This course builds on the material introduced in introductory Business Information Systems courses by covering how business analytics and business intelligence can be used for improved business decision-making. Contemporary forms of analytics such as visual, text, sentiment, web, and social are covered in the course, as well as established technologies like decision support, knowledge management, collaborative and expert systems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify the business problems that require decision-making support from business analytics;
- Establish the best search strategy to acquire evidence relevant to the business problem;
- Establish the business analytics method relevant to the business process and the reliability and validity of evidence;
- Summarise the relevant evidence in view of finding analytics solutions to business questions;
- Recognise social and ethical implications of analytics solutions to the business problem;
- Design optimal analytics processes to increase the likelihood of favourable business decision-making outcomes; and
- Reflect on feedback to adjust solutions.
Research-Led Teaching
Seminars may be streamed live through ZOOM, recorded and made available on Echo360 and Wattle.
The course has readings that are a mix of research and industry publications that cover both theoretical concepts and practical application of the content. The fortnightly assessment provides the opportunity for students to apply newly developed skills and receive timely feedback. The visualisation and major assignments allow the student to apply their cumulative analytical research skills and decision-making knowledge to a real-world scenario of their choosing.
Field Trips
There are no field trips in this course.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional class costs expected in this course. The software packages used are available on a trial or free of charge basis.
Examination Material or equipment
There are no examinations in this course.
Required Resources
There are no additional required resources in this courses, but access to a modern computing device (tablet, laptop or desktop computer) is highly advisable. The ANU has a number of computer labs spread across the campus (map)
Recommended Resources
Suggested textbook (available in ANU Library reserve & short loan collection )
Business Intelligence and Analytics: Systems for Decision Support
Author: Ramesh Sharda, Dursun Delen & Efraim Turban
Publisher: Pearson Higher Ed USA
Edition: Global Edition (10e)
ISBN: 9781292009209
Availability: Online & Campus Bookstore
Price: $50-$122.50
Notes: http://www.pearson.com.au/9781292009209
The newer (2020) 11th edition is also suitable and will be available Online, at Campus bookstore & ANU Library (requested) - https://www.pearson.com.au/9781292341552
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seminar - Week 1: BA Overview & DM Foundations | Prepare Fortnightly Assessment 1 - Due Week 2 |
| 2 | Seminar - Week 2: Descriptive Analytics Data Warehousing | Prepare Reflective Journal 1 - Due Week 3 |
| 3 | Seminar - Week 3: Descriptive Analytics Business Reporting, Visual Analytics and Business Performance Management | Prepare Fortnightly Assessment 2 - Due Week 4 |
| 4 | Seminar - Week 4: Predictive Analytics Data Mining & Techniques for Predictive Modelling | Prepare Reflective Journal 2 - Due Week 5 |
| 5 | Seminar - Week 5: Predictive Analytics Text Analytics, Text Mining, and Sentiment Analysis | Prepare Fortnightly Assessment 3 - Due Week 6 |
| 6 | Seminar - Week 6: Predictive Analytics Web Analytics, Web Mining, and Social Analytics | Visualisation report - Due Week 6 |
| 7 | Seminar - Week 7: Prescriptive Analytics Model-Based Decision Making: Optimisation and Multi-Criteria Systems | Prepare Reflective Journal 3 - Due Week 8 |
| 8 | Seminar - Week 8: Prescriptive Analytics Modelling and Analysis: Heuristic Search Methods and Simulation | Prepare Fortnightly Assessment 4 - Due Week 9 |
| 9 | Seminar - Week 9: Prescriptive Analytics Automated Decision Systems and Expert Systems | Prepare Reflective Journal 4 - Due Week 10 |
| 10 | Seminar - Week 10: Prescriptive Analytics Knowledge Management and Collaborative Systems | Prepare Fortnightly Assessment 5 - Due Week 11 |
| 11 | Seminar - Week 11: Big Data | Prepare Reflective Journal 5 - Due Week 12 |
| 12 | Seminar - Week 12: Emerging Trends & Future Impact | Major Assignment (Final Report) - Due first Friday in end of semester examination period |
Tutorial Registration
There are no separate tutorials in this course. The discussion of fortnightly assessment will be done during the weekly 3 hour seminar.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly Assessment (5 tasks @ 6% per task) | 30 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Reflective Journal (5 tasks @ 2% per task) | 10 % | * | * | 7 |
| Visualisation Report (20%) | 20 % | 01/04/2021 | 15/04/2021 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Major Assignment - Final Report (40%) | 40 % | 04/06/2021 | 01/07/2021 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
Participation is expected in all seminar classes but not assessed.
Examination(s)
There are no examinations for this course.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Fortnightly Assessment (5 tasks @ 6% per task)
Due Date
The fortnightly assessment work comprises 30% of your final course mark, with the first of 5 items being due in Week 2. A set of questions will be assigned for each fortnight of the semester and you are required to attempt to answer these questions individually and submit your answers to Wattle by the due date. Each fortnight's questions will deal with the seminar material presented during that week or the previous weeks. Also note that the questions and work listed for each fortnight should be done in preparation for discussion and submission in the seminar that immediately follows submission.
Assessment Type
Individual
Form of Submission
Fortnightly assessment tasks are to be submitted using the course Wattle site by the deadline (which will be at least fortnightly). Submitted assessment does not require a cover sheet. Please keep a copy of submitted work for your records.
Note that your answers must be provided in word-processed or other appropriate electronically produced form. Unless specifically noted in the instructions, handwritten work will not be accepted or, if submitted, will not be marked.
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assessment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit ANU Online.
Marking Criteria
The marker will rate your submitted work (i.e. answers to problems) each fortnight on the relevant point scale.
Problem-based:
0 = No work is submitted, or all of the answers are of an unacceptably poor standard.
1-2 = Not all work was attempted, or all was attempted but most or all of the responses are significantly or seriously flawed.
3-4 = All work was attempted and the quality of the work is generally good.
5-6 = All work was attempted and the quality of the work is, on the whole, excellent.
Note that individual questions will not be marked. Nor should you expect there to be detailed written comments on your submitted work because you are expected to obtain this kind of feedback for yourself during the discussion in seminar classes.
Once fortnightly assessment has been marked (typically before the seminar in which the answers will be discussed or 1-2 days after), results will be released via the gradebook feature on Wattle.
There is no word limit for the Fortnightly Assessments but 3-4 pages is typical, depending on question(s) set.
Assessment Expectations
Consider submission of all fortnightly assessment as being expected, but non-submission of any will not result in a grade of NCN. You will have an opportunity to submit 5 pieces of fortnightly assessment to obtain the 30%, with each individual fortnightly assessment submission being worth 6%.
Please note that extensions for submission of fortnightly assessment work will not normally be allowed due to the quick turnaround in marking. Only in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances will consideration even be given to a request for an extension, and then there is no guarantee that such a request will be approved. If you know you will have conflicting commitments (hopefully early in the semester), discuss alternative assessment arrangement with the Course Convenor.
Marks and limited feedback are normally made available before the seminar in which the answers will be discussed (timetable dependent).
All requests for extensions to the submission deadline should be directed to the RSM Office - https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/rsm-assessment-extension/
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 7
Reflective Journal (5 tasks @ 2% per task)
Due Date
The fortnightly reflective journal entry work comprises 10% of your final course mark, with the first of 5 items being due in Week 3. A set of questions will be assigned for each fortnight of the semester and you are required to attempt to answer these questions individually and submit your answers to Wattle by the due date.
Assessment Type
Individual
Form of Submission
Fortnightly reflective journal entry tasks are to be submitted using the course Wattle site by the deadline (which will be at least fortnightly). Submitted assessment does not require a cover sheet. Please keep a copy of submitted work for your records.
Note that your answers must be provided in word-processed or other appropriate electronically produced form. Unless specifically noted in the instructions, handwritten work will not be accepted or, if submitted, will not be marked.
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assessment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit ANU Online.
Marking Criteria
The marker will rate your submitted work (i.e. reflective journal entry) each fortnight on the relevant point scale.
Reflective journal entry:
0 = No work is submitted, or the entry is of an unacceptably poor standard that lacks deep thought.
1 = An entry was attempted and the quality of the work, in part or on the whole, lacking in proper reflective writing style elements.
2 = An entry was attempted and the quality of the work, on the whole, meets the requirements (i.e.that you to think deeply and critically about your reactions to the course and the progress you are making).
Note that individual questions will not be marked. Nor should you expect there to be detailed written comments on your submitted work because you are reflecting on yourself.
Once the fortnightly reflective journal entry has been marked, results will be released via the gradebook feature on Wattle.
There is no word limit for the Reflective Journal entry but 0.5 pages per fortnightly entry is a reasonable expectation. You will be provided with reflective writing support materials in the first week to explain what is expected.
Mandatory Assessment
Consider all fortnightly reflective journal entries as being mandatory (i.e. submission is expected), but non-submission of any will not result in a grade of NCN. You will have an opportunity to submit 5 pieces of fortnightly entries to obtain the 10%, with each individual fortnightly entries submission being worth 2%.
Please note that extensions for submission of fortnightly reflective journal work will not normally be allowed due to the quick turnaround in marking. Only in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances will consideration even be given to a request for an extension, and then there is no guarantee that such a request will be approved. If you know you will have conflicting commitments (hopefully early in the semester), discuss alternative assessment arrangement with the Course Convenor.
Marks and limited feedback are normally made available before the seminar in which the answers will be discussed (timetable dependent).
All requests for extensions to the submission deadline should be directed to the RSM Office - https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/rsm-assessment-extension/
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Visualisation Report (20%)
The two assignments comprise the major components of the assessment for this course (20% + 40% = 60%). It consists, essentially, of you, the student, developing one (or more) case studies and you should regard it as offering both an educational experience and an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have mastered the various techniques and tools covered in the course. The two assignments can be linked (but do not need to be) if you wish the major report to go into further detail about what you report in the visualisation assignment.
You, the student, are responsible for choosing what will be the target organisation(s) for your two assignments. It is suggested that your choice relates to hobbies, work or other interests for which they already possess the necessary information and knowledge or can readily gain access to it from expert others. It is therefore best both from the point of view of learning opportunities as well as getting the best marks to choose a case study target that is real (i.e. relates to a genuine problem, opportunity or need in the real world) rather than one that is entirely fictional (i.e. dreamed up wholly within your own head).
For the Visualisation Report, you are to produce a small report demonstrating how data visualisation can be used by a real-life organisation. There is no word limit but you will be given suggested page lengths.
Further details about the assignments will be provided during the first week of the course.
Due Date
Due no later than the end of 5pm Friday Week 6.
Assessment Type
Individual
Form of Submission
Assignments are to be submitted using the course Wattle site. Submitted assessment does not require a cover sheet but most use professional report format that includes a title page containing the student's name and number. Please keep a copy of submitted work for your records.
Note that your work must be provided in word-processed or other appropriate electronically produced form. Unless specifically noted in the instructions, handwritten work will not be accepted or, if submitted, will not be marked.
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assessment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit ANU Online.
Marking Criteria
More information will be provided on Wattle before end of Week 2.
Mandatory Assessment
Both the assignments are mandatory (i.e. submission is expected), but non-submission will not result in a grade of NCN.
All requests for extensions to the submission deadline should be directed to the RSM Office - https://rsm.anu.edu.au/study/students/extension-application-procedure
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Major Assignment - Final Report (40%)
The two assignments comprise the major components of the assessment for this course (20% + 40% = 60%). It consists, essentially, of you, the student, developing one (or more) case studies and you should regard it as offering both an educational experience and an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have mastered the various techniques and tools covered in the course. The two assignments can be linked (but do not need to be) if you wish the major report to go into further detail about what you report in the visualisation assignment.
You, the student, are responsible for choosing what will be the target organisation(s) for your two assignments. As with INFS7007, it is suggested that your choice relates to hobbies, work or other interests for which they already possess the necessary information and knowledge or can readily gain access to it from expert others. It is therefore best both from the point of view of learning opportunities as well as getting the best marks to choose a case study target that is real (i.e. relates to a genuine problem, opportunity or need in the real world) rather than one that is entirely fictional (i.e. dreamed up wholly within your own head).
The large final report will be case study format, summarising how business analytics can be applied by a real-life organisation. There is no word limit but you will be given suggested page lengths.
Further details about the assignments will be provided during the first week of the course.
Due Date
Due no later than 5pm Friday, first week of exam period.
Assessment Type
Individual
Form of Submission
Assignments are to be submitted using the course Wattle site. Submitted assessment does not require a cover sheet but most use professional report format that includes a title page containing the student's name and number. Please keep a copy of submitted work for your records.
Note that your work must be provided in word-processed or other appropriate electronically produced form. Unless specifically noted in the instructions, handwritten work will not be accepted or, if submitted, will not be marked.
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assessment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit ANU Online.
Marking Criteria
More information will be provided on Wattle before end of Week 2.
Mandatory Assessment
Both the assignments are mandatory (i.e. submission is expected), but non-submission will not result in a grade of NCN.
All requests for extensions to the submission deadline should be directed to the RSM Office - https://rsm.anu.edu.au/study/students/extension-application-procedure
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
No submission of fortnightly assessment or reflective journal tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If a fortnightly assessment or reflective journal task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
Late submission of report assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://rsm.anu.edu.au/study/students/extension-application-procedure
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
Please see relevant assessment task details above.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Resubmission of Assignments
Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interests
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Dr Alex Richardson
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Instructor
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Dr Alex Richardson
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