This is a Level 3 Information Systems (IS) course and a foundational course in Business Analytics (BA). This course provides students with an understanding of business needs and technology trends driving investment in business analytics and big data technologies. The course also presents the fundamentals of implementing and managing business analytics in organisations. In lectures, students will learn business analytics methods and tools as well as the challenges associated with implementing business analytics projects. Through real-world case studies, students will develop their understanding of the applications of business analytics as well as the social and ethical implications of business analytics. Students will also improve their critical thinking, problem-solving, research, communication and team-working skills through group assignments.

Topics covered in this course include: decision-making process; business analytics concepts, methods, and frameworks; frameworks for putting analytics to work; the governance, oversight and business value gained from business analytics within organisations; ethical and social implications of business analytics; and future directions for business analytics.

SAS software tools will be used for the skills components of the course including: Applied Analytics Using SAS Enterprise Miner, Text Miner and Visual Analytics.