The exponential growth in the availability of data requires that students are able to make informed decisions using data, and effectively communicate their data analyses.This course covers the analytical and statistical techniques that business and management students are most likely to use in their future courses and professional careers. Students will learn different types of data analytics methods and their applications to problems in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and business in general.

This course uses a combination of lectures, case discussions, lab sessions and student presentations. Students will have hands-on work with data and Microsoft Excel. Weekly computer-based workshops aim to enhance understanding of how the techniques introduced in lectures apply in a business context. Topics to be covered include presenting data using visual and descriptive statistics, measuring and understanding the relationship between variables, predictive analytics and prescriptive analytics tools. Empirical examples from economics, finance, accounting, and marketing will illustrate the material covered. Emphasis will be placed on understanding concepts and analysis of data. The paper will also provide opportunities for students to enhance their teamwork and communication skills with an empirical group research project.

This paper is delivered in a face-to-face format.

Two 3-hour in-class lectures and one 3-hour computer lab per week.

Lectures
The lectures will be focused on teaching quantitative methods to students who want to apply data and regression analysis techniques in the context of real-world empirical problems. They will also feature some discussion based on applied econometric theory, these will draw on practical examples that demonstrate the interpretation of results provided by various techniques.

Computer Labs
The main purpose of the computer labs will be to provide students with practical experience of using the econometric techniques covered in the lectures. In labs, you will be given a set of questions and exercises to complete using Microsoft Excel. The computer labs will also be a forum for students to discuss the lecture material and attempt various problem-solving exercises that might be set over the weeks.

In order to promote class participation and to provide immediate in-class feedback about specific concepts, we will use the Xorro-Q student response system. To participate, students will need an internet capable device (e.g. laptop, smartphone, tablet). The lecture theatres are Wi-Fi enabled and there are no data charges for accessing the Xorro-Q website on campus. Instructions on how to use Xorro-Q will be provided in class.