General Information

Further information about general assessment criteria, ARNA regulations, referencing and plagiarism can be found on the e- Learning Portal (Blackboard) site for the module. Students are advised to read and follow this information.

These components of the assessment are for the BI strand of the module with a total weighting of 50%. The assignment for this strand of the module (Business Intelligence - BI) is an individual report – further detail is below. The assignment is designed to allow students to demonstrate skills learnt in both strands of the module and to be delivered using methods commonly used in the workplace. Note: all components of the assessment must be attempted.

Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs)

At the end of the module the student will:

1.  Demonstrate competence in application of contemporary analytical methods and tools for the evaluation and modelling of complex business requirements (BI Strand – assessed in this assignment [MLO1]

Assessment Overview

Assignment (50% of module mark): Individual Assessment - This is an individual assignment which include developed Excel dashboard and 2000-word report.

You have been appointed as a Business Analyst in charge of United Football Club (FC) performance review. You are expected to submit a report that will critically appraise your chosen department, sector or area of interest for Newcastle United FC by implementing and deploying a Business Intelligence/Data Analytics System (using Microsoft Excel).

Assignment 2 Brief (Individual - 50% of module mark) - [assessing MLO1 & MLO2]

This report should include the following key elements:

1.             An introduction to the problem/opportunity statement regarding Newcastle United FC [10%]

2.             Theory (from lectures) to link problem/opportunity statement [20%]

3.             Evidence of knowledge of key business intelligence/data analytics systems (developed dashboard MS Excel) [30%][MLO1]

4.             Critical analysis and justification of developed dashboard (MS Excel) [20%]

5.             Conclusion and recommendations for the successful implementation and use of a BI / DA solution in Newcastle United FC [10%]

6.             Clarity of expression. The report must be supported by academic references and examples and include a single reference list [10%].

Your report should conform to the following specification:

·     Use the MS Excel template provided (insert all required worksheets, including dashboard).

·     The assignment should be submitted electronically.

Word limits and penalties for assignments

The word count is to be declared in the template provided. The word count does not include:

Please note, in text citations [e.g. (Smith, 2011)] and direct secondary quotations [e.g. “dib-dab nonsense analysis” (Smith, 2011 p.123)] are included in the word count.

If the assignment is within +10% of the stated word limit no penalty will apply.

If the word limit of the individual report exceeds the +10% limit, 10% of the mark provisionally awarded to the assignment will be deducted. For example: if the assignment is worth 70 marks but is above the word limit by more than 10%, a penalty of 7 marks will be imposed, giving a final mark of 63.

If the word count is falsified, students are reminded that under ARNA regulations this will be regarded as academic misconduct.

Mapping to Programme Goals and Objectives:

This assessment will contribute directly to the following Postgraduate programme goals and objectives. 

Goal One: To develop the skills necessary for employment and career progression

Goal Two: Be culturally and ethically aware

Goal Three: Have developed leadership and management capability

Goal Four: Have developed and applied knowledge of international business and management theory

Goal Five: Have developed a range of research skills and project capabilities