Unit Outline
BEA212
Fundamentals of Business Analytics
Semester 1, 2024
Glenn Finau
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Glenn Finau
Email: glenn.finau@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 
The proliferation and ubiquity of data has created opportunities and challenges for businesses in today’s data-driven world. This unit introduces students to techniques and technologies related to business analytics for businesses to harness this wealth of data to create business value. Students will gain hands-on experience with software tools to analyze and present data to assist business decision-making. As the application of business analytics involves collaboration, this unit will also develop teamwork skills through group activities and assessments. This unit thus introduces students to the fundamentals of business analytics by introducing students to the various sources of data, software available for data analysis and different ways data can be presented to facilitate data-driven decision making.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Describe different methods of data analysis and presentation within a business setting.
2.
Create interactive models using software to facilitate the identification and evaluation of complex business problems.
3.
Design and create spreadsheets and data visualisation outputs to identify trends, patterns and relationships in data.
4.
Demonstrate the ability to work in a team to achieve agreed team outcomes.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To Be Determined. 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Workshop
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Lecture (On Campus)
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Workshop
2-hr workshop, fortnightly, commencing in Week 2
2
1 time per fortnight
Other
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Online
Online Class
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Independent Learning
Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week
1
Weekly
Online Class
1-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 2
1
Weekly
Lecture (Online)
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics regularly hosts Masterclasses and Industry Engagement and Employability Events, which students are encouraged to attend. Registration and details will be available via the College of Business and Economics channel on the Uni App and/or via your Unit Coordinator.  
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
AT1: Strategic Analytics Planning Project (Group Assignment)
Week 4
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
AT2: Business Function Analysis Report (Individual assignment)
Week 8
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:
AT3: Dashboard Creation and Client Memo (Individual Assignment)
Week 13
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
    
Assessment Task 1: AT1: Strategic Analytics Planning Project (Group Assignment)
Task Description:
In this group assignment, students take on the role of consultants, each focusing on a different business function within a chosen organization. Their primary task is to collaboratively identify a significant business problem and develop a strategic plan for applying business analytics to address it. The emphasis is on formulating key analytical questions and determining the specific data requirements needed for their analytics approach. The assignment culminates in a group presentation and an integrated report, showcasing how business analytics can be strategically employed across various business functions to tackle the identified problem. This project hones students' skills in strategic thinking, problem identification, and planning in the context of business analytics.

Task Length:
2,000 words/10 minute group presentation
Due Date:
Week 4
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Create interactive models using software to identify and evaluate complex business problems
LO2
2
Design spreadsheets and data visualisation outputs to identify trends, patterns and relationships in data.
LO3
3
Engage in teamwork to achieve agreed team outcomes.
LO4
4
Use presentation and writing skills to communicate evidence-based business solutions using business analytics.
LO1, LO2
 
Assessment Task 2: AT2: Business Function Analysis Report (Individual assignment)
Task Description:
Following the group project in AT1, AT2 shifts focus to individual work, where each student delves deeper into their chosen business function. In this assignment, students are provided with a specific dataset relevant to their business function. Their task is to conduct a thorough analysis using diverse data analytical techniques relevant to their business function. This involves applying these methods to extract insights and critically evaluating the dataset for any irregularities or issues.

Task Length:
1,500 words
Due Date:
Week 8
Weight:
35 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use business analytics tools to identify patterns, trends and insights with a dataset.
LO3
2
Create interactive models using software tools that illustrate key insights from data.
LO2
3
Apply data visualisation and writing skills to communicate key insights to management.
LO1, LO3
 
Assessment Task 3: AT3: Dashboard Creation and Client Memo (Individual Assignment)
Task Description:
In this final individual assignment, students are required to apply the insights and findings from their previous analysis (AT2) to create a practical and informative dashboard. This dashboard should be designed to visually represent the key data and insights relevant to their specific business function and the overall business problem identified in the group project (AT1). Alongside the dashboard, students are required to write a professional memo addressed to the client. This memo should explain the relevance and value of the dashboard in the context of the identified business problem. It should articulate how the dashboard can aid in decision-making, track progress, or provide insights into specific aspects of the business problem.

Task Length:
1,500 words (1000 word report/500 word reflection)
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Critically evaluate a report by identifying the strengths and weaknesses based on business analytics principles
LO1
2
Evaluate the accuracy of visualisations and calculations based on the underlying data
LO3
3
Critically reflect on learning experience of business analytics in relation to methods of data analysis and presentation
LO3
4
Compose a report and reflection to communicate ideas and information
LO2
5
Use spreadsheets and data visualisations to highlight errors/inaccuracies/inconsistences in the report using the source data.
LO2, LO3
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.