Business Intelligence Practice MGT5491

  • Academic Session: 2025-26
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course provides a practical and analytical foundation in business intelligence (BI), equipping students with skills in descriptive analytics, data visualisation, and the use of BI tools. It places a strong emphasis on real-world application through the inclusion of projects and case studies, which facilitate strategic decision-making to tackle global challenges, such as sustainability.

Timetable

This course is structured to provide a balanced and immersive learning experience, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on application. Students will engage in regular lecture sessions that introduce key business intelligence concepts, supported by practical workshops that focus on applying advanced tools and techniques. These workshops emphasize real-world case analysis and interactive skill-building, delivered in smaller groups to enhance student-to-tutor engagement and ensure a highly practical, application-oriented learning environment.

 

The structure is as follows:

9 x 2 hour lecture sessions

9 x 1 hour workshops

Requirements of Entry

Please refer to the current graduate prospectus at http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/prospectus

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The assessment structure is designed to provide a cohesive blend of formative and summative evaluations, ensuring students progressively develop their skills with feedback guiding their learning process.

 

ILOs

Assessment

Weighting

Length/Duration

1, 2, 3 & 4

Individual BI Dashboard & Report

60%

2,100 words 

3 & 4

Individual Case Study Report

25%

1,050 words

Course Aims

This course equips students with advanced skills in business intelligence, emphasizing descriptive analytics and data visualization tools. It provides a critical understanding of how BI supports data-driven decision-making and strategic organizational objectives. By analysing real-world case studies, students bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications, focusing on global challenges such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles of Business Intelligence (BI), including key tools, concepts, and applications.

2. Apply descriptive analytics techniques using BI tools to transform raw data into actionable insights.

3. Design and develop interactive dashboards and visualizations that effectively communicate complex data to diverse audiences.

4. Critically evaluate real-world BI case studies to assess the effectiveness of strategic data-driven decisions.

5. Formulate and justify BI-driven solutions to address sustainability challenges in business and society.

6. Present data-driven insights persuasively through professional reports and stakeholder presentations, demonstrating clarity, relevance, and impact.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.