Data-driven Decision Making (5 cr)

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

Location and time

You can see the schedule in Pakki and in Canvas.

Materials

Strategic Analytics. Harvard Business Review Press, 2020.

Bernard, M. (2017). Data Strategy

Jackson, P. & Carruthers, C. (2019). Data Driven Business Transformation. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.

Listenmaa, J. (2023). Laita tieto töihin: Tiedolla johtamisen käsikirja. Alma Talent.

Teaching methods

Welcome to “Exploring Data in Business”!
In this course, we’ll delve into the world of data and its impact on business. You’ll learn about data-driven decision making, its role in business growth, and practical tools for handling data. Collaborate with industry partners and bridge theory with real-world practice.

The course learning environment is Canvas. However, for learning, it is essential to participate in online teaching and guidance in Zoom according to the schedule. This study unit has Zoom lectures. Studies include individual work and working in teams (these cannot be done individually).You will receive feedback from the teacher on the completion of tasks and peer review is also utilized.

HOX: Lectures will be not recorded and during the lectures there will be different types of discussions and group assignments. These interactive elements will be graded. You can only earn your points for these assignment by attending the lectures.

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
There will be a company visit

Employer connections

There will be cooperation with companies that use data in their business planning and scoring.
Partner companies are:
- SAS Analytics and students will achieve data related SAS Literacy Skills Badge
- Students will become familiar with data tools PowerBI and Excel provided by Microsoft
- There will be a company visit during the study unit.

Exam schedules

You will confirm your place on the study unit by accomplishing the preliminary assignment SAS Literary Essentials Learning badge before the given deadline. You can find info about this in Canvas.

International connections

The study unit is suitable for exchange students.

Completion alternatives

According to the degree regulations “all students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognized and accredited by the teacher responsible for the module or study unit or another person designated by the director of the UAS unit. The assessment is carried out according to the same criteria and grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit.” For further information visit Opiskelijaintra.

Student workload

One credit equals approximately 26.7 hours of work performed by the student. 5 ECST is approximately 135 hours.

Content scheduling

Data-Driven Decision Making is aimed at providing an understanding of the role and significance of data in the business world.

The course will cover the following topics:

- Introduction to Data and Data-Based Thinking: This will provide a comprehensive understanding of data and its transformative potential in decision-making processes.
- Introduction to Decision Making Processes: This section will focus on how biased thinking affects us all.
- Data and Business: This will explore the crucial role of data in various business functions and sectors.
- Data and Data-Related Tools: This will offer practical experience with tools and technologies that facilitate effective data analysis and visualization.

In this course there will be collaboration with companies, offering students the opportunity to gain practical insights and experience.

Please note that the medium of instruction for this course will be English.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

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

According to the degree regulations (section 18) “students must be present in the first contact session or notify their teacher in charge if they cannot attend. If they fail to notify the teacher of their absence in the first contact session, their enrolment will be rejected. Another student in the queue may be enrolled in the study unit in the place of the absent student.”