BA3005 - Using and Managing Data and Information

This module aims to provide students with a thorough overview of the numerical and Excel/spreadsheet skills needed to analyse data in the business context as well as dealing with the numerical aspects of business and management. The module encompasses aspects of mathematics, statistics and information technology relevant to not only the business management course but also to all other UG courses. The module focuses on numbers and data and their computational and analysis techniques that leads to the understanding of Accounting, Finance, Business, Aviation and Economics related information. Students will make use of a range of facilities on Excel to calculate, analyse and present numerical data efficiently.

Weeks 1–6

• Introduction to Microsoft Excel for basic calculations.
• Working with percentages and fractions.
• Using Excel for financial calculations.
• Applying logical functions and simple decision-making.
• Learning Outcome 1 (LO1).

Weeks 7–15

• Precedence rules and rounding.
• Working with fractions and percentages.
• Using proportions and ratios.
• Powers and roots.
• Introduction to basic algebra.
• Linear equations and graphs.
• Simultaneous linear equations.
• Learning Outcome 2 (LO2).

Weeks 16–25

• Introduction to basic statistical techniques using Excel.
• Labelling categories and naming variables.
• Analysing nominal, ordinal and cardinal data.
• Scatter diagrams and correlation.
• Time series analysis.
• Decision trees based on expected value.
• Learning Outcome 3 (LO3).

Weeks 26–30

• Introduction to project management.
• Network diagrams.

Personal Development Planning (PDP) and reflective learning are embedded throughout all Level 3 modules. Students receive regular formative feedback during teaching activities alongside feedback on summative assessments, enabling them to evaluate their progress, identify areas for improvement and support their ongoing academic development.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

LO1: Apply a range of facilities on Excel spreadsheet such as those of computational, financial and logical nature. [LO1]

LO2: Perform and interpret the basic mathematical skills prevalent within business, management and commerce. [LO2]

LO3: Calculate the key descriptive statistics in data analysis using few Excel facilities and interpret them efficiently. [LO3]

• The assessment is developed to address the module learning outcomes and provide timely feedback to students. The assessment has three components:
• The first assessment will be on focusing on the use of spreadsheet as a tool for basic calculations, transforming and formatting numbers, saving and borrowing money, and as a logical tool.
• The second assessment will focus on strengthening the number skills and algebraic skills.
• The third assessment will focus on the use of Excel to carry out basic statistical analysis.