Module Study Guide

Academic Year 2022–2023

BA4LO54O––– Researching Business Data

Level: 4
Credits: 20
Copyright © 2022 University of West London

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of West London and its approved academic partners.

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Table of contents

Key team contact details Error! Bookmark not defined.

1 Module overview 2

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 2
Module summary content and aims..................................................................................... 2
Learning outcomes to be assessed ..................................................................................... 3
Indicative Contact Hours ..................................................................................................... 3

2 Assessment and feedback 4

Summative assessment grid ............................................................................................... 4

Assessment brief – formative assessments and learning outcomes ................................... 5
Learning materials ............................................................................................................... 8

3 Things you need to know 10

Our Expectations ............................................................................................................... 10

Getting Support ................................................................................................................. 10

3.2.1 Personal Tutors, Module Leaders, Subject Librarians, and Course Leaders .................... 10
3.2.2 Study Support Team ........................................................................................................ 11
3.2.3 Student Services ............................................................................................................. 11
3.2.4 Meeting Deadlines ........................................................................................................... 12

Making an Impact .............................................................................................................. 12

3.3.1 When there’s an issue ..................................................................................................... 12

3.3.2 Module Evaluation Surveys ............................................................................................. 13
Key team contact details
Module Leader Dr. Mena Aba Yalley
Subject Area & School/College Oxford Business College
Email mena.yalley@oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk
Phone
Location London

Programme Coordinator Oxford Salvena Hussain

Email Salvena.hussain@oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk
Phone
Location Oxford

Programme Coordinator Slough Amit Gupta

Email Amit.Gupta@oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk
Phone
Location Slough

Programme Coordinator London Adu Adom Boateng

Email Adu.boateng@oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk
Phone
Location London

Programme Coordinator Nottingham Manish Shrestha

Email Manish.shrestha@oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk
Phone
Location Nottingham

The Course Leader overseeing this module is Samuel Asante-Nnuro and can be contacted at
programmelead.uwl@oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk

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1 Module overview
Introduction
Teaching at UWL during the academic year 2022–23 will be conducted face to face and you will
be required to attend all sessions. Engage with before class (“Investigate”) so you can maximise
your hands-on learning during your taught session

• Help you demonstrate and check your understanding by applying your prior learning during
class (“Apply”)
• Help you enhance your knowledge and skills by reflecting on or consolidating your learning
after class (“Consolidate”)

Module summary content and aims

The aims of the module are to help students make sense of numbers and to provide a solid
foundation in the research and analytical skills that managers require in order to arrive at meaningful
conclusions and make informed decisions.

The module will enable the students to apply various statistical methods to analyse business data
which is becoming an increasingly important skill in the business world. Although numerical in
nature, the emphasis will be upon practical examples rather than derivation of complicated
formulas and manipulation of equations.

This module will be run in either IT rooms and/or classrooms using various learning and teaching
strategies, such as reflective learning, cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction,
differentiation, technology-based teaching, group discussions, peer assessment and so on.

The module deals with the collection, analysis and interpretation of business data. One of the
requirements of an effective manager is the ability to handle numerical information. You will be
provided with a range of research tools for (i) gathering primary and published data (ii)
summarising data (iii) measuring change and (iv) measuring association. The learning sessions
will be available on the blackboard under learning materials section.

Expectations
Specific expectations students can have of tutors:

• Constructive formative feedback on one assignment draft per assessment

• Workshop slides made available on blackboard prior to session
• Assessment marks and summative feedback given within fifteen working days from the
assessment submission deadline

Specific expectations tutors will have of students:

• Do 161 hours of independent study

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 • Attend all teaching and activity sessions and arrive punctually
• Behave professionally in classes and avoid disruption to class and other students
• Inform tutor via email beforehand when not able to attend any classes
• Participate and communicate professionally in class and with tutors
• Attempt all assessments by submission deadline and communicate with the tutor if there
are any extenuating circumstances to explore extensions requests and/or mitigation claims

Learning outcomes to be assessed

LO1 Understand procedures involved in conducting sample surveys.
LO2 Collect and interpret data from published sources.
LO3 Communicate findings using appropriate business formats.
LO4 Understand and apply descriptive statistical measures to business situations.
LO5 Understand and apply statistical inference techniques in business situations.
LO6 Understand and apply measures of association in business situations.

Indicative Contact Hours

Teaching Contact Hours 39 hours
Independent Study Hours 161 hours
Total Learning Hours 200 hours

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2 Assessment and feedback
Summative assessment grid
Method of
Word Indicative
Type of Pass Submission &
Count or Threshold Weighting Submission
Assessment Mark Date of Feedback
equivalent week
(refer to BB)
Evidence
A1
must be
Written
Individual uploaded
Assignment –
one-page by the Turnitin / 15
Non-oral
A1 poster N/A 40 % 40 % midnight of working days after
presentation
submission the day of submission
(LO1, LO2,
(No oral) the lesson
LO3, LO4,
LO5, LO6)
Week 7
A2
Online
Written
Time- BlackBoard / 15
Assignment
control N/A 60 % 40 % Week 13 working days from
(LO1, LO2,
Test/In- the test
LO3, LO4,
Class
LO5, LO6)

Assessment Support
Assessment (insert Teaching Weeks in Outline of Type and Student How will the
below type of which Assessment Form of Preparation Support
assessment as per Support Takes Place Assessment Required Prior to Session be
the table above) (enter each week Presentation or After the Delivered
no. in a new row) Support to be Support Session
Provided
Written Assignment Week 4, 5 Week 5 – Draft Complete each In-class or
(Non-Oral Final Feedback part for feedback turnItIn
Presentation) Submission by in respective submission
students. weeks, and
improve on draft
Week 6 – feedback
Feedback to be
returned to
students.
Week 11 – Week 12 Mock Tests Complete all the In-class
Written Assignment given mock tests Discussion
(Online Time and answers
Controlled provided.
Assignment)

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 Assessment brief – formative assessments and learning
outcomes
Assessment 1 Individual Presentation on an A1 Poster (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6)

Weighting: 40%

Date/time/method of submission: Week 8

You are required to research a topic using an internet source such as the website of the Office for
National Statistics. The list of topics will be published on BB and choices must be agreed with the
module tutor and will be posted on the blackboard.

Assessment Criteria:

➢ Subject Knowledge (15%)

• Discuss the rationale of choosing the topic

• Justify the sampling method(s) of the chosen topic

➢ Data Interpretation (25%)

Obtain raw data from at least one of the following:

• Eurostats (2020). eurostat- Your key to European Statistics. [online] Available at

<https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/home> [Accessed 12 August 2020]

• Office for National Statistics (2020). Home - Office for National Statistics. [online] Available
at <https://www.ons.gov.uk/> [Accessed 12 August 2020]

• UK Data Service (2020). UK Data Service. [online] Available at

<https://ukdataservice.ac.uk/> [Accessed 12 August 2020]

Present evidence of using credible secondary sources (Harvard Referencing with citations)

• Interpret (rather than just explained) the obtained information (visual representations, such
as chart(s), can be used)

It is important to focus the following on three aspects: Brexit, Covid-19, and Ukraine War

1. Business sustainability of SME in the UK

2. Impact of Energy price on business survival in the UK

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 3. Current self-employment rate in the UK
4. Homeworking trend in the UK labour market
5. Impact of transportation costs in the UK
6. Changes in online shopping habits in the UK
7. Trends of numbers of students in the higher education sector in the UK
8. Trend of tourism figures for different EU countries
9. Comparing computer and internet use in different EU countries
10. Trends in adult smoking habits in the UK
11. Trends in the volume of alcohol consumption in the UK

Only one topic must be selected.

➢ Information Analysis (40%)

• Analyse the findings using descriptive statistical measures (e.g. Measures of tendency and
dispersion)
• Determine associations using statistical inference techniques (e.g. Correlation and
Regressions)
• Apply the analysis on the chosen topic for a business audience whom is non-technical.

➢ Presentation (20%)

• Communicate findings effectively and succinctly that can be understood by a non- technical
audience
• Display the presentation professionally Comment on the findings specifically
• Please also refer to “How to Make Poster In Power Point” (if you need it)
https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-make-a-poster-in-powerpoint--cms-33555

Additional Notes (these apply to all the above of Part 1 and Part 2 and will affect the marks if not
adhered to):

• Poster must be professionally designed

• The focus must be placed on the data interpretation and information analysis, using
descriptive statistical measures and statistical inference techniques
• Table(s) if used must be professionally displayed
• Chart(s) if used must be clearly labelled with correct headings and legend.
• Labels of the columns and rows of Excel spreadsheet(s), if used, must be clearly shown on
the screen capture(s)
• Any commentary or analysis must be specific
• Presentation can be understood by a non-technical audience

Marking scheme:

100-80% 79-70% 69-60% 59-50% 49-40% 39-30% 29-0%

The work produced The work produced The work produced The work produced The work produced The work produced The work produced
is exceptional in is of excellent meets all of the meets all of the meets all of the fails to meet all of fails to meet all of

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most/all aspects, quality, exceeding intended learning intended learning intended learning the intended the intended
substantially expectations for this outcomes and exceeds outcomes and exceeds outcomes at, but rarely learning outcomes learning outcomes
exceeding level in many the threshold the threshold exceeding the and is marginally and is inadequate
expectations for this aspects. expectations for this expectations for this threshold expectations inadequate for this for this level.
level. level in several of them level in some of them. for this level. level

Assessment 2 Individual online in-class Test (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

Weighting: 60%

Date/time/method of submission: Week 13

The test will cover various subjects of the research business data such as sampling, secondary
data and probability. In addition to that, the test will cover correlation\regression quartiles, statistics
(mean, media, mode, standard deviation), index etc. General knowledge and theories on statistics
will also be included in the test

The test can be in written and/or multiple-choice formats. It will be held online. It is important to
complete all the given activities to prepare yourself for the test.

When the test happens online, it is important to note the following:

o Do NOT refresh the PC/laptop as if it is locked-out, no more attempt can be given.

o Do NOT overload your broadband while doing the test

o When it is a ONE attempt-controlled assessment, do NOT pause but complete it in one sitting.

o Questions are distributed randomly by the system itself.

Further details of the test will be published on BB.

It is important that you do the 161 hours independent study (referring to the Reading List) on
related and relevant topics, which may not be necessarily covered during the lessons, but all
will still be assessed in the in-class test.

For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access
online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at: uwl.ac.uk/current-
students/online-learning-tools

Employability Skills

This assessment covers the following employability skills, which you could demonstrate on your
CV and at job interviews if you successfully pass the assessment:

• Communication
• Writing
• Presenting
• Non-Verbal
• Problem solving
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 • Critical thinking
• Can work under pressure and to deadline
• Planning and organisation skills
• Numeracy
• Industry/commercial aware
• Digitally literate
• Creativity/lateral thinking
• Time management
• Project management
• Intellectual curiosity
• Perseverance
• Confidence
• Decision making based on data

Learning materials
The reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area and online by
searching uwl.rl.talis.com. This shows real-time availability of books in the library and provides
direct links to digital items, recommended by your lecturer.

Remember to log into Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available
at your module sites!

Subject guides (subject-guides-libguides) are also available to help you find relevant information
for assignments, with contact details of the Subject Librarian for your School.

Reading List Essential resources

Eurostats (2020). eurostat- Your key to European Statistics. [online] Available at

<https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/home> [Accessed 12 August 2020]

Office for National Statistics (2020). Home - Office for National Statistics. [online] Available at
<https://www.ons.gov.uk/> [Accessed 12 August 2020]

UK Data Service (2020). UK Data Service. [online] Available at <https://ukdataservice.ac.uk/>

[Accessed 12 August 2020]

Essential Reading

RBD Work Book Part A (Available on Blackboard)

RBD Work Book Part B (Available on Blackboard)

Rumsey, J. (2016). Statistics For Dummies, 2nd Edition (For Dummies (Lifestyle)). Wiley: New
York

Taylor S. (2007) Business Statistics: For Non-Mathematicians Revised 2nd Edn. Palgrave
Macmillan: London

Recommended Reading

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Brase H. Charles, Brase P. Corrinne (2018). Understanding Basic Statistics, International Metric
Edition. 8th Edn. Cengage Learning: London

Anderson, D., Sweeney, D., Williams, T., Freeman, J. and Shoesmith, E. (2017) Statistics for
Business and Economics. Cengage Learning : London

Wisniewski, M. (2016). Quantitative methods for decision makers. Pearson : Harlow Further
Reading

Morris C. (2011) Quantitative Approaches in Business Studies 8th Ed Harlow: Pearson Education:
Harlow

Remember, all your work must have Academic Integrity; it must be an honest and fair submission,
complying with all the requirements of the assessment, that properly references and credits any
other people’s work you have used. Failure to meet these standards of behaviour and practice is
academic misconduct, which can result in penalties being applied under the Academic Offences
Regulations.

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3 Things you need to know
3.1 Engagement
Teaching at OBC during the academic year 2021-22 may involve a range of on site and online teaching
and learning activities. Whether you are engaging with teaching and learning activities on site or via the
college’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), we expect the same level of commitment and
engagement from you. If you are unable to attend scheduled on site or online activities or complete
activities in the time frames set out, you should let your tutors know. You should aim to stick to
assessment deadlines; if you are concerned that you will not be able to complete your assessments on
time, you should talk to your tutors. Your engagement, whether online or on site, will be tracked and if
we see that you are not engaging, we will get in contact with you. However, we encourage you to let us
know if you are having problems so we can work with you to find solutions and get you back on track
as soon as possible. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed by engaging with the full range
of learning and teaching activities available to you.

All students should refer to the Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy which can be
downloaded from here

3.2 Need help, just ask

We recognise that there are times when you may encounter difficulties during your course of study and
provisions are made to help you. If you think you will be unable to meet deadlines please talk to us,
whether it’s your course/module leader, personal tutor or any member of staff, so they can get you the
support you need to succeed. You can extend your deadline if you have a good reason why you are
not able to submit a piece of coursework on time before your deadline. If an extension is not
sufficient and circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from completing your
assessment, then you can apply for mitigation.

Please remember late submission without extension or mitigation may result in penalties depending on
how late it is, see University Academic Regulations.

As a student of the University of West London you are expected to behave in line with UWL
expectations, irrespective of whether your interactions with staff and other students are in person or
online. As you will be engaging with others online and with a range of online materials, it is important to
consider how to stay safe online and ensure your communications are secure and appropriate. If you
have any questions about how to manage your online activities, please contact your module leader.

If you have an issue about the module, you should speak to your Module Leader or Course Leader
informally in the first instance. Your Course Representative can also raise your concerns at Course
Committees, which take place each semester. If you are unable to resolve it informally, you should
refer to our Complaints Procedure which is outlined on our website through this link
https://www.oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk/news/how-to-make-a-complaint/

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The College will always aim to ensure that issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to have
minimum impact on your studies.

3.3 Getting support for your studies

Throughout your course of study, you will have access to a wide variety of sources of support
depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Your first point of call for getting general
academic support is your Personal Tutor. As well as approaching your Module Leader with any
questions specifically related to your module and your Course Leader with questions on your Course,
do contact your Personal Tutor or Partnership Support Link Tutor for academic advice in relation to
your studies and your academic development.

Oxford Business College takes pride in its student support, guidance and wellbeing, complemented by
our ethos that every student is an individual. Staff are committed to the College’s mission statement “to
provide each learner with the most positive learning experience”.

We ensure that students at the College can expect a supportive and responsive experience from the
initial inquiry by completing a course and progression within or outside the College. This demonstrates
our commitment to provide support for inclusive, high-standard students and provides students with a
foundation for high achievement.

Our students’ changing needs and their varied reason for learning guide our approach to providing
innovative learning opportunities from entry-level to higher learning that promotes individual progress.
Either for personal development & wellbeing, academic progression or career advancement, whilst
supporting those facing learning barriers to overcome them and succeed. The College is committed to
helping its student’s Academic and Professional Development (APD) via examples currently in place,
such as personal tutorials, a mentor system and pastoral care.

3.4 PERSONALISED SERVICE

Oxford Business College provides a personalised service adapted to the different needs of different
students by:

Developing effective individual learning plans

Effective pastoral care. The College has a dedicated Student Welfare Officer and Counsellor, and
students may, in addition, meet the Head of academics or Principal to discuss their concerns

Tutorial meetings

A mentor system with a tutor or member of the academic team

Peer mentor

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You can read more on our support services via the link below:

https://www.oxfordbusinesscollege.ac.uk/support-wellbeing/

3.5 Module evaluation – have your say!

Towards the end of the module you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the Module
Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give some direct feedback about the
module through a series of questions and free text. Your constructive feedback will help the Module
Leader and teaching team to understand the module experience from your perspective and helps
inform the development of the module. At the end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be
available so that you can see exactly how your voice has been heard.

Leader and teaching team to understand the module experience from your perspective and helps
inform the development of the module. At the end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be

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