BSc Business Analytics

BEE1034: Economics for Management

This module focuses on problems that arise with decision making in firms, and how you as a manager can address these problems using economics. The course takes a problems solving approach. You will be presented with problems that have arisen in real world firms and shown how these problems can be addressed using ideas from economics. The course requires the ability to critically analyse readings and is based on problem sets. GCSE level maths or equivalent will be required.

Economics offers powerful insights into the world of business. This introductory economics course aims:

• to provide an essential, simple, useable body of economics- based tools, which will both provide the basis for further study and equip students with a real understanding of the role of economics in business.
• to encourage students to understand how we as managers can make decisions more effectively and why we can sometimes make poor decisions
• to give students an understanding of how businesses use economic theory to make decisions
• to illustrate how economics is relevant to a number of areas of management.

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BEM1019: Fundamentals of Marketing

Everyone comes into this course with some knowledge concerning marketing because, as consumers, you are continuously exposed to marketing practices such as advertising and personal selling. However, additional knowledge is needed in order to understand how businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental institutions utilize marketing to achieve their objectives.

This module is designed to introduce you to a marketing process. You will learn about the basic concepts, practices, and analytical methods of marketing and study how successful organizations conduct marketing strategy to build sustainable competitive advantage over their competitors.

The aim of this module is to provide a basic introduction to the marketing environment, the marketing mix, marketing management, and the role of marketing in a global society. This course provides a consumer-oriented perspective that extends beyond traditional economically based marketing knowledge in order to help understand the roles of socio-cultural and psychological forces in the planning of marketing strategies.

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BEM1024: Statistics for Business

This module will familiarise you with the principles and practice of performing statistical analyses within a range of management, marketing and business analytics settings. The module introduces the ways in which statistical analyses and hypothesis testing can contribute to business knowledge. Discipline-relevant examples from the research literature will be used to illustrate practical applications of statistics and you will gain practical experience in how to perform statistical analyses through software-based tutorial sessions using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Weekly structured learning activities will provide you with ongoing learning through re-engagement with prior module learning and introductory material for subsequent weeks' learning.

The module aims to provide:

A strong foundational knowledge regarding the importance of statistical analyses; how to apply statistical analyses within management, marketing and business analytics settings; and how statistics are used in decision-making processes.

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BEM1025: Programming for Business Analytics

In this module you will learn fundamental programming skills that enable you to search and sort data. You will be introduced to programming in Python, and will learn how to develop and run programmes in Jupyter Notebooks. You will learn key programming principles and will practice applying them to real business problems. These skills will form the basis of your ability to address business problems using data.

This module aims to give a comprehensive introduction to the programming skills that underpin Business Analytics and Data Science. You will learn to:

• Understand the role that programming plays in a Business Analytics context
• Be confident writing, testing, and debugging procedural and functional programmes in Python
• Import and process data using Python
• Understand the principles of object-oriented programming for Python

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BEM1071: Discovering Management Theory

This module provides an introduction to organisations and their management. It introduces you to major elements of management theory, both historic and contemporary in nature. Through this module you will be exploring the future of management practice, and you will be engaged with key pieces of research emerging from the Business School.

This module is designed as a foundational element of the degree programme, upon which other content areas will build. As such there are no pre-or co-requisites for this module.

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BEM1072: Discovering Skills for Management

This module provides a foundation for all Management programmes. Through a combination of tutorials, lectures, group work and independent study, this module will support you as you transition to University-level study of the management discipline. Delivered in combination with your academic tutor and subject-matter experts, activities will focus on laying the foundations for successful study throughout your degree and underpinning your development as an independent researcher and future management professional. It will prepare you to become a reflective, pro-active learner and introduce you to the skills, mindset and tools needed to thrive in an evolving global workplace.

This module is available on Management programmes ONLY and is not open for optional module selection.

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BEA1013: Introduction to Accounting

Summary:

This module is intended for Business and Management students who would like an introduction to the role of accounting from the perspective of the modern manager.
Additional information:

Internationalisation

The internationalisation of accounting standards and management accounting practices is emphasised in the teaching of the module. This would allow students not only to get an understanding of working abroad in accounting and general business departments, but also to consider the development and future prospects of related developments.

Sustainability

Sustainable and unsustainable practices will be discussed throughout the module. Corporate accounting is examined as a whole, not only looking at the financial elements, but also trying to identify patterns and explain the social and environmental ones.

Employability

Since students will be taught current national and international corporate accounting practices, they will acquire an understanding of basic accounting knowledge that is necessary for working in accounting or general business departments in the UK or abroad. They will also be able to develop their transferable skills in basic writing, problem solving, numeracy, communication, and time management

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BEE1006: Introduction to Finance

Summary:

This module should appeal to students who wish to obtain a better understanding of financial markets and are interested in further study/career in finance. Topics covered include the role of stock and bond markets and the mechanics of investment, principles of investment, and the present value model of investment.

Additional Information:

Internationalisation

This is a highly practical module applicable across the globe. The tools (e.g., present value of cash flows) that are taught in this module can be used to evaluate investment opportunities anywhere in the world.

Sustainability

Lecture notes and other resources are available online on ELE (Exeter Learning Environment). The tools and analytical frameworks discussed in this framework are good starting points for students interested in green finance.

Employability

The skills students learn in this module are directly transferable to employment. Present value can be used to evaluate any type of investment (e.g., stock, bonds, or new projects). Through this module, students can also have better understandings of the financial markets (mainly bond and stock markets). These skills are relevant for jobs in corporate finance, consulting companies, investment banks and many other industries. This module also provides a good starting point for students interested in taking CFA Level I and CFA II exams.

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BEE1023: Introduction to Econometrics

BEE1023 introduces students to the theory and application of econometrics.

Additional Information:

Employability

The module introduces methods of empirical analysis which are frequently employed in academia and businesses across many disciplines and industries.

Research in Teaching

Students will study and replicate examples from various empirical research projects in economics.

BEE1023 aims to familiarise students with bivariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. The contents of this module form the basis for all econometrics teaching in the undergraduate economics programmes.

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ECM1407: Social and Professional Issues of the Information Age

The module aims to provide you with the tools to reflect upon your role in the interface between digital technologies and society and on the moral and ethical use of information and information systems. By taking this module, you will become aware of your legal responsibilities and rights as an IT professional and as a user of digital technologies. The module will cover ethical theories, computer law and professional codes of conduct, and will address the ways in which broader areas of law (e.g. defamation, contracts, privacy and freedom of information legislation) impact upon technology users and IT professionals.

This module will introduce you to the law regulating the use of information and digital technology. It will enhance your awareness and critical thinking skills regarding the social impact of information technology, and help you relate professional codes of conduct to ethical theories.

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SSI1005: Introduction to Social Data

'Women do 11 hours more housework than men' or 'Violent crime is down for three years in a row'. Much social science research uses quantitative research methods and statistics to investigate social phenomena ranging from employment, crime rates, health outcomes, political participation and social class. This introductory first-year module introduces you to key concepts in quantitative research design,data collection and data analysis as a basis for understanding such social phenomena

This module is suitable for all social science students and is part of the Q-Step core sequence in research methods.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to quantitative research design,data collection and basic data analysis. More specifically, it uses data sets and research examples drawn from existing social science research to illustrate core concepts and methods in quantitative research. By introducing you to methods such as experiments and surveys, and the type of social science research that can be produced using these, this module lays the foundation for understanding quantitative methods and for your own experience in conducting quantitative studies.

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BEM2007: Operations Management

Summary

Operations management is concerned with managing processes, and how organisations create value in the production of goods and services. This field of study is applicable in manufacturing and the service sector, from small retailers and professionals to banks and insurance companies, hospitals and utilities. We study how firms achieve competitive success through improving the processes involved in delivering products and services, and reducing costs through increased efficiencies. The module covers operations strategy, process design, production planning and capacity management, project management, process and value stream mapping, lean production, inventory management, and decision making.

Additional Information

Internationalisation

Diversity is encouraged and celebrated through the analysis of a wide range of global case studies and examples. Operations plays a key role in identifying how the traditional distinction between countries being 'developed' or 'less developed' is being replaced by 'innovation rich' vs. 'innovation poor' countries.

Sustainability

Sustainable supply chain frameworks and management philosophies are an essential feature of operations management through the provision of modern and eco-efficient customer solutions.

External Engagement

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BEM2021: Human Resource Management

Internationalisation

The content of this module is largely based on the UK model of Human Resource Management which is highly regarded internationally. Good practice in Human Resource Management is very applicable to other contexts and internationally translatable.

Sustainability

All of the notes from the lectures will be made available on the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).

Employability

In this module, students acquire an understanding of human resource management and how to operate as a line manager with people management responsibilities. They also develop their skills in team working, conflict resolution, and motivational leadership; and they enhance their understanding of good practice in recruitment selection, performance management, discipline and grievance, and they learn how to manage others.

• To introduce students to the context, theory and practice of human resource management
• To develop a critical orientation toward the subject matter and an awareness of the complexity of managing people.

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BEM2039: Business Analytics in Practice

This module will introduce the key concepts and ideas about how business analytics is used in practice. It will highlight the importance of data to organisations and how it can be used to improve firm performance in relation to competitors, customers, employees and processes. The module will introduce you to how data and analytic methods can be used to support an organisation's overall strategy. The module will also consider ethical, regulatory and security issues associated with data and its use within a business environment

Business analytics, data science, digital economy, big data - with buzzwords coming and going it can be a complex and confusing picture, and difficult to know where to start. This module aims to introduce key topics that you'll need to explore in more depth as you proceed on your 'business analytics journey'.

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BEM2040: Database Technologies for Business Analytics

In this module you will learn the basics of database design and how to manage data. This will include basic modelling topics as well as data retrieval and manipulation. You will develop a theoretical understanding and practical experience of SQL and relational databases. You will learn the basics of accessing some of those databases through Python.

This module aims to equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills required to:

(a) Design and implement a relational database.

(b) Use Structured Query Language (SQL), specifically, Data Query Language (DQL), Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML).

(c) Use Python libraries to access relational and non-relational databases.

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BEM2041: Marketing Analytics

This module covers the knowledge and analytical skills that marketing professionals need to deploy to understand customers and competitors. For example you will learn how to measure the performance of marketing initiatives such as blogging versus social media versus channel communications, and their impact on Return On Investment and marketing effectiveness. The module will cover different ways to collect data and the statistical techniques that can be used to analyse the data.

This module aims to enable you to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of core marketing principles - including concepts and theories associated with customers, products and services, and competitors;
• Learn about statistical, analytical and data science techniques and their application to marketing;
• Develop knowledge of how analytical techniques can inform design and implementation of marketing strategy, and improve marketing decisions.

You will develop a 'marketing analytics toolkit' which you will be able to use as a reference in future employment, and will undertake case studies that reflect real-life marketing applications.

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BEM2016: Consumer Behaviour

Summary:

Consumer Behaviour has become a central focus of marketing activity as markets increasingly operate to serve the desires of fragmented and diverse niche segments. This module examines the development of consumer behaviour in the marketplace from a range of disciplinary perspectives across the social sciences. Theoretical insights drawn from these perspectives are used to critically evaluate contemporary aspects of consumer culture, including the role of brands in consumers’ lives, the uses and consequences of advertising campaigns, and the formation of late-modern identities and marketplace communities.

Additional Information:

Internationalisation

The content of this module is globally relevant. Students are encouraged to adopt an international perspective in their work and to consider culturally shaped patterns of consumer behaviour.

Sustainability

This module engages with sustainability by addressing concepts such as 'green consumption', ethics and corporate social responsibility.

All course resources are available through the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE).

External Engagement

Formative projects include a research component, providing opportunities to engage with external organisations and individuals. Students also have the opportunity to engage with current research conducted by Exeter academic staff and other scholars in the field.

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BEM2037: Leadership: Challenges and Practice

BEM2037 Leadership Challenges and Practices addresses the more practical, active and vocational aspects of leadership. You will be encouraged to draw on your own experience of leadership in practice, and to engage in activities which enable you to develop your own leadership capacity. In this way, the course aims to enhance your employability, and to allow you to develop an action-oriented understanding of leadership as a response to personal and organizational challenges, which can be taken into your future work and organisation. The course therefore combines practical approaches to leading with a head-on approach to some of the tricky questions about leadership.

This module aims to address the more practical, active and vocational aspects of leadership, and starts from the assumption that almost every organised activity is initiated by leadership of some sort, and that most benefit from good leadership. Over the duration of this module, students will be encouraged to explore the following question:

What can we do to improve our leadership in order to address the challenges faced by organisations locally, nationally and globally?

Alongside engaging with contemporary theoretical perspectives on leadership, students will be encouraged to learn from their own and others' experience(s) of leadership in practice, and to engage in activities which enable them to develop their own leadership capacity.

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BUS3002: Business School Industrial Experience

Summary:

This module allows you to undertake and to learn from an extended work placement during the third year of a four-year With Industrial Experience WIE' programme. To progress to this module, you will have completed the employability modules BSD1002 and BSD2002 in your 1st and 2nd year, and will have secured a suitable (33 week minimum) placement which has been approved by the Business School.

Having developed the career management skills necessary for a competitive graduate labour market, this is an invaluable opportunity to put the theory learned into practice in the workplace and to focus on your professional skills development.

Throughout your 'industry' year, you will receive guidance from an academic 'WIE tutor' and the Careers team, who will support and encourage you to fully maximise the developmental opportunities provided by your work experiences. Your personal development will also be supported through the completion of an assessed placement 'WIE PORTFOLIO', submitted in stages as you advance through your placement year.

Additional Information:

Internationalisation

You can undertake a work placement in the UK or elsewhere in the world. Overseas placements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

External Engagement

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BUS3000A: Year Abroad (Study and Work Placement)

This module is for undergraduate Business School students to study and work abroad in their 3rd of 4 years on the 'With Year Abroad' programme. With this module you can spend one semester studying at a European or non-European partner institution and 6 months' work placement abroad in a country of your choice.

An important element of international business is for you to understand the political, economic, and cultural differences between countries. By studying at another university and undergoing a work placement abroad as part of your degree programme, you will learn to think globally and come to understand how the world is interconnected through business. Adding an international component to your business degree, which may or not include learning of a foreign language, will make you more competitive in today's multicultural, global business environment. You will also have access to a range of modules, potentially in areas not offered at Exeter, taught in a different learning culture and therefore broadening your overall academic experience.

The module introduces you to the experience of academic study outside the UK, and, for some of you, a different language. It aims to challenge preconceptions and assumptions about higher education learning by exposing you to a different approach to academic study.

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BUS3000B: Year Abroad (Study)

This module is for undergraduate Business School students to study abroad in their 3rd of 4 years on the 'With Year Abroad' programme. With this module you can spend an academic year at one of the Business School's European partner institutions, a partner institution outside of Europe, or combine one semester study at a European and one semester at a non-European partner institution

An important element of international business is for you to understand the political, economic, and cultural differences between countries. By studying at another university as part of your degree programme, you will learn to think globally and come to understand how the world is interconnected through business. Adding an international component to your business degree, which may or not include learning of a foreign language, will make you more competitive in today's multicultural, global business environment. You will also have access to a range of modules, potentially in areas not offered at Exeter, taught in a different learning culture and therefore broadening your overall academic experience.

The module introduces you to the experience of academic study outside the UK, and, for some of you, a different language. It aims to challenge preconceptions and assumptions about higher education learning by exposing you to a different approach to academic study.

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BUS3000C: Year Abroad

This module is for undergraduate Business School students to work abroad in their 3rd of 4 years on the 'with Year Abroad' programme. To progress to this module, you would have completed BSD2005 and would have found a suitable placement abroad (outside of UK) for a minimum of 24 weeks and a maximum of 33 weeks.

An important element of international business is for you to understand the political, economic, and cultural differences between countries. By undergoing a work placement abroad as part of your degree programme, you will learn to think globally and come to understand how the world is interconnected through business. Adding an international component to your business degree, which may or may not include learning a foreign language, will make you more competitive in today's multicultural, global business environment.

The module assessment is designed to give you the opportunity to present and evaluate the knowledge and skills that you have developed and gained while on your year abroad work placement.

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BEM3062: Operations Analytics

This module focuses on analytics from an operations management perspective. Operations Management covers the design, optimisation and management of products, processes, services and supply chains. It uses analytics to make decisions regarding product and service quality and cost, and as well as decisions regarding acquisition, development, and utilization of resources. You will learn about the value of analytics when applied to different types of data such as: machine data, sensor data, and other forms of data generated by operational systems.

The module aims to impart knowledge and skills in optimisation and decision-making algorithms where students can apply to a variety of fields, including business, education, and research. Graduates of this module would be equipped to frame and analyse decisions through an optimisation framework, leading to employment as technical staff members in business or industry, government planners, and private consultants.

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BEM3063: Strategic and HR Analytics

In this module you will deepen your understanding of how analytics can be used to develop business strategies. In addition, the module will cover how analytics can be used from a HR perspective and in particular the use of machine learning in HR analytics. Machine learning methods can be used to analyse large data sets and are an important part of the toolkit of HR managers. You will learn how to convert unstructured text to structured data and then analyse it using various dimension reduction techniques. Key concepts taught include pattern recognition, classification, categorisation, and concept acquisition. You will also learn about deep learning and neural networks.

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BEM3064: Analytics and Visualisation for Managers and Consultants

In this module you will develop the skills necessary to communicate analytical results to senior managers. You will learn the consulting skills necessary to understand business problems and develop solutions based upon analytics. The module will develop your skills in communicating information about data visually and verbally. You will learn how to use visualisation tools such as Python libraries and commercial software such as Tableau.

'A good sketch is better than a long speech' - often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte

This module focuses on the skills necessary to communicate data and results to others.
Students will learn the best practices for creating effective visualisations.
Students will be able to assess the quality of visualisation approaches.
Understand the most appropriate method of visualising a variety of data types.
Present information that facilitates decision making.

Students will learn to deliver an 'elevator pitch', critique and improve existing visualisations, and undertake a final project to demonstrate their visualisation skills.

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BEM3065: Strategy

Strategy may be defined as 'determination of the long-term goals and objectives of an enterprise, and the adoption of courses of action and the allocation of resources necessary for carrying out these goals.' (Alfred Chandler, 1962).

Building upon foundational knowledge developed in earlier parts of your degree programme, you will understand a deeper perspective on the multifaceted nature of strategy implementation processes. This will allow you to explore in more detail some of the core and emerging issues facing organisations today.

You will address common strategic challenges by helping to develop an understanding of how organisations arrive at strategies for competitive advantage and how they address issues relating to firm growth and development. You will take a holistic view of the strategic management process and explore key concepts, theories, frameworks, and issues of relevance to each of its dimensions:

• strategic analysis
• strategic formulation
• strategic implementation

The module aims to achieve three key objectives:

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BEE3110: Blockchain, Money and Disruptive Payment Systems

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the history and nature of money; blockchain; and the current evolution of disruptive payment systems. On completion of the module, you will be better informed, not just on how blockchain technology and payment systems work, but also their potential transformative consequences.

To address this large and growing topic, the module consists of three overlapping areas: the history and nature of money and payment systems; blockchain technology starting with Bitcoin; and comparison of disruptive payment systems in emerging economies (including M-Pesa) with other developments such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), Stablecoins and tokenised bank deposits.

The assessment structure on this module is subject to review and may change before the start of the new academic year. Any changes will be clearly communicated to you before the start of term and if you wish to change module as a result of this you can do so in the module change window.

Module aims - intentions of the module

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BEM3041: Marketing Management and Strategy

Summary:

This module explores and exposes you to key issues in developing marketing strategies in a competitive environment. Understanding the external environment is addressed in the context of the role of market research in evaluating market opportunities and also in the context of new product development. Case studies and a simulation are used to enhance your knowledge and skills of the real-life application of marketing management and strategy. In the simulation, you will be put in the position of a company developing a new product in a competitive environment. The module acknowledges the reality that the marketers of tomorrow will require an understanding of the basic mathematical and financial concepts required to analyse and implement marketing strategies and plans. The module emphasises active student learning as opposed to a passive teaching approach and this implies a greater responsibility on you to prepare for each session in order to gain maximum benefit from the learning environment.

Additional Information:

Sustainability

The module covers sustainability related issues by addresses concepts such as organisational social and environmental responsibility

Internationalisation

The mixture of case studies from a range of global firms will enhance students' understanding of international issues affecting the design and implementation of marketing strategy.

Employability

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BEM3099: Technology and Responsible Innovation

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, facial recognition, military drones, and biotechnology are often presented as solutions to society’s biggest problems, from climate change and global health to security and efficiency. While these technologies promise progress, they increasingly challenge fundamental questions about human rights, privacy, power, inequality, and environmental harm: Who benefits from these technologies, who bears their costs, and who gets to decide which futures are pursued?

This module explores how emerging technologies shape society and how society, in turn, shapes technological futures. You will examine a wide range of real-world cases across the entire technological lifecycle, including lithium mining in South America, synthetic meat and carbon reduction, genetically modified insects to eliminate malaria in Africa, and the growing environmental impacts of data centres in the UK. By tracing technologies from resource extraction to deployment and disposal, the module challenges you to rethink ideas about innovation, progress, and the purpose of technological solutions.

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BUS3001: Dissertation

Students from across the Business School can undertake their own in-depth research study into a subject of interest related to their degree programme. They will benefit from having the opportunity to plan and manage their individual piece of research on a topic of their interest, which may not have been covered in depth during regular modules. This Dissertation module is supported with classes that explain the process, the principles of management research, and provide guidance on working with supervisor.

With guidance from supervisors and the module lead, students may choose one of three assessment formats.

These are:

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SPA3031: Social Networks

Social relationships critically constrain and enable our lives. In this module we look at how to measure, describe, and analyse a variety of different types of social networks from communication, support, and conflict. We will explore this relational perspective and how it can change our approach to social theories. We will also look at collecting social network data both in online and offline settings. We will also introduce methods to describe and analysis social networks. No previous experience with any social network software or coding experience is expected.

You will learn about the theories of social networks and how these ideas impact our understanding of other social science topics like political engagement, social capital, and deviance. We also discuss motivations for using social network analysis and the strengths and weaknesses of this approach in a variety of social science contexts. Using a combination of lectures, practical demonstrations and assignments, you will also gain experience in describing and visualising social networks.

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