Course syllabus - Business Analytics

Objectives

The course aims to support the development of an analytical skillset, supporting business-relevant insights and decisions. The course focuses on systematic analysis of, primarily, quantitative data. It shall give an understanding and experience of the application of methods and tools from statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. A combination of theory and practical exercises enables the development of analytical skills of value for businesses. This includes relating to the results from analyses, critically assessing assumptions, trustworthiness, and ethics.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. Plan and execute systematic analysis
2. Identify and specify analytical approaches of business relevance
3. Specify analytical assumptions and perspectives
4. Use different types of analytical methods and tools
5. Critically review trustworthiness, relevance, and ethical considerations of analytical outcomes

Course content

The course focuses on developing analytical skills by emphasizing a structured and systematic approach to analysis. The course is predominantly about analytics, which involve quantitative analysis applying statistical methods and tools to data with the purpose to explain, classify, predict, or prescribe. It problematizes the relationship between expert knowledge and learning from data.
Analytical skills are of high demand in the job market. Besides analytical rigor, particular emphasis is put on the relevance for business. This can be in the form of data-driven business development and insights supporting decision-making.
The course builds on both practical and theoretical parts which together stimulate and support the development of the student's analytical skillset. This includes formulating analytical inquiries, specifying assumptions and perspectives, selecting appropriate tools and methods, and executing powerful analytics using modern tools.
In a business context, the decision-making perspective is highlighted through exercises focused on the business value created from analysis and potential ethical considerations. Moreover, the limitations and shortcomings of human decision-making is related to the need for systematic analysis.

Tuition

Lectures, exercises, and seminars

Specific requirements

Business administration 22,5 credits and 4.5 credits statistics. In addition English course 6 is required.

Examination

Assignment (INL1), 4 credits,  grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) - Lärandemål 1,2,3,4,5
Assignment (INL2), 2.5 credits,  grades Pass (G), Insufficient (U) - Lärandemål 2,3,5
Seminar (SEM1), 1 credit,  grades Pass (G), Insufficient (U) - Learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient, Insufficient, complementary work possible, Insufficient

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

FOA149 -overlap 3.5 credits
FOA157 - overlap 3.5 credits
FOA235 - overlap 7.5 credits

The course is classified as both business administration and statistics