MS70122E Data Science Insights for Decision Making Summative A1: Group Comparative Assignment 2026

MS70122E Summative Assessment 1

Submitting, feedback & grades online using Blackboard

Main objectives of the Assessment (Group Work (100%)

As a group (up to 4 students), you choose any international organisation agreed with your tutor. In addition, you must include a brief comparative reference to at least one competitor organisation to evaluate relative strengths and weaknesses in the adoption of DSIDM methodologies.

You are tasked with conducting comprehensive secondary research into the implementation of DSIDM methodologies within the organisation, critically assessing challenges faced and pinpointing environmental obstacles that require attention. Your analysis must show how the chosen organisation performs against at least one comparator in terms of decision-making and data science application. You will present a report of between 3000 and maximum 3500 words to cover the following areas:

The operation area (sector) of the organisation

Information systems/Technology used and the impact on the organisation operation(s)

Any data science/ data warehouse tools used

Identify organisation challenges in the environment.

Use of AI tools is permitted for background reading and sourcing supporting material, but AI must not be used to generate analysis, structure, or written sections of the group report. All work must reflect the group’s own research, interpretation, and writing. (AI Traffic Light: Amber).

Assessment Criteria

Introduction of the Chosen Organisation (15%)

• Clear scoping of the organisation in the context of DSIDM.
• Overview of operations, products/services, and sector relevance.
• Identification of aims and objectives relevant to decision making.
• Brief positioning of the chosen organisation within its sector and why it is suitable for comparison.

Use of Further and Extensive Research (30%)

• Evidence of wide-ranging and high-quality secondary sources.
• Synthesis of academic and professional literature.
• Clear application of theories of decision-making to the chosen organisation.
• Analysis of the importance and process of decision-making.
• Inclusion of sector/market reports that contextualise both the chosen organisation and its comparator.

Relevant DSIDM issues for the Chosen Organisation and comparative insights with at least one competitor (30%)

• Identification and analysis of organisation-specific DSIDM issues.
• Evaluation of systems (information management, IT strategies, knowledge management).
• Assessment of macro/micro environmental challenges affecting decision-making.
• Comparative evaluation of at least one competitor organisation, highlighting differences and similarities in DSIDM practices.
• Critical insight into how the chosen organisation performs relative to its comparator.

Conclusions (15%)

• Restatement of main findings and their implications for decision-making.
• Specific reflections on how the comparative analysis sharpens understanding of strengths and weaknesses.
• Summary of three key takeaways regarding DSIDM application and organisational performance.

Overall Coherence (10%)

• Logical structure and professional presentation.
• Effective balance between narrative and data/visuals.
• Correct application of Harvard referencing.
• Clear signposting and smooth integration of individual group contributions.
• Integration of the comparative element into the overall flow of the report.

Suggested Content Template:

1.Title Page and Content

• Name of the chosen Organisation
• Name of the Comparator Organisation
• Team Members
• Actual Word Count

2.Executive Summary

• Summarise the main theme of your report.
• Highlight the inclusion of a comparative perspective with at least one competitor.

3.Organisation Background (Aims, Objectives, Mission, Main Operational Areas)

• Provide a concise background of the chosen organisation.
• As a team, evaluate all the operational areas researched by your team members.
• Position the organisation within its sector and briefly introduce the comparator to contextualise the analysis.

4. Management Decision Making and Analysis
(each student must state their name to verify individual contribution)

• Apply decision-making theories and relate them to the chosen organisation.
• Critically analyse decision-making processes and outcomes.
• Where relevant, contrast with the comparator to identify similarities/differences in decision- making approaches.

5. Systems and Information Technology
(each student must state their name to verify individual contribution)

• Identify and analyse the Information Systems and Technologies used in the chosen organisation.
• Include relevant data science and data warehouse tools.
• Where possible, provide comparative commentary on systems/IT adoption in the comparator organisation.
  6.Current and Future Challenges (3 challenges)
• Analyse and evaluate three key challenges (current and future) faced by the chosen organisation.
• Integrate insights from the comparator to highlight sector-wide versus organisation-specific challenges.

7. Conclusions

• Summarise three specific important points from the report, focusing on DSIDM impacts on the chosen organisation.
• Reflect on the added value of including a comparative element in strengthening the analysis.

8. Bibliography and References

• Use correct Harvard Referencing format.
• Include all references used by every team member.
• Ensure sector/market reports used for comparator analysis are included.

9. Appendices

• Any additional details (e.g. supplementary data tables, frameworks, or diagrams).
• Include any supporting material used for the comparator organisation.
  Word Count: Strictly no more than 3,500 words. Title page, contents list, executive summary, reference list, and appendices are excluded. Use clear headings and subheadings.

Learning Outcomes:

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:

• Written Communication
• Problem solving
• Take initiative and self-motivating
• Critical thinking
• Can work under pressure and to deadline
• Planning and organisation skills
• Team working
• Ability to learn and adapt
• Numeracy
• Digitally literate
• Creativity/lateral thinking
• Time management
• Intellectual curiosity
• Perseverance
• Confidence
• Integrity and accountability Decision making

Assessment 1: Marking Scheme