Introduction to Business Analytics (PGT)
Introduction to Business Analytics
Duration: 10 weeks
Credits: 10 Academic Credits (PG)
Delivery: All course content is delivered on Moodle, our virtual learning platform. You will converse with the tutors and fellow students in online forums.
Timetable: Fully online and flexible, with no scheduled classes to attend.
Fee: £599 per place (See Fees & Funding section below)
College: College of Social Sciences
School: Adam Smith Business School
Course starts on Monday 28th April 2025
The Introduction to Business Analytics course is designed to introduce learners to the concepts, techniques, and methods used to analyse an organisation’s operational performance and enable them to make informed business decisions using business analytics skills. The course will discuss the different sources of data and information necessary for analysis, and how to turn an understanding of business analytics into a competitive advantage. At the end of this course, learners will understand the challenges in sourcing data in today’s internet enabled world, what we can/cannot expect the data/information to tell us, and how we can analyse what we have to the best effect. Learners will also be introduced to the data visualization techniques to maximise the impact of data on decision-making, presentation, stakeholder engagement and stakeholder buy-in.
Why this course
The course is designed to give participants knowledge of and experience with current quantitative business analysis techniques. Participants will also be taught how to implement these quantitative techniques in a business problem-solving and project management environment. This course introduces best practice for conducting analytical projects, and a baseline capability is established in spreadsheet modelling and quantitative methods.
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Evaluate the strength and weaknesses of different reporting and collaboration tools to communicate critical business information.
- Develop a Business Analysis solution for a realistic business solution by pulling together the learning points, analysis, and evaluation techniques
The Introduction to Business Analytics course will be one of the 10-credit components of the Executive PgCert in Management (ODL 'stackable' programme) scheduled to launch in September 2025.
Course structure
This course is designed to give you an introduction to key concepts and fundamental practices for using data to analyse performance. The course will cover the following subjects:
- Unit 1: Introduction to Business Analytics
- Unit 2: Making Sense of the Business Environment
- Unit 3: Turning Data into Information
- Unit 4: Statistical Thinking
- Unit 5: Inference
- Unit 6: Predictive Analytics
- Unit 7: Forecasting Techniques
- Unit 8: Social Network Analysis
- Unit 9: Big Data Lifecycle
- Unit 10: Data Visualisation
Students will have the opportunity to produce their own work upon the completion of the course by designing their own business analysis solution. This assignment will allow learners to test their new learning of the analytics techniques taught throughout this 10-week course.
Assessment
- Individual Analytics Report (2500 word report) (optional)
The course provides learners with learning and insights to help them understand the core concepts surrounding business analytics and data analysis, their differences and their interactions, and frameworks for working with them. The course will also allow opportunities for learners to analyse and evaluate different aspects of business analytics, culminating in the creation of their own Individual Analytics Report.
Learners who choose to submit this assessment and attain a satisfactory grade will be awarded 10 Academic Credits towards a relevant Master's degree at the University of Glasgow.
Course alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all courses as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a course. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
This course is designed to equip learners with skills that they can carry into the following roles and industries:
- Business intelligence
- Financial analysis
- Operations research
- Supply chain analytics
- Business/Data/Maketing Analyst
Completion of this course can realise potential for:
- Further academic study
- Promotion
- Increased earning potential
- New career path
Fees & funding
Course fee: £599 per place.
Alumni, volume-based (group) and former SFC Upskilling learner discounts are available (please direct discount enquiries to Keir.Elder@glasgow.ac.uk)
Entry requirements
It is suggested that learners on this course are educated to at least Undergraduate level and have an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. Learners will not be asked to prove their academic or professional history.