing and implementing systemic solutions, and evaluating ethical and regulatory considerations. Students will engage in practical projects and case studies to enhance their skills in system optimisation and strategic problem-solving, preparing them to address real-world business challenges effectively.

This module covers the principles of data storytelling, including audience analysis, data visualisation, and narrative construction. Students will learn to analyse complex datasets, create impactful visualisations, and craft compelling narratives to communicate insights. The module emphasises practical application and prepares students to present data-driven stories that drive informed decision-making.

This module explores 'decision-making under deep uncertainty', examining global challenges often characterised by deep uncertainty. Selected techniques are introduced and applied to identify and map pertinent stakeholders, evaluate uncertain scenarios and case studies, and provide insights to key stakeholders. Case studies evaluated in the module entail selected real-world global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical and social disruptions, just transitions, and natural disasters.

This module covers the entire consultancy project lifecycle, including research methodologies, industry analysis, and addressing sector-specific challenges. Students will learn to formulate strategic and sustainable proposals, manage client engagements, and apply consultancy methodologies. Key topics include effective communication, stakeholder management, risk assessment, and ethical considerations. The module emphasises practical experience in creating compelling consultancy solutions and delivering successful project outcomes while adhering to organisational, ethical, and legal frameworks.

Success at university requires a full understanding of institutional expectations as well as the development of key academic skills needed to enable students to fulfil their potential. This module will provide a structured step-by-step guide along the student journey to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to best achieve their goals. Using engaging and interactive content, this module aims to provide students with all the tools and a strong foundation upon which to build successful academic and professional experiences.