Business Analytics and Big Data MSc
- Programme duration: Full-time: 12 months Part-time: 24 months
- Programme start: September 2023
- Entry requirements: You will require a 2:1 Honours degree in management, engineering, science or related disciplines or international equivalent. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.

Module details
Please note that the modules listed below are to be used as a guide only and could be subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year.
Programme Structure
The 12-month programme consists of five compulsory modules and three optional modules followed by the Main Project over the summer period on completion of Semester 2 (EBUS635 or EBUS621).
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Compulsory modules
Data Mining and Machine Learning (EBUS537)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To demonstrate in-depth understanding and knowledge of the concepts, theories and developments associated with the subject area, and critically and analytically discuss outcomes in a methodological, structured, logical and in-depth manner; To demonstrate the ability to apply current tools and techniques of machine learning and data mining in suitable depth and at the appropriate level. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Gain an in depth knowledge and principles in the areas of data mining and machine learning; (LO2) Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of various data mining and machine learning techniques from a practitioner/ user perspective; (LO3) Be able to identify, formulate and solve problems arising from practical applications using data mining and machine learning principles and techniques. (S1) Adaptability (S2) Problem solving skills (S3) Commercial awareness (S4) Organisation skills (S5) Communication skills (S6) IT skills (S7) International awareness (S8) Lifelong learning skills |
Digital Business Technology and Management (EBUS603)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to give the student a critical awareness of the forms, management and technologies used in the development and operation of digital businesses. The module aims to enable students to: Identify digital business solutions to effectively manage digital businesses; Develop a critical awareness of technical issues in digital business solutions; Apply a range of tools and technologies to the development of digital business solutions; Apply the various information management technologies to digital businesses. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students will be critically aware of the development of digital business technologies. (LO2) Students will be able to select and specify digital business solutions to meet both the specific need and to the international context. (LO3) Students will be able to apply information management technologies to digital business. (S1) Problem solving skills (S2) Commercial awareness (S3) Teamwork (S4) IT skills (S5) Lifelong learning skills |
Big Data Management (EBUS622)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 40:60 |
Aims | To demonstrate in-depth understanding and knowledge of the concepts, theories and developments associated with the subject area, and critically and analytically discuss outcomes in a methodological, structured, logical and in-depth manner; To demonstrate ability to answer specific questions on the subject area fully, critically, analytically in suitable depth and at the appropriate level. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Understanding what Big Data is and its relevance to Business. (LO2) Recognise potential for use of Big Data analytics and output to Business areas, such as Marketing and Operations. (LO3) Identify new business opportunities and business models for adopting Big Data initiatives, and challenges associated with their implementation. (LO4) Understanding the legal and wider ethical issues involved in the gathering and use of personal information associated with Big Data, such as from Social Media applications and internet websites. (LO5) Have some knowledge of systems and tools used for data mining and analysis. (S1) Adaptability (S2) Problem solving skills (S3) Commercial awareness (S4) Organisational skills, communications skills (S5) IT skills (S6) International awareness (S7) Lifelong learning skills (S8) Ethical awareness |
Digital Strategy (EBUS605)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | The aim of this module is to give the student an understanding of the processes involved in developing a strategy for digital business and the business issues involved in deploying such a strategy. Important elements include an examination of the approaches to strategy formulation, an evaluation of the emergent digital business models, business process re-design for digital business, digital business applications and technologies, and managing and planning for digital business. Extensive use will be made of case study material. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) To be able to define the principles of business strategy; (LO2) To be able to identify business capabilities and business strategies enabled by digital technologies; (LO3) To be able to analyse, and constructively criticise an existing digital business strategy; (LO4) To be able to formulate a new digital business strategy using a systematic approach; (LO5) To be able to exemplify the conceptual elements of digital business strategy in practical applications from across the globe; (LO6) To be able to assess and compare different digital strategies employed by organisations operating internationally. (S1) Problem solving skills. Students will develop problem solving skills during lectures, analysis of case studies and in preparing for coursework assignments. (S2) Teamwork. Students will develop teamworking skills through the group assessments and formative presentations. (S3) Communication skills. Students will develop their communication skills by working in groups and delivering presentations to their peers. (S4) Commercial awareness. Students will develop their commercial awareness skills through coverage of commercial organisations described in various case studies. |
Big Data Analytics for Business (EBUS633)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | Demonstrate in depth understanding and knowledge of the concepts, theories and developments associated with the subject area, and be able to critically and analytically discuss outcomes in a methodological, structured, logical and in-depth manner; Demonstrate ability to apply current tools and techniques in suitable depth and at the appropriate level. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Analyse the role of big data analytics in an organisation; (LO2) Identify tools and techniques for big data analytics; (LO3) Perform basic big data processing and visualising tasks; (LO4) Develop case studies on how big data science aids and hinders business intelligence. (S1) Adaptability (S2) Problem Solving Skills (S3) Commercial Awareness (S4) Organisational Skills (S5) Communication Skills (S6) IT Skills (S7) International Awareness (S8) Lifelong Learning Skills (S9) Ethical Awareness |
Business Simulation and Analysis (EBUS635)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 60 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | This module aims to enable students to: Understand and have a practical appreciation of contemporary management challenges within a view of: supply chain management, project management, enterprise management and big data; Understand the means by which benchmarking and comparative performance assessment can be undertaken; Have a practical understanding of the importance of teamwork and communication; Appreciate the need for competence in operations management and be aware of its impact on business performance; Be more accomplished autonomous learners and be able to better manage their own learning experiences. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Develop and demonstrate research skills and an appreciation of both strategic and functional management practices, as well as appropriate models and frameworks or tools to provide critical analysis of a business case, and present convincing and reasoned arguments to formulate solutions for strategic action and operational decisions; (LO2) Demonstrate critical awareness of contemporary research in appropriate areas, ie operations and supply chain management; e-Business and technology management; project management, through extraction of knowledge from the literature in an analytic manner, and use them to develop ideas for research; (LO3) Collect secondary data from various sources including financial statements, analyse the data in qualitative and/or quantitative forms, and use the outcome to interpret and compare business health and performance using a range of financial and non-financial measures; (LO4) Demonstrate the ability to work within teams, and make an active contribution to work teams; (LO5) Demonstrate the ability to plan and undertake work at postgraduate level within a management discipline; (LO6) Critically evaluate and reflect on management theory and practice; (LO7) Use relevant theory, concepts and tools (qualitative or quantitative; soft systems; manual or IT) to analyse situations and support decisions; (LO8) Manage data effectively; use appropriate methods to acquire and process data; analyse data competently; evaluate and interpret data soundly; synthesise data to enhance conclusions. (S1) Core academic skills of understanding and mastery of research techniques, ability to assemble and analyse data, capability to plan improvements and assess outcomes. Developed via introduction to research in semester 1, lectures, playing business game, undertaking independent research for benchmarking, tutorial for development of the works and tasks, supervision, encouraging and guiding for preparing group presentations. (S2) Problem solving skills. Developed by engaging in a live and active business game, with an induced competitive context to design, develop and manage a business in which problem solving plays a key role. (S3) Commercial awareness. Developed by playing the business game. (S4) Organisational skills. Students need to plan and organise a business, manage people and assets, and measure performance. Organise teamwork and group presentations. (S5) Communication skills. Developed through class exercises and discussions, teamwork and group communication, preparation of reports and presentations. (S6) Lifelong learning skills. Students will develop research skills through benchmarking exercise, theoretical and conceptual thinking about business strategic issues, teamwork and coping under pressure. |
MSc Project (EBUS621)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 60 |
Semester | Summer (June-September) |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | The aim of the project is to allow the student to demonstrate their ability in undertaking an independent research project for developing theoretical perspectives, addressing research questions using secondary data, or analysing and developing real world solutions, within the area of study and objectives of the programmes they are undertaking in which they utilise structured methodologies and the skills gained in the use of academic and practical resources, models, methods, tools and systems. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Extract and demonstrate knowledge from the literature in an analytic manner (LO2) Develop ideas and conceptual models (LO3) Collect secondary or primary data and conduct qualitative or quantitative analysis of the data (LO4) Carry out a structured analysis of needs for a real organisation and identify and apply the tools required to deliver a well formed solution to these needs. Through the project the student should develop capabilities to analyse cases based on theoretical and methodological studies, and create improvement plans and recommendations for their implementation based upon the toolsets required during the programme (S1) Problem solving skills (S2) Adaptability (S3) Problem solving (S4) Commercial awareness (S5) Teamwork (S6) Organisational skills (S7) Communication skills (S8) IT skills (S9) International awareness (S10) Ethical awareness |
Optional modules
Big Data Analytics (COMP529)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 60:40 |
Aims | To introduce students to advanced methods and algorithms used in Big Data analytics. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Deep and systematic knowledge of algorithmic approaches for Big Data analysis and handling batch and streaming data. (LO2) Comprehensive and critical insight into the software environments that can be used to enable algorithms to scale up to analysis of large batch and streaming datasets. (LO3) Devising a most suitable algorithm for solving a Big Data problem (LO4) Demonstrating a critical awareness of current problems and research issues in the field of Big Data (S1) Numeracy/computational skills - Reason with numbers/mathematical concepts (S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Following instructions/protocols/procedures |
Operations Modelling and Simulation (EBUS504)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To understand a range of modelling analytical methods and their appropriate applications; To understand the dynamic nature of systems and their behavioural characteristics; To understand how real system modules are developed, tested and validated; To develop confidence in the use of commercially available simulation tools such as Excel, Witness, Matlab and Vensim. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Be able to design models for business process reengineering; (LO2) Be able to specify and justify a computer simulation for business process modelling; (LO3) Be able to apply statistical and analytical techniques for business optimisation and evaluation. (S1) Adaptability (S2) Problem solving skills (S3) Commercial awareness (S4) Teamwork (S5) Organisation skills (S6) Communication skills (S7) IT skills (S8) International awareness (S9) Lifelong learning skills (S10) Ethical awareness (S11) Leadership |
Service Operations Management (EBUS634)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | The aims of the module are to: Provide students with an understanding of the importance of services and the implications of service logic on the customer relationship; Enable students to gain a broad understanding of the operational principles and practices through which services are delivered and supported; Introduce students to the key service concepts including value, servitisation and service dominant logic. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Understand the difference between services and business processes; (LO2) Understand the principles and practices of service delivery; (LO3) Understand the principles and practices of service support; (LO4) Understand key theoretical concepts in service management such as SDL, value and servitisation; (LO5) Be aware of wider social and environmental consequences of service management. (S1) Problem solving skills (S2) Commercial awareness (S3) Organisational skills (S4) Communication skills (S5) Lifelong learning skills |
Project and Portfolio Management in Organisations (EBUS614)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 100:0 |
Aims | The module aims to: Provide students with an understanding of the role of project management and its principles in a contemporary project environment. Equip students with an understanding of the numerous tools and techniques used to plan, execute (launch), monitor and control, and close projects. Help students develop the necessary skills required for a successful start in a career in project management. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Students will be able to evaluate the importance of project management and its relationship to other management disciplines. (LO2) Students will be able to apply theoretical and practical perspectives to project management. (LO3) Students will be able to examine the components and processes in the project management discipline as well as the interactions between these elements. (LO4) Students will be able to interpret major project management methodologies. (LO5) Students will be able to examine techniques for managing multiple projects. (LO6) Students will be able to apply a range of techniques to determine project goals, requirements, deliverables, schedule, and constraints. (LO7) Students will be able to evaluate risk and use the approaches to risk management. (LO8) Students will be able to evaluate the use of quality assurance in projects. (LO9) Students will be able to analyse the role and responsibilities of the principal project participants with a particular focus on the project manager and the project team. (LO10) Students will be able to analyse research in the field of project management. (LO11) Students will be able to utilise project management software tools to manage project planning and execution. (S1) Adaptability (S2) Problem solving skills (S3) Numeracy (S4) Commercial awareness (S5) Teamwork (S6) Organisational skills (S7) Communication skills (S8) IT skills (S9) International awareness (S10) Lifelong learning skills (S11) Ethical awareness (S12) Leadership |
Global Maritime Logistics (EBUS632)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | The module covers a range of topics including international logistics, freight logistics, container logistics, shipping logistics, port management, shipping emissions and sustainability. The main aims are to: Provide a study of the key principles and techniques applicable in the management of maritime logistics mainly from the quantitative/analytical perspective; Understand the principles and roles of maritime logistics; Understand and apply a range of quantitative/analytical tools and techniques to improve maritime logistics. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Be able to critically appraise the principles, tools, and techniques of maritime logistics management; (LO2) Be able to critically analyse and evaluate the quantitative performance of maritime logistics systems; (LO3) Be able to apply quantitative tools and techniques to solve optimisation problems and improve maritime logistics performance; (S1) Problem solving skills (S2) Numeracy (S3) Commercial awareness (S4) Teamwork (S5) Organisation skills (S6) Communication skills (S7) IT skills |
Data Mining and VIsualisation (COMP527)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 70:30 |
Aims | To provide an in-depth, systematic and critical understanding of some of the current research issues at the forefront of the academic research domain of data mining. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A critical awareness of current problems and research issues in Data Mining. (LO2) A comprehensive understanding of current advanced scholarship and research in data mining and how this may contribute to the effective design and implementation of data mining applications. (LO3) The ability to consistently apply knowledge concerning current data mining research issues in an original manner and produce work which is at the forefront of current developments in the sub-discipline of data mining. (LO4) A conceptual understanding sufficient to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in data mining. (S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification (S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis |
Logistics and Physical Distribution (EBUS609)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | This module aims: To provide students with a thorough grounding in contemporary logistics operations and business management; To cover specific topics including intermodal operations, transportation selection, warehousing and distribution management, 3PLs, tendering for contracts, reverse and green logistics services, port centric maritime logistics, the concept of adding value in logistics and optimising logistics operations. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Be able to justify the criteria for selecting a mode of transport. (LO2) Be able to critically analyse logistics operations in the supply chain context. (LO3) Be able to critically appraise logistics operations performance and its impact on the competitiveness of the business. (LO4) Be able to recommend good strategies of transportation service in an international context. (S1) Adaptability. Developed through case study analysis to develop an understanding of how and why theory and practice change and how to adapt. (S2) Problem solving skills. Developed through case study analysis to be able to match approaches and techniques with problems and be able to evaluate the solution. (S3) Commercial awareness. Developed through lectures and research reading and case studies to understand business challenges in different sectors. (S4) Organisational skills. Developed through completing assignments to time and organising work and time for allocated tasks. (S5) Communication skills. Developed through interaction in class, discussion of case studies and practicing communication skills for presenting and arguing. (S6) International awareness. Developed in lectures and through discussion of case studies; the business context and the theoretical development of management approaches are presented in an international context to enable students understand the differences. (S7) Lifelong learning skills. Developed through self-study in researching and working through case studies. (S8) Ethical awareness. Developed in lectures, self-study reading and case studies. Ethical issues will be presented to make students aware of the issues in both research and practice. (S9) Leadership. Developed through discussion in class to practice organising and communicating work with others for targeted outcomes. |
Enterprise Systems With Sap (EBUS612)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To focus on introducing strategies, approaches and technologies of enterprise systems, e.g. ERP systems, and business information management integrating with business processes within and cross organisational boundaries; To provide students with knowledge of enterprise system architecture and technologies in general, and roles and functions of enterprise systems and business information management for digital business and supply chain management in particular; To introduce students to the development history, promising technologies for next generation, functional characteristics and real cases of enterprise information systems in a digital business and supply chain environment, e.g. applications based on SAP, Oracle, etc.; To help students to understand how enterprise systems and business information management functions with learning from real-time case-based SAP S4/HANA implementation; To help students to understand how SAP S4/HANA is integrated with business processes, supports business automations, and optimises business decision-making technologies for business process integration, automation, and optimisation. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Recommend a range of enterprise system architectures and their appropriate applications; (LO2) Be able to integrate ERP tools to digital business and supply chain management in the international context; (LO3) Be confident in use of commercially available enterprise information systems, eg SAP, Oracle, etc.; (LO4) Propose integration approaches and technologies for ERP systems; (LO5) Critically evaluate different modelling and optimisation approaches for generic enterprise information systems. (S1) Adaptability. Students will develop adaptability by engaging with case studies for their assignments in order to understand the features of enterprise systems and technology evolution. (S2) Problem solving skills. Students will develop problem solving skills through research and case studies as part of their assignment. (S3) Commercial awareness. Students will develop knowledge of commercial contexts of technology applications. (S4) Teamwork. Students will be expected to work together in groups for the group assignment. (S5) Organisational skills. Students will be expected to work together in groups for the group assignment. (S6) Communication skills. Students will develop communication skills by engaging with case studies, report writing and working in groups. (S7) IT skills. IT skills will be developed during practical lab sessions. (S8) International awareness. Students will develop international awareness through case studies of business and technologies in an international context. (S9) Lifelong learning skills. Students will develop skills of lifelong learning through preparation for their assessments and self directed study of cases in preparation for class discussions. (S10) Ethical awareness. Students will develop their awareness of ethical issues through research and preparation for assessment. (S11) Leadership. Leadership skills will be developed during group work tasks. |
Global Corporate Strategy (ULMS519)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 100:0 |
Aims | To give students conceptual frameworks within which to formulate and analyse global strategy; To give students practical experience of formulating strategy; To give students theory and evidence regarding the configuration and governance of international operations; To give students conceptual frameworks of the role of institutions in the design of a global strategy and their impact on ethical conduct in international business. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Explain resource-based and institutional approaches to international strategy. (LO2) Explain generic forms of growth and diversification. (LO3) Explain the principal forms of internal organization and governance of multinational enterprises, including an understanding of the process and management of internationalisation. (LO4) Explain the main forms of international entry and growth and when each is likely to be the preferred approach. (LO5) Explain how the nature of global production, logistics and distribution have changed and why and how firms can evaluate their preferred configuration. (LO6) Explain how competition evolves in international business and how multinational enterprises can maintain and upgrade their competitive strengths. (LO7) Explain the nature and form of strategic alliances and when these will be preferred to international mergers and acquisitions. (LO8) Explain the key role of institutions in the design of an international strategy to enforce ethical conduct. (S1) Adaptability. Developed in the reflective appendix to the reports. (S2) Problem solving skills. Students will exercise their problem solving skills through case study analysis during seminars. (S3) Numeracy. Students will undertake simple analysis of numerical data. (S4) Commercial awareness. Students will develop their commercial awareness skills through report preparation and writing. (S5) Teamwork. Students will develop teamwork skills in preparing for the group report and presentation. (S6) Organisational skills. Students will develop their skills of personal organisation through seminar preparation and assessed work. (S7) Communication skills. Students will develop their communication skills through report preparation and writing and the presentation. (S8) IT skills. Students will develop their IT skills through report preparation and writing. (S9) International awareness. Development of this skill is central to the module. (S10) Lifelong learning skills. Students will develop their lifelong learning skills through critical reflection, as in the coursework appendix. (S11) Ethical awareness. Incorporated in lectures and seminar discussion, as well as an integral element in the report. (S12) Research skills. Students will develop their research skills through report preparation and writing. |
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (EBUS636)
Level | M |
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Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Second Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | This module aims to: Enable students to critically understand the key theories and practices of sustainable business operations; Prepare students for critically analysing the challenges of implementing sustainable practices in manufacturing and service operations; Enable students to recognise the importance of sustainability in improving business performance. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Critically understand the role of sustainability in strategic supply chain management within the context of general business operations. (LO2) Critically understand the key theories, principles and concepts in sustainable supply chain management. (LO3) Evaluate the challenges of anaysing, developing strategies and implementing sustainable practices in supply chain management. (LO4) Analyse the emerging trends in sustainable supply chain practices in current and future business environment. (S1) Problem solving. Students will develop problem solving skills by analysing real business issues in interactive lectures to understand the basics of the problem and to evaluate the feasibility of different solutions which can be applied to address the problem. (S2) Commercial awareness. Students will develop commercial awareness by understanding and evaluating the impact of environmental and social issues on business performance in lectures and through case studies and the various models and concepts taught in class. (S3) Communication skills. Students will develop communication skills through discussions and active participation in lectures to develop verbal communication skills, and working on the assignment to develop written communication skills. (S4) International awareness. Students will develop international awareness through exposure to examples in lectures and seminars which will bring sustainability issues from developing and developed countries. (S5) Lifelong learning. Students will develop skills of lifelong learning through in-depth research and analysis required for the assignment. |