MSc Business Analytics and Management

Key details

MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS AND MANAGEMENT

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

Do you want to play a role in the data revolution? Data has been identified as a major source of value, but only for those organisations that can capture, integrate and analyze it, and apply the resulting knowledge to business decisions. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to manage the whole business analytics process, from data to decisions, including delivering the technical and human resources required and managing the legal, regulatory and ethical challenges that emerge. This course will prepare you for a wide range of roles in the new data economy, from management and leadership roles in major corporates, to consulting and contracting roles for organizations of all sizes, and even entrepreneurship and new firm formation.

About

The course focuses on the management of the whole business analytics process, from the identification, integration and ‘cleansing’ of data, through various forms of data analysis, to the visualisation and presentation of results and their incorporation into decision-making. Throughout these stages, there is a strong focus on governance and ethics, on the one hand, and the management of the underpinning resources and infrastructure on the other. Throughout the course, the focus is on the practical application of the skills that you learn. Assessment is mainly based around business analytics projects that enable you to test your knowledge against authentic business problems, using real data and deploying cutting edge techniques. While a solid understanding of the application of data science techniques forms a major strand of the course, you will develop a much wider, critical understanding of data management, including the whole data life cycle – from creation and storage, through integration and manipulation, to deletion – and the use (and misuse) of data in decision-making.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Dr. Adrian Benfell

Course academic

MORE INFO HERE >

Scholarship Finder

Explore our generous range of scholarships to support your study.

FIND OUT MORE >

Will a Master's help my career?

Discover why further study can have a positive career benefit.

FIND OUT MORE >

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

Assessment is mainly through coursework assignments. In most assignments, you will attempt to solve an authentic business problem for a client, developing a portfolio of analytics work. Each assignment will be completed by a reflection on your experience to identify how you could improve your practice. Each assignment will be supported by formative assessment – assessment for learning – that will give you a chance to test your skills and knowledge, prior to summative assessment – assessment of learning – so you have a chance to improve.

Structure

Your course is designed to provide you with a choice of doing a dissertation, a placement with a business, deliver a business sponsored project, or develop a business plan in your final semester. Depending on the choice you make, you will learn the following:

In the first semester:

You’ll learn about data analytics in business, which will introduce all the key elements of the business analytics process, from problem definition to implementing a solution.
How digital businesses operate to set business analytics in the wider context of the digital economy and the transformation of business by digital technologies.
Marketing to introduce you to a key context for the application and development of business analytics.

If you choose to do a dissertation you will study research methods.

In the second semester:

You will advance your knowledge of analytics to build upon your understanding developed in the first semester. For example, advanced topics include techniques and issues drawn from across the entire business analytics process.

If you choose to do a dissertation in your final semester, you will continue to study research methods. However, if you have opted for a placement with a business, to deliver a business sponsored project, or develop a business plan, you will develop your professional skills.

You will then have the option to study further, for example:

Human resources
Managing innovation and technology
The application of social media
Digital transformation in business
Digital policy making in business

In the final semester, you will complete your dissertation, start a placement with a business, deliver a business sponsored project, or develop a business plan

Teaching and Learning

You will learn through a range of methods and approaches – including lectures, seminars and data labs – but always with a focus on the practical application of your knowledge and skills in real business analytics applications. As in a business context, you will undertake tasks individually and in groups, developing your teamwork and leadership skills. As your confidence in your knowledge and skills grow, you will be challenged to think more critically and analytically, developing your ability to solve novel problems and to identify the affordances and limits of standard analytical techniques. Throughout the course, you will be required to reflect on and justify your decisions and choices, developing a professional mindset.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

MARKETING THEORY AND PRACTICE

Code NBS-7052A

Credits 20

Develop an appreciation and understanding of the theoretical assumptions, debates and practices that constitute the body of knowledge we recognise as marketing within the profit as well as the public and not-for-profit sectors. Current developments in the marketing discipline will be discussed alongside methodological advances. You will also cover social and technical changes which may impact the future development of marketing theory and practice. Discrepancies in the theory and practice of marketing will be identified and their interplay appreciated.

DATA ANALYTICS FOR BUSINESS

Code NBS-7097A

Credits 20

This module will introduce you to the concept of data analytics and its use in business. It will further give you an overview of the complete data analytics lifecycle. You will learn industry standard techniques and tools and develop skills in understanding business and data requirements, handling and analysing data, and interpreting and visualising your findings. You will learn about governance and ethics issues relating to the data analytics process, and how to manage business analytics projects. You will practice on a weekly basis to further hone these skills, ultimately putting your knowledge, skills and experience into practice by undertaking a small business analytics project, presenting your preliminary findings in a short presentation, and outlining the analysis you undertook, your findings, and the justification of the choices you made in a project report.

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL BUSINESS

Code NBS-7100A

Credits 20

This module introduces you to the “digital business” concept that advocates investment in cutting edge digital technologies to drive business strategy and digitalise business operations, enhance customer experience, and change organisational culture. You will be taught the economics of digital information and the forces that shape access to digital markets for buying and using products and services. You will also examine the disruptive nature that digital technologies have when introduced to different business sectors. By assessing example disruptive technologies that have displaced established technology, and changed business and industry, you will also develop economic research and analysis skills. You will use these skills to provide a conceptual and empirical basis for digital business strategies by writing a report that judges the impact and implications of digital technologies for a selected market or market segment.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN DATA ANALYTICS

Code NBS-7096B

Credits 20

This module builds on learning in the module Data Analytics for Business to explore a small number of cutting-edge topics in depth. Topics will be drawn from across the industry standard CRISP-DM (Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining) model including 1) data understanding and preparation, 2) data modelling and evaluation, and 3) Business understanding and the deployment of analytics solutions. You will also consider at least one topic on data governance and ethics or the resourcing of business analytics. For each topic studied, you will research, apply and evaluate the latest tools, techniques and theories. You will be assessed on your ability to research, analyse and critically evaluate a specific contemporary business analytics topic and your ability to create a viable business proposition based on your research.

Optional A Modules

(40 credits)

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE AND HR

Code NBS-7039B

Credits 20

This module will provide you with theoretical concepts and practical knowledge surrounding performance and Human Resources Management, developing your understanding of the evidence based management practices that contribute to improvement of performance in individuals, teams and organisations.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7055B

Credits 20

Research indicates that innovative firms, those that are able to exploit and use innovation to improve their processes or to differentiate their products and services, outperform their competitors, measured in terms of market share, profitability, growth and market capitalisation. However, the management of innovation is inherently complex and risky. In many cases, new technologies fail to be converted into products and services. In fact, most new products and services are not commercial successes. In sum, innovation can enhance competitiveness, but it also requires a different set of management skills from those doing the everyday business administration within the firms. The first half of the module will cover both economic and managerial aspects of innovation. Students. You will develop an in-depth understanding of key aspects of innovation processes and their institutional and strategic implications. Learning that innovation is a cross-functional task involving all corporate functions like R&D, marketing, production and finance is a central objective of the module. Using exemplary innovation case studies students will first acquire knowledge of key terms and definitions of innovation research. The emergence of systematic innovation in the corporate environment will be discussed by studying the history of certain industries. At the organizational level, ways to leverage innovation internally and with external partners will be analysed. You will learn about different sources of innovation as well as roles and functions in the innovation process. Key concepts like open innovation and user innovation will be discussed thoroughly. Their practical applications and implications will be pointed out. The module will also discuss the issue of how to appropriate the returns from innovation, with special focus on patents and markets for technology. This second half of the module will examine how to introduce technology into organisations, and the associated opportunities and problems. You will be introduced to Information Systems and their socio-technical nature and the process of developing and commissioning information systems and the essential inherent human and managerial issues. You will also be introduced to critical contemporary issues such as Big Data, e-commerce, Knowledge Management, Control and Productivity.

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

Code NBS-7064Y

Credits 20

You’ll examine the business research process from start to finish and gain an understanding of how to undertake research to investigate for instance organisational working context, markets, products and services. Dealing with business research questions, research design and data interpretation, both systematically and creatively, is the module’s core aim. You’ll be provided with the necessary training to pursue your MSc Dissertation. Further, you’ll have the opportunity to understand how established techniques of research are used to create knowledge in the discipline. You’ll engage in basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis during classes to enhance your understanding of the research process. The module intends to support you in your summer dissertation work with your research active supervisors towards conducting an independent research project.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL MARKETING

Code NBS-7086B

Credits 20

Social media is an emerging and quickly developing field. You will cover areas of social media marketing such as customer engagement, social shopping, and social customer service. You will gain an in-depth understanding of what consumers are doing in social media and transform this understanding into marketing relevant expertise. Further, it provides knowledge and understanding of the main theories relating to the use of new interactive marketing media and the application of these theories in the development of marketing relationships.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Code NBS-7099B

Credits 20

This module explores in depth the strategic and tactical issues and challenges raised by digital technologies at the levels of firms, supply chains, business ecosystems and sectors. For example, you will explore leadership and change management in a digital context as well as some of the new opportunities that digital technologies provide for creating and steering change. In this module, you will develop advanced analytical and planning skills by working on a digital transformation project for a specific client or sector and judge its suitability using digital business norms. You will also have the opportunity to examine the technological drivers of change and the roles that people have in the digital transformation process. Additionally, you will critique the impact that digital transformation has upon individuals, social groups, firms, supply chains, business ecosystems and sectors.

DIGITAL POLICY FOR BUSINESS

Code NBS-7103B

Credits 20

As business reliance on digital platforms increases, government interventions in the digital aspects of economic activity are also rapidly evolving. These interventions fundamentally alter business opportunities and responsibilities. This module will develop your understanding of actual and potential future government regulation on the internet, including international differences, providing you with insights on what regulations are set up and why. Topics covered will include market power, personalised pricing, tax, privacy, news and consumer protection. These insights will provide value to managers of digital processes, strategy and marketing, through better understanding government constraints, and improved ability to design their companies’ digital strategies in response.

Optional B Modules

(60 credits)

BUSINESS PLAN

Code NBS-7070X

Credits 60

This practical module will enable you to develop a sustainable business plan for your start-up idea and offers you the opportunity to pitch to a board of investors, similar to real life for start-up funding. Pulling together the subject specific skills and learning from the other modules covering marketing, planning, budgeting, finance and legal aspects, you will now focus on the opportunity your business offers to its target audience, be it an investor, a partner or new staff. You will be taught the skills to structure and present your ideas in a clear and coherent way both in writing the plan and the summary documents, as well as using video and social media, and will learn how to tailor the business plan to your target funder. Whether this is a bank, a business angel, a grant awarding body or a crowdfunder you will have the opportunity to present to them and receive personal feedback on your pitch.

DISSERTATION

Code NBS-7101X

Credits 60

The dissertation element offers you the opportunity to develop independent research skills on the subject of your choice. it goes much beyond the taught modules in the Master’s programme. it attempts to integrate the knowledge that you’ve acquired from the individual taught modules and take it forward by offering you the necessary skill set to probe a research problem in-depth and come out with contributions that are original in the business management literature.

PLACEMENT

Code NBS-7130X

Credits 60

This module will provide students with the opportunity to apply in practice the knowledge acquired, and skills developed during the first two terms of their course. It goes beyond the taught modules in their MSc programme introducing them to the day-to-day work of professionals in the discipline(s) of their choice and providing them with practical experience of working as one.

ORGANISATION SPONSORED PROJECT

Code NBS-7131X

Credits 60

This module will provide students with the opportunity to apply in practice the knowledge acquired, and skills developed during the first two terms of their course. It goes beyond the taught modules in their MSc programme introducing them to the work of professionals in the discipline(s) of their choice, and providing them with the opportunity to undertake a project that aims at addressing an issue identified by an organisation, and to work with the organisation to add value by resolving it.

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent

Degree subject

A social science degree (eg. economics, psychology, business, management, marketing, logistics and supply chain management or Law) with a substantial quantitative element, or a science discipline degree (eg. maths, physics, or computer science). Additionally, you will have a strong interest in data analysis and the use of analytics to resolve business and management problems. You should feel comfortable with data handling and statistics. You should also feel confident in your verbal and written communication using words, numbers, and images.

Additional entry requirements

If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:

International Graduate Diploma in Business

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in only two components with 6.0 in the others)
PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in only two components with 64 in the others)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk

September 2023 opportunities. Discover more

Dr. Adrian Benfell

Course academic

MORE INFO HERE >

Scholarship Finder

Explore our generous range of scholarships to support your study.

FIND OUT MORE >

Will a Master's help my career?

Discover why further study can have a positive career benefit.

FIND OUT MORE >

Course Reference Number: 8570324

MSc BUSINESS ANALYTICS AND MANAGEMENT