Data Analytics and Management Assignment Structure Guide Introduction Introduce the subject data analytics and management and how data helps companies to make important decisions. Discuss how this is done using the provided case study company. Then, briefly introduce the case study company. Finish off the introduction with a summary of what the report entails. Assignment Part 1 – LO2 and worth 25marks Review the data set provided. Summarise and characterise a problem you identify that needs a solution through data analysis. Formulate and introduce a question that will be answered through analysis of the data set provided. – This is based on the sample data set I provided for you, as far as we are aware it is not linked to a real company, but you are to pretend it is.
1- Discuss data analytics in general (include the three elements of academic writing *see page 5 for additional info). a. Build a picture of this company and discuss how it uses data analytics and management in its functions and how data helps it to make important decisions. Conduct a brief SWOT analysis on the company. – This is open to your interpretation, using the data provided and research into the operations of other office supply companies, you are to create a profile of the sample company.
– b. Provide relevant definition/theories/concepts/ models for formulation of research questions. 2- Discuss using data analytics in identifying problem within datasets (include the three element of academic writing *see page 5 for additional info). a. Acknowledge that regardless of the company’s efforts, there are still some areas of weaknesses. Provide examples of the weaknesses, especially focusing on the problem at hand. b. Provide context and background information about the problem, including any relevant industry or domain- specific details. This could be a very brief comparison to another company with similar or very different problem or result. 3- Explain the data and identify a problem that you have observed within the data a. Discuss problem-solving phases such as: Recognising a problem, Defining a problem, Structuring a problem, Analysing the problem, Interpreting results and making a decision and Implementing the solution. b. Explain that for the company to find solutions to the problem, they need to look into certain areas of the business. These aspects will form your research objectives. c. Justify why you believe that the company will benefit from understanding these aspects (rationale for the investigation). d. Then, from these objectives, clearly identify and summarise the problem that requires a data analysis solution. • Clearly articulate a research question or hypothesis that will be addressed through data analysis. • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem and its significance. Present your answer in a concise and well-structured manner. • Ensure that the question is specific, measurable, and aligned with the problem identified. Assignment Part 2 – LO1 and worth 25 marks Critically analyse the methods that appear to have been used to gather the data. You may make assumptions. For example, you could assume that the data set was created from a survey of customers, so you could critically analyse the survey design, execution, and sampling. 1- Discuss at least two possible methods of data collection, with examples, definitions and References:
a. Introduce the section by explaining how data collection is important but also dependent on what the problem is. b. Identify and describe the type of data we have: primary or secondary and quantitative or qualitative or mix, the methods used to gather it, based on assumptions or information provided. E.g., Market research, observational studies, business operation, published data, etc. • Note: for this assignment, the data could not be collected by us/students (primary). Only accessed by student. So you could suggest types of primary data the company could look into gathering themselves to help solve the problem/question you identified.
2- Critically evaluate (discussing the good and bad points as well as opposing views/quotes from academics in the field) the methods discussed, with examples, quotes along with references:
a. Critically analyse the data collection methods identified in the dataset. It could help the structure if students introduce one method, and how it is usually used and then, in another paragraph, analyse it in relation to the data, so that both its strengths and weaknesses are discussed in tandem, with an evaluation of their suitability and explain why they have been chosen. b. Also, propose methods that could better suit the data for better insights. c. Then, to enhance the section even more, discuss how the use of different sets of data identified in the dataset (triangulation) are important to foster company objectives. d. You should incorporate theoretical models here depending on the dataset, for example Triple Bottom Line for profit related datasets, Stakeholder theory or contract theory for customer-based datasets, etc. and contextualise them to the specific case study company. Assignment Part 3 – LO3, 4, and 5 and worth 50 marks 1- Specifically discuss the 5 steps (Collection, Cleaning, Manipulating, Analysis, and Visualisation) or any other data analytics processes with definitions, examples, and references. a. Clearly explain and give examples of the data analytics activities performed to address the research question. E.g., Step of the process 1- Collection 2- Cleaning 3- Manipulating 4- Analysis 5- Visualisation Data cleaning 1- Duplication 2- Missing data 3- Incomplete data 4- Corruption 5- Faulty processing 6- Arbitrary or non-transparent choices of start and end points. 7- Timeliness 2- Choose one or two or series of analytical processes/calculation (E.g. Excel derived visualisations, statistical analysis, regression, corelation in excel) with definition and references. a. Analyse the data in line with the research objectives and research question. b. Apply appropriate data analysis techniques, such as descriiptive statistics, segmentation, data visualization, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, or machine learning algorithms, depending on the nature of the question and the available data. c. Excel Formula/function used d. Any statistical or analytical operation in Excel must be accompanied by a screen shot of the function/formula used and as well as the rationale for using the formula/function. 3- Ensure that you present the result of your analysis by writing your evaluation and explaining the result of your analysis along with clear and meaningful graphics such as charts. a. Interpret and discuss the results of the analysis in relation to the research question and the problem identified to give implications for the company. b. To achieve full marks, you should demonstrate proficiency in applying data analytics techniques to the given dataset. You should provide a comprehensive analysis, effectively communicate the findings through clear and visually appealing presentations using appropriate charts, graphs, or tables. c. Ensure that you present the result of your analysis by writing your evaluation and explaining the result of your analysis. 4- Depending on or in relation to the results of your analysis provide at least three recommendations of how the company can resolve the problem you identified in Part one. a. Provide meaningful and well-grounded recommendations or insights based on the findings, implications, and other identified areas, supported by the analysis. Conclusion Then, add a conclusion that sums up how well the recommendations are likely to benefit the company. BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING:
– See the file attached called “Data Analytics Assignment guide” for full assignment details and preferred citation sources.
-View the data set in the excel spreadsheet called “Sample Data”.
-View some further information on what the data in the excel spreadsheet means in the file titled “case study data set supporting information”.