BSc (Hons) Business Analytics (Industry) Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University

In this module, you will be introduced to key topics in business intelligence, business analytics, and business data science. You will learn essential concepts, principles, and techniques related to analytics. You will explore how data collection, description, visualisation and analysis can empower institutions to make more informed decisions. We will also cover methods for discovering, measuring and visualising relationships within data, as well as the fundamentals of forecasting and data mining. Real case studies will be presented to highlight the practical value of different analytical techniques, while also identifying common pitfalls, such as "lying with descriptive statistics," mislead

Using Python, this module develops your foundational computer programming skills, in the context of heuristics for business decision-making and optimisation. It begins with basic computing concepts, data structures and algorithms, which helps develop logical and abstract thinking. By incorporating heuristics into the Python learning process, you will enhance your understanding of the language.

Operations Management is a core managerial discipline for all types of organisations, from private sector manufacturing to public sector services. This module introduces the role of operations managers. You will cover a variety of topics including: operations design, capacity planning and control, supply chain management, inventory, forecasting quality management.

The module begins with an overview of business analytics, focusing on developing your intuition about randomness and uncertainty in business. It introduces various business analytics techniques that take uncertainty into account. You will examine case studies illustrating real-life situations, enhancing your understanding of the importance of recognising uncertainty, which is omnipresent in data and in decision-making.

The Management School is committed to your professional development. We help you build study skills to learn effectively from day one and develop your employability skills to help you secure placements and jobs during and after your degree. This module is designed specifically for BSc Business Analytics students and includes core skills for business analytics professionals.

This introductory module is your gateway to mastering three essential areas in business: financial accounting, management accounting, and managerial finance In financial accounting, you will learn to craft and understand how to prepare financial statements for external stakeholders such as investors, creditors and regulators. In management accounting, you will explore the preparation of financial information for reporting to internal stakeholders such as managers or executives and discover how tailored financial information is used to inform managers’ and executives’ planning, decision-making and control of business activities. In the area of finance, you will study financial markets and the

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to economic principles with a more mathematical approach. It explores the workings of modern economies at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. At the microeconomic level, you will examine the decision-making processes of individuals and firms, investigating concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behaviour. At the macroeconomic level, you will explore key national economic indicators, including national income, unemployment rates, inflation, and the implications of economic policy.

Interested in how mathematicians build theories from basic concepts to complex ideas, like eigenvalues and integration? Journey from polynomial operations to matrices and calculus through this module. Starting with polynomials and mathematical induction, you will learn fundamental proof techniques. You will explore matrices, arrays of numbers encoding simultaneous linear equations, and their geometric transformations, which are essential in linear algebra. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which characterise these transformations, will be introduced, highlighting their role in applications including population growth and Google's page rankings. Next, we will reintroduce you to calculus, from its

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to macroeconomics, which involves the study of economics at an aggregate level. We will cover various topics, including national income analysis, monetary theory, business cycles, inflation, unemployment, and the great macroeconomic debates. The module provides the foundations for further study in Economics. Throughout the module, we will develop essential theoretical concepts and demonstrate how they apply to real-world situations. The module is self-contained and can be taken by students with no prior knowledge of macroeconomics. It takes a more mathematical approach to the subject than Foundations of Macroeconomics.

This module provides a broad and comprehensive introduction to marketing, giving you a solid overview of how marketing works in a business context. You will be introduced to key marketing concepts, including: Customer value Segmentation Targeting Marketing communications This will give you a great foundation for understanding how organisations use marketing to connect with audiences and grow their business. The insights gained from this module will help you think more strategically in any business role.

You will receive a thorough introduction to microeconomics, which is the analysis of Economics at the level of the individual or firm. The topics you will cover include the theory of demand and supply, costs and pricing under various forms of market structure, and welfare economics. The module lays the groundwork for further study in Economics. In addition to developing key theoretical concepts, we will illustrate how these concepts can be applied to real-world examples. The module is self-contained and is suitable for students without prior knowledge of the subject. This module provides a more mathematical treatment of microeconomics than Foundations of Microeconomics.

An introduction to the mathematical and computational toolsets for modelling the randomness of the world. You will learn about probability, the language used to describe random fluctuations, statistics and the mathematical techniques used to extract meaning from data. You will explore how computing tools can be used to solve challenges in scientific research, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science. You will develop the axiomatic theory of probability, discover the theory and uses of random variables and investigate how theory matches intuitions about the real-world. You will then dive into statistical inference, learning to select appropriate probability models to describ

Optimisation is one of the primary techniques associated with management science and operational research. Linear programming models are used routinely in many industries, including petroleum refining and the food industry. Integer linear programming models are increasingly utilised for complex scheduling problems, such as those in the airline industry, where they have resulted in substantial cost savings. Skills in formulating and solving applied optimisation problems are valuable for anybody interested in a career in operational research, business modelling, or consultancy. Simulation is ultimately about building computer models to study and quantify uncertainty in a system and using this

Supporting decision-making in organisations is at the heart of business analytics, and is important for planning. For example, it helps with predicting customer demand or understanding customer behaviour. You will be introduced to various techniques in forecasting and predictive analytics. You will learn how to predict future demand using statistical and machine learning techniques. Additionally, you will utilise data to gain a better understanding of customers by implementing machine learning techniques. The aim is to give you the skills necessary to develop a validated quantitative set of predictions using both statistical and machine learning methods. These skills will enable you to suppo

Organisations must continuously adapt and change to maintain a competitive advantage. Projects, whether viewed individually or as part of broader programmes and portfolios, serve as vehicles for configuring and implementing strategic change. They can also be used as a form of organising to bring urgency, impetus and finality to ongoing operations, a concept known as projectification. As a result, projects are common in the workplace, and project management skills are essential for career advancement and success. This module will provide a clear and comprehensive introduction to project management. It links to professional bodies of knowledge (PMIBOK®, APMBOK®) and covers the typical project

Gain a modern perspective on the role of technology in business and explore how technology drives organisational transformation. This module reviews both external and internal strategic factors that drive the adoption of technology within organisations and how these factors align with overall business strategy. By the end of the module, you will understand the strategic significance of technology in business. You will learn how organisations and technology interplay and evolve in response to external and internal demands and opportunities.

This module will support your learning of how marketers and advertising agencies develop strategies to engage with their target customers. You will explore how brands use digital tools and platforms to transform the way they connect with us, and how data is used to shape campaigns, target consumers, create personalised experiences and evaluate marketing performance. You will also reflect on emerging ethical issues such as privacy, data responsibility and the social impact of digital communications.

This module is designed to enhance your strategic thinking skills. You will learn how to use games to model real-world strategic situations, and how to analyse and solve these games in scenarios where players are intelligent and rational. The module covers: normal form games extensive form games Bayesian games games with correlation devices repetitive games behavioural games Additionally, you will have opportunities to play these games with your instructor and classmates. A basic understanding of algebra, calculus and economics is necessary for this module.

Boost your CV by gaining international experience and earn credits towards your degree. You study abroad at a summer school at a partner university between your first and second year. You will gain subject-specific business knowledge and experience studying in a different country and culture. You can choose from a wide selection of partner universities based on where you want to study and the subjects offered. Some of your assessment will take place at the partner university. You will also write a reflective essay after you return to help you articulate what you have learnt during your time abroad. This will help you to link your experiences to employability for future interviews. To complet

This module will enhance your knowledge in accounting and finance. You will first focus on financial accounting, exploring essential topics like the valuation of inventory and non-current assets such as machinery, buildings and land. This knowledge is critical for understanding financial statements. You will examine financial accounting in limited liability companies and sharpen your skills in analysing financial statements. In terms of management accounting, you will learn techniques to take control of business costs and performance. You will master the art of costing through absorption and activity-based costing methods, and perfect your approach to budgetary control for planning and effec

Explore how real-world phenomena can be understood using macroeconomic models. This module will help you understand macroeconomic data and examine the implications of economic policies in both closed and open economies. By the end of the module, you will be able to interpret macroeconomic events and tackle macroeconomic questions using the concepts and methods presented in lectures and tutorials. We will focus on major issues related to economic growth, the causes of economic fluctuations, and the effectiveness of economic policy.

You will be introduced to key concepts from microeconomic theory and their application to consumer and firm decision-making. We begin with an overview of how firms make decisions under different market structures, different pricing structures, along with the welfare implications of these choices. Next, you will learn how consumers make decisions and how they respond to price changes. Our focus then shifts to strategic behaviour, incorporating a game-theoretic approach. We will also cover the significance of hidden information and hidden action. Additionally, we will discuss issues related to the modern business organisation, such as various models of auctions. Finally, you will cover topics

This module provides an in-depth exploration of some key contemporary marketing topics, allowing students from a wider business background to then study further strategic marketing modules. You will gain a deeper understanding of the following: consumers and consumer behaviour effective marketing communications the contemporary challenges facing marketers and organisations.

Many organisational recruiters have identified several key skills and areas of knowledge that they seek in prospective employees. At the top of the priorities are spreadsheet modelling, problem structuring, statistics, and project management. This module will introduce you to Microsoft Excel 2024 and the fundamentals of dynamic model building. You will learn essential skills such as: data handling filtering and analysis using functions charting Additionally, you will cover advanced techniques such as: optimisation simulation utilising Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to automate models and construct decision support models. Throughout the module we will make extensive use of case-studies

The overall objective of this module is to develop your abilities to describe, analyse, and interpret data soundly, making effective use of computer software. Statistical methods play a crucial role in supporting decision-making across the range of Management School subject areas, including accounting and finance, marketing, economics, operations management, and operational research. Developing these skills will also help you demonstrate to prospective employers that you possess practical skills that can be immediately applied to solve problems for both public and private sector organisations. The lecture materials and problems that you will be asked to solve in workshops relate to typical p

Your placement takes place in the third year of your four-year degree. You will spend this year working in a graduate-level placement role. You will be able to connect your academic learning with professional practice by using the workplace as a setting for experiential learning. You will be employed and will apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. You will actively engage in workplace activities, observing and participating in actual processes. The LUMS Placements and Internships team will support and monitor you while you are on placement.

Machine learning (ML) is critical in the process of extracting knowledge (that is patterns, relationships and insights) from complex real-world datasets. As a result, ML plays a key role in the transition from intuition-based to evidence-based decision-making. You will be introduced to fundamental methods and tools from statistical and machine learning, covering the entire data analysis process. The module begins with setting project objectives and understanding the available data, and continues through the development and assessment of machine learning and statistical models. We will expand on concepts of statistical modelling, such as linear regression, and introduce established and cuttin

This module builds on the skills acquired in the earlier optimisation and simulation module. It will cover more advanced optimisation and simulation techniques and their application in more complex problems. The aim is to further enhance the decision-making toolkits of a business analyst for real-world applications. The optimisation part will introduce new methods for different types of problem, while the simulation section will expand upon existing knowledge to allow more insightful analysis from simulation models. The following topics will be covered: multi-objective optimisation goal programming sequential decision making In-depth exploration of simulation modelling advanced analysis of s

This capstone module builds on key principles of project management and is an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge you have gained from previous modules. You will apply concepts from business analytics, operations management, and information systems to tackle real-world business challenges within an analytical project. Working in teams, you will develop and implement a project management plan with guidance from your supervisors. You will deliver a group presentation and receive formative and summative feedback, as well as submit a group report. The module enhances your collaboration, communication, and presentation skills by encouraging you to convey complex ideas clearly and profess

This experiential learning simulation focuses on a negotiation scenario designed to enhance your professional skills. Based on the Crossbay Contracting Game created by Adam Hindle, three health service organisations are involved in a contract negotiation, and you will act as part of the management team for one of these organisations. The main aim is to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to all three parties.

This advanced module in accounting and finance will give you the tools to navigate the complexities of modern business environments. In financial accounting, you will explore the critical areas of disclosure and earnings management, unravelling how these practices shape perceptions of a company’s performance. You will also investigate the pivotal role of auditors and the importance of maintaining auditor independence in safeguarding financial integrity. In management accounting we will focus on strategic management accounting, where you will learn how to align accounting strategies with broader business goals. You will also examine the recent developments in value creation, discovering how o

This module builds on the techniques developed during earlier spreadsheet modelling modules. Its aim is to enhance your technical skills in Excel, improve your model design capabilities, and strengthen your VBA programming proficiency, enabling you to create effective and powerful models. As in the previous module, case studies and real-life applications will be used to illustrate these concepts and demonstrate how value can be added to models used in management and analysis situations. You will learn general concepts about spreadsheet modelling using VBA and acquire a wide range of modelling skills which are highly relevant to management. These include structured programming, program docume

This module explores some of the most pressing issues that marketers face today. Topics might include digital transformation, sustainability, inclusivity or changing consumer values. You will be encouraged to reflect critically on the role of marketing in society and consider how your own practice can contribute to a more responsible future.

This module is designed to promote independent learning and allow you to apply the knowledge and skills from your degree to understand and analyse contemporary policy issues. You will be able to independently produce both written and verbal reports on current policy topics that are accessible to policymakers and senior managers in both the private and public sectors. The content of this module will focus on contemporary issues. In the past, topics have included: Is government debt a burden for future generations? What is the value of a degree? How are interest rates set? Business support during the pandemic: Essential support or fraud? How should we pay for social care? How can we help the l

This module introduces the business use and impact of information technologies (IT), with a particular focus on enterprise systems. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience related to information systems within organisations, particularly how companies meet their integration needs. You will gain hands-on experience using an enterprise system, such as SAP, and managing a simulated business, like a virtual dairy company. This practical approach will help you to understand core business processes and the concept of integration. We will also explore how digital technologies support sustainable business practices, highlighting the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emiss

Supply chain management has become a significant concern for many organisations in both public and private sectors and is one of the most actively researched areas in the academic operations management community. You will explore the principles and practices of supply chain management focusing on logistics within high-volume industries like retail. Additionally, you will critically examine supply chain management, as just one manifestation of the broader issue of trans-organisational operations management. Most of the time will be spent considering inter-organisational relationships from various perspectives, but it will also be necessary to understand how they relate to matters within the o