Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- use planning, analysis and decision-making tools and techniques in strategic planning
- analyze financial statements and business reports and use them as a basis for decisions
- make business decisions in various business contexts
- apply data in decision making

Teaching methods

The study unit is conducted online and does not require attendance on campus. The study unit includes scheduled teaching or guidance online, which is recorded and can be viewed on Canvas afterwards. The study unit includes working in individually, pairs or groups. The study unit requires active participation and commitment to interactive studying. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher, and working life or peer feedback may also be utilised.

Location and time

Please refer to the Timetable Engine at https://lukkarit.laurea.fi/ for the schedule information. Laurea reserves the right to modify the timetable.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Jeyarathnam, M. 2008: Strategic Management. Global Media.
Van Looy, B., Gemmel, P. & Van Dierdonck, R. 2013: Service Management: An integrated approach. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Epstein L. 2012: The Business Owner's Guide to Reading and Understanding Financial Statements: How to Budget, Forecast, and Monitor Cash Flow for Better Decision Making. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Vance, David E. 2012: Financial analysis & decision making: tools and techniques to solve financial problems and make effective business decisions. McGraw-Hill.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

According to the degree regulations (2024), "Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. ... At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence." Further information in the student intranet.

You may also assess work-based learning as a way to acquire the competence needed. Read more in the student intranet.

Important dates

Based on the degree regulations (2024), the student accepted for the implementation is required to confirm his/her participation by showing activity at the start of the study in the following way:

In order to demonstrate activity, the student must be present at the first contact lesson or notify the teacher in charge of his/her absence to confirm his/her participation in the study. Registration will be rejected if the student does not report his/her absence at the start of the study or the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified. Another student can be taken in his place. The first contact lesson is 4.9.2024.
https://laurea.zoom.us/j/64232798687

Forms of internationality

The study unit is suitable for exchange students.

Students workload

Workload of the study is measured in a way that to acquire the goal competence of the study, one credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of work done by the student. The actual time needed varies e.g. according to prior competence. 5 ECST is approximately 135 hours.

Content and scheduling

The study unit includes four themes or modules. The orientation module must be completed before you can go on to modules 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Orientation
Module 1: Data in Business Environment
Module 2: Decision making
Module 3: Data Analytics and Accounting
Module 4: Data and Artificial Intelligence in Business Context

Further information for students

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Bachelor's level education.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

"Competence assessment is based on the descriptions of objectives in the curricula, and the level of competence is assessed according to the assessment criteria listed in the implementation plan for the studies" (Laurea degree regulations 2024).

Students who have failed assignments or examinations required for passing a study unit must supplement or retake their study attainment in a manner and schedule defined by the teacher of the study unit.

If failing to meet each assignment deadline, penalty -20% applies.

In this study unit the assessing of the competences will be done by using the criteria set for requirement level I.

Professional knowledge basis, information searching and reporting

To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- use professional concepts extensively
- compare and choose
- relevant information
- report and communicate in a professional manner

To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- use professional concepts in a consistent manner when explaining various work practices and situations
- gather information and use their knowledge basis
- report in the agreed manner

To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- use essential professional concepts when explaining various work practices and situations
- search for information in different sources
- report

Professional practice and workplace development

To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- work independently, using the skills and methods learned
- take responsibility for interaction with customers and/or co-operation partners and for responding to their needs
- anticipate their need for guidance

To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- work using the skills and methods learned
- engage in professional interaction with customers and/or co-operation partners and identify their needs
- take part in guidance and utilise it

To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- work under guidance using the skills and methods learned
- interact with customers and/or co-operation partners
- receive guidance

Teamwork, skills, leadership, and responsibility

To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- promote the team’s work and team spirit
- manage their time appropriately, completing the agreed tasks at the required quality level
- work responsibly, applying the skills and methods learned
- plan and evaluate their work, taking safety and/or ethical aspects into consideration

To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- engage in goal-oriented work in a team
- plan and manage the progress of their work and use of time
- detect safety-related risks
- justify their actions in accordance with the professional code of conduct

To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- work as a member of a team
- plan the progress of their work and use of time under guidance
- work safely and in accordance with the professional code of conduct
- follow the provided instructions and rules

“Students who have failed to demonstrate their competence in accordance with the approved level must supplement or retake their study attainment in a manner and schedule defined by the teacher of the study unit. If the student does not pass the assessment despite the opportunity to complete their study attainment, they must complete the study unit in question in full as specified by the teacher.” (Degree regulations 2024.)

All staff and students of Laurea are expected to adhere to good scientific practices, which includes appropriate referencing. Familiarise yourself with the practices and, if needed, ask for more information. All study assignments are to be done as individual work unless otherwise instructed. If Tournitin is used when assignments are checked, the lecturer will inform the students of this.