MSc in Data-Driven Management

Thames Education Group’s MSc in Data-driven Management in collaboration with the University of Buckingham focuses on the essential soft and hard skills that will enable you to take your career to the next level. This MSc is ideal for those who possess a bachelor level qualification in business, data science or a related field. The programme starts in February 2019 and a limited number of places are still available at an introductory fee of £8.200.

Admission criteria

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field.

Non-native English speakers:

• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL score of 575 or above for the paper-based test, or 232 or above for the computer-based test;

Or equivalent.

Programme details

The MSc in Data-Driven Management programme focuses on how the now widely available data gathering, managing and analysing tools are transforming the business management landscape. The programme is designed to serve as a stepping stone for students who wish to launch their career in roles that require an understanding of the tools and techniques to deliver business insights from an organisation’s data assets. We believe that beyond the widely available quantitative-skills based Data Scientist courses, there is an emerging need for a programme that is dedicated to business people who wish to make better use of data in their organisation.

The first part of the programme focuses on ‘data skills,’ i.e. the necessary competencies that are required to assemble and analyse numerical data generated by the everyday conduct of businesses. The second part of the programme focuses on ‘management skills,’ i.e. the application of the previously gained technical skills and competencies to real-life business situations. The programme concludes with a capstone project, either a traditional theory-based dissertation or a report where students interpret, assess and devise solutions for a business case study.

The MSc in Data-Driven Management is not a Data Scientist or Business Analyst programme – it is a management programme with a strong focus on how data assets of an organisation may be structured, analysed and interpreted to support decision-making and facilitate competitive advantage.

With the tuition fee is £8,200, the programme is arguably the most affordable business MSc programme in London.

1st Semester Modules

Academic Skills

The aim of this module is to equip students from a wide range of backgrounds in terms of culture and academic experience, with sound research and argumentation skills, along with developing their critical thinking, reading, and basic quantitative skills. Referencing and academic writing skills are also reviewed and developed.

Decision-Making and Analytical Skills

The main objective of this module is to equip students with a broad perspective on essential quantitative methods and tools to assist them in decision-making processes. The spreadsheet-based teaching (based mostly on Microsoft Excel and to a lesser degree on SPSS) focuses on standard statistical concepts. Students will be able to use analytical approaches in complex settings, gather and interpret information under time constraints as well as identify and assess options against predefined criteria.

Database Management Fundamentals

This module introduces the basic concepts of database design, implementation, and management. It provides an overview of different types of databases along with an insight of the current database market. Relational databases are covered in detail including E/R modelling and implementation practice with the help of database management software (Microsoft Access and SQL).

Data Visualisation and Storytelling

After finishing the module students will be able to deliver creative and well-tailored presentations and will be able to create insightful dashboards to highlight business trends, opportunities, and challenges. The first part of the module will focus on core oral communication and presentations skills and familiarise students with advanced features of contemporary tools to deliver effective presentations, including PowerPoint and Prezi. In the second part of the module, students will learn about the practical application of the Tableau data analysis and visualisation platform through case studies and will create their own research reports.

Organisational and Project Management Skills (Business Skills elective)

The module focusses on developing advanced knowledge of contemporary project management tools and techniques to enable students to competently pre-asses, design and implement project plans.

Market and Competition Analysis (Business Skills elective)

The module focuses on providing students with an essential analytical skill set to uncover and interpret open-source intelligence when performing market and competition analyses. Students will learn about the most up-to-date sources of company and market information, statistical and business data and various other platforms and research techniques.

2nd Semester Modules

Data-based financial decision-making

The module will introduce students to analysing and interpreting financial accounting information and it will provide them with a thorough understanding of the current challenges facing the financial world. Students will earn an insight into the latest trends in fintech, the combination of technology and finance, as well as in the tools that allow for performance evaluations and analyses, aiming to support investment decisions.

Customer Data Analysis

The module prepares students to respond to the challenges posed by the growing importance of digital communication channels and the spreading of various e-tools, such as CRM or market research analysis packages. Students will gain in-depth knowledge about relationship marketing techniques, networking and customer communication tools, value creation through service design and delivery, and a comprehensive insight into CRM software (Salesforce).

Data-Driven Management

The main objective of this module is to equip students with a broad overview of data-driven management strategies and corporate applications of business intelligence solutions. The theoretical and practical framework of digital transformation will be discussed: how the increasing data assets of companies can be utilised to contribute to competitive advantage and efficiency. Students will examine real-life examples of data-driven organisations and analyse the use and influence of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various industries and contexts.

Data-focused HRM

The module focuses on enabling students to critically analyse, assess and devise solutions to human resource management related challenges in diverse organisations, with a special focus on the challenges brought to the field by the widespread availability of various e-tools. The module aims to solidify students’ strategies when coping with recruitment and retention challenges, managing employee appraisal and remuneration schemes, setting up employee engagement and training frameworks, and creating a high-performing corporate culture.

Programming Skills elective

• Introduction to Python
• Introduction to R

Capstone project

The Capstone Project is a complex exercise that builds on skills acquired in the previous parts of the programme. Students will be asked to choose a format for their final major academic work: it can be either a traditional theory-based dissertation, a detailed data analysis business case provided by their tutors or a business case, market or industry analysis proposal. Students will be required to critically assess their chosen topic by applying data analysis tools and provide business insights as well as possible areas of development based on their research.

Employability skills

The programme aims to focus on several transferable skills that are essential for managers in virtually all industries:

Problem-solving skills are curated through various interactive assignments and simulations. Students are expected to take an active part in the seminars, all ensuing discussion and also complement their learning experience with guided learning, reading, and case study analysis.

Oral, written communication and presentation skills will be practised in the interactive seminars, where students will be expected to regularly participate in open discussion and debates, formulate opinions and present them individually and in groups, deliver presentations and briefings to culturally diverse audiences, and write theoretical essays or business reports in a professional manner.

Analytical and data management skills will be strengthened by engaging online preparation material and a solid practice-based approach in computer lab sessions.

Students will regularly engage in projects that require teamwork and a collaborative approach: ranging from group assignments, group presentations, role play and drama pedagogy elements. Students will be expected to take part in the guided activities in-class.

Our teaching methodology and learning experience

The flipped classroom approach is a relatively new teaching methodology in which the conventional notion of classroom-based learning is inverted and students are introduced to the learning material before class, with classroom time then being used to deepen understanding through discussion with peers and problem-solving activities facilitated by teachers. This approach will be widely used during the programme. This concept enables a problem-based approach in class, whereby students will have the opportunity to work on real-life scenarios and case studies, practice problem solving and critical peer-review skills, along with teamwork and collaboration skills and techniques. This includes various workshops, debates, simulations, presentations and group assignments, along with computer lab sessions and in certain cases, field visits and guest lectures.