COM7024 Programming for Data Analytics Assessment Brief 2026 | Arden University

Task summary:

As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit a Programming for Data Analytics assignment. Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments. The assignment brief will specifically give details and instructions for the assignment. No examination, or details of, are included within this module.

Assignment instructions: 

Description: The assignment is given as one extended task, unless multiple component shave been given. Task 1 has been designed to check your understanding of Data Analytics programming methodologies for critical analysis, through a real-world mini–Data Analytics project. All of which will be written in Python. Plus, Task 1 allows you to demonstrate your reporting skills, comprehensively written in an easily understandable manner, based on your Data Analytics study. 

A clear, concise analysis for the Task is to be given within the submission, complimented with screenshot evidence of all processes and results. You are to submit a single Word document for the task, and your code for Task 1 is to be included within an appendix so that it can bechecked and verified it be working correctly. Your student ID number must be clearly definedin the uploaded file.

Assignment Task

Task 1 - Data Analytics in Python

Detail Task 1

You have recently acquired an analyst position at One Time Sales and Marketing Ltd. One of the sales managers has asked you to perform exploratory data analysis, using Python, on a sales tracking data set: the focus being on the Sales Person and Total sales value over the given time period of the data set, plus a further study on whether there is a correlation between priority and value over the same period. The purpose of the study is to appraise analytical methodologies to help predict possible sales trends in the future for the identified sales representatives.

Therefore, you are to correctly import the sales data set named Sales Data PDA 4052.xls and perform initial statistical tests on all appropriate variables, once ensuring all data types are correct. Initial process now completed, perform all appropriate pre-processing methodologies, which you deem are necessary to enable a further statistical study, demonstrating improvements from the pre- processing stage.

Based upon the focused variables above, critically evaluate and conduct what you determine are appropriate further investigations, with graphical representation, so that a meaningful study can be presented to your sales manager. You are to give full written reasoning and justification to complement each procedure carried out throughout the entire investigation.
Additionally, write a clear and concise report to your analysist manager defining your investigation. Your report will include all relevant analysis methodologies undertaken, full reasoning for your chosen analysis techniques and recommendations.

(100 Total marks)
(LO's:1,2, 3 & 4)
(2000 Word Equivalence - Coded Work)
(1000 Word Equivalence - Reflective Report)

(Note: In this assignment, we will not select or apply any ML model, only apply preprocessing techniques including EDA, and write a reflective report based on the findings and at the end suggest some insightful recommendations that would help for further analysis and support in the decision-making process.)

Learning outcomes (LO)

By completing this assessment, you will have shown and be assessed on all four of the learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts and principles of programming and programming paradigms. [LO 1]
2. Employ relevant tools, programmatic techniques, and features to prepare, manipulate, and analyse data. [LO 2]
3. Critically evaluate the preliminary results of manipulating and analysing data [LO 3]
4. Evaluate and apply digital tools and/or services while critically reflecting on opportunities for developing novel digital capabilities. Identify, select, plan for, use, modify, and evaluate digital applications and strategies to enhance the achievement of aims and desired outcomes. [LO 4]