MS70122E- L7 Data Science Insights for Decision Making Module 2026 | UWL

Table of contents

1. Module Team details
2. Module overview
3. Preparing for your Assessment
4. Summative Assessments
Summative Assessment 1
Summative Assessment 2
5. Learning materials
6. Maintaining Academic Honesty and Integrity
7. Meeting Deadlines
8. Getting Support
Glossary and Acronyms

Module overview

Data Science Insights for Decision Making (DSIDM) equips modern managers with the tools necessary for the assessment of risk, the evaluation of competing strategies and the effective allocation of resources. These tools include risk analysis matrices, transforming data and information. You will also be exposed to the ideas of how technologies help better inform decision- makers.

This module introduces the information process cycle, assists students in gaining a critical understanding of the concept of decision making and its importance and equips modern managers with the tools necessary for the assessment of risk, the evaluation of competing strategies and the effective allocation of resources to improve decision making and gain a competitive advantage.

Introduction to Data, Information, Knowledge, and Group Working; Financial Functions, Information Systems in Global Organizations, Business Risk and Impact Analysis, Managerial Decision Making and Modelling are some of the topics covered in this module.

The course then delves into Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, Data Mining, and Applied Lab Data Analysis. Predictive Analytics using Text Mining, Web and Social Media Analytics, and Prescriptive Analytics - Introduction to Optimisation and Simulation are also explored. It will conclude with Big Data concepts and tools, as well as how they are changing the world of analytics.

The details of weekly sessions will be available on Blackboard under the ‘learning materials’
section.

Ensure you refer to your Course Handbook for a detailed outline of how this module forms part of your course.

Please ensure you refer to your Course Handbook for a detailed outline of how this module forms part of your course.

Expectations

Specific expectations students can have of tutors:

1.Guidance and support

Your tutor will provide you with academic guidance and will help you reflect on your academic progress so that you get the most out of your studies. Your tutor and student support team will also provide advice on the wider network of specialist student support services at the University to help you have the best possible experience during your studies.

2.Confidentiality

Some information may be sensitive. Although it may be necessary to consult colleagues, University staff will treat such information as confidential and will limit disclosures to the minimum necessary.

3. Assessment marks and summative feedback

Assessment marks and summative feedback will be given within 3 working weeks from the assessment submission deadline.
Specific expectations tutors will have of students:

1.Engagement

You are expected to attend all the classes and seminars and be punctual. You will get the most out of your support by working in partnership with your tutor and student support team. This is a two-way process and by taking part in it fully you will gain more benefits from your experience at the University. You are therefore, expected to actively participate and engage in class activities and inform the tutor by e-mail when and if you are unable to attend any classes.

2. Preparation

You are expected to read any preparation material / attempt any practice questions prior to lectures/seminars as per instructions given.

3. Professional conduct

You are expected to behave professionally in classes and not cause any disruption that might affect other students’ learning. You are also expected to communicate with your tutors in a professional manner.

4. Attempt all assessments

You are expected to attempt all assessments by the submission deadline unless there are extenuating circumstances (in which case please contact your Course Leader for extension request or mitigation claim prior to the assessment deadline).

Preparing for your Assessment

A key part of your learning will be preparation for your summative assessment. You will be provided feedback on your formative assessments, and this will help you to better understand what is required of you when you submit your summative assessment. Please see below guidance on your formative assessment and how to access your feedback.

Formative assessments will take place during the lecture and seminar sessions, covering the topics outlined in the table below. Feedback to guide your preparation for the summative assessment will be provided individually during these sessions.

Assessment Support

Summative Assessments

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.

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

Summative Assessment 2

Main objectives of the Assessment Individual Analysis (100%)

In Week 14, you are tasked with creating a video presentation on the company you selected in Assignment 1. This presentation must move beyond reviewing past strategic decisions and instead provide forward-looking recommendations on how the organisation can enhance its decision-making and risk management over the next 3–5 years.
Strong emphasis should be placed on critical thinking, originality, and thorough secondary research. Any AI tools must only be used within the limits of the Amber guidance under CELT’s Traffic Light System, serving to complement rather than replace your own analysis. All use of AI must be transparently acknowledged.

A recorded presentation of strictly no more than 8 minutes should cover the following:

Assessment Criteria

Introduction (15%)

• Apply risk management analysis to relate to the decision-making of the organisation in Assignment 1.
• Explain the importance of risk analysis and its current impact on the chosen organisation.
• Position the organisation for forward-looking evaluation by briefly noting its current decision- making context.
• Adhere to the Harvard referencing style.

Planning/Strategy (25%)

• Use of data, information, and secondary research to evaluate decision-making.
• Assessment of risk planning frameworks and benchmarking practices.
• Develop forward-looking strategic recommendations for integrated decision-making and risk management over the next 3–5 years.
• Adhere to the Harvard referencing style.

Issues and Challenges (30%)

• Identify and critically analyse issues faced by the organisation (operational, financial, market-related).
• Conduct risk/impact analysis of these issues.
• Consider how emerging risks (technological, regulatory, environmental) may affect future decision-making capacity.
• Adhere to the Harvard referencing style.

Conclusion (15%)

• Restate the main theme of your presentation.
• Summarise three forward-looking recommendations to strengthen the organisation’s risk management and decision-making.
• Adhere to the Harvard referencing style.

Presentation (15%)

• Communicate findings effectively and succinctly for a non-technical audience.
• Demonstrate a professional standard of presentation design and delivery.
• Maintain coherence and clarity in argument and visual aids.
• Show ability to handle potential questions with confidence.
• Adhere to the Harvard referencing style.

On the first slide, you must state:

• Name of the chosen Organisation
• Student Name

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

Assessment 2: Marking Scheme

Learning materials

You can find the reading list for this module:

• On Blackboard in the module area.
• Online at UWLReadingLists by searching for the module code or title.

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

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

Maintaining Academic Honesty and Integrity

Academic Integrity means avoiding plagiarism and cheating and owning your own work, the unauthorised use of essay mills and AI content is also considered academic misconduct. This is when you submit a piece of work which is not completely your own, but which you are presenting as your own without acknowledging the author or properly referencing the original source. All your work must demonstrate Academic Integrity; it must be an honest and fair submission, complying with all the requirements of the assessment. Failure to meet these standards of behaviour and practice is academic misconduct, which can result in penalties being applied under the Academic Of fences Regulations.

Meeting Deadlines

You should always try your best to submit your work on time. If your circumstances mean that you are not able to submit on time or are unable to attend an in-person assessment like an exam or in- class test, then you can request Exceptional circumstances for the assessment. An extension allows you to submit coursework up to 10 calendar days late without penalty, (calendar days include all weekends and bank holidays where the University is open). Without an extension, the maximum mark you will be able to get for that work will be the pass mark. Mitigation allows you a mitigated attempt without penalty if you fail an assessment or do not submit.

You can apply for an extension or mitigation by self-certifying that you have exceptional circumstances which affected your ability to undertake the assessment. Self-certifying means that evidence does not have to be provided, although the University reserves the right to request evidence. All self-certified requests must be made before the deadline and detail the exceptional circumstances that have prevented you from submitting by the original submission deadline. You can only self-certify three assessments per academic year. If you have used all your self- certification opportunities, or requested mitigation after the deadline, you will need to provide evidence of your exceptional circumstances for your request to be granted.

The Student Union Advice Service can provide support and guide you through the extension and mitigation process; you can access further information by visiting the UWLSU webpage.

Getting Support

There may be times when you experience circumstances outside of your control and talking to your Module Leader/Tutor and seeking help from other support services in the university will keep you on track with your studies. You can access support and guidance and confidential help at our Support for current students page and by vising the Student Hub. It is equally important to consider your safety and the safety of others around you, especially how to stay safe online and ensure your communications are secure and appropriate. You should also familiarise yourself with the University Safeguarding Policy, process, and procedure.

You can get support with your academic writing and study skills through 1 – 2- 1 appointments and workshops with the Study Support Team.

The Peer Mentoring Service gives you the opportunity to develop your skills and enhance your confidence; whether you would like to receive the support of a Peer Mentor or volunteer to be a Peer Mentor you can get involved!

To find out more please visit The Peer Mentoring Scheme webpage at or contact us on peer.mentoring@uwl.ac.uk.

Your Students’ Union Advice Team can help you to obtain the right support for all areas of your Academic study.

Glossary and Acronyms

Terms and definitions