BSB131 Applied Business Analytics


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:BSB131
Credit points:12
Equivalent:BSD131
Equivalent:BSB123 Data Analysis
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Organisations use business analytics to understand and solve business problems, increase efficiency, leverage productivity, and ultimately enhance the business performance of organisations. This business core option unit introduces you to a practical framework for data collection, aggregation, processing, and modelling to transform data into business insights. You will gain knowledge of key business analytics methods and approaches, and build skills in using Excel to manage and analyse data sets — valuable competencies that will help you to improve decision-making in contemporary business environments across all business disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply a selection of methods to collect, process, and analyse business data from multiple sources. [KS 1.1, KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
  2. Present data and analysis results in effective forms to assist business decision making in a variety of industrial and organisational contexts. [KS 1.2, PC 3.2]
  3. Critically analyse data using a variety of methods and approaches to generate business insights and inform business decision making. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, HO 2.2]
  4. Apply key principles and processes of business analytics for the creation of value from data. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2]

Content

This unit cover two interrelated components of applied business analytics:

  1. Descriptive and diagnostic analytics; and
  2. Predictive analytics

Descriptive and diagnostic analytics covers topics related to the use of data describe past and current trends of business and diagnose business problems and opportunities. 

Predictive analytics utilises theories of probability, likelihood, and the distribution of outcomes to understand factors that explain business patterns observed in past data and then build statistical models to predict and forecast future events, business outcomes, and performance.

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.

Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.

Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in problem- and case-based activities designed to introduce you to key knowledge and skills that are relevant to different aspects and types of applied business analytics. You will explore how applied business analytics can be used to solve contemporary business problems to a variety of business careers.

The teaching activities in this unit include lectures and computing tutorials. Computing tutorials will involve Excel-based activities.

You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lecture and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to:

  1. demonstrate your understanding of the key concepts, models, techniques, and principles of applied business analytics;
  2. develop higher order thinking skills in analysing business problems and opportunities;
  3. practice skills to solve complex business problems; and
  4. enhance Excel usage skills.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Simulated Case Study

In relation to the simulated Case Study, you will undertake a series of data analytics tasks to gain insights into the business problems and opportunities and use these insights to inform business decision-making.

You need to synthesise your understanding of the differing methods and models used in these business analytics tasks. You need to apply your knowledge and modelling skills in the context of a simulated case study. The focus is on the diagnostic and descriptive analytics.

You need to submit the work in different stages over several weeks. The collection of your submission forms the portfolio, which includes Excel modelling work, a report, and a video presentation.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1; 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.2)

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: 2,500 words (equivalent)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 8
During Weeks 4 - 8
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Research Report

In relation to the simulated Case Study, you will undertake a series of data analytics tasks to solve business problems and utilise business opportunities to gain more value.

You need to synthesise your understanding of the differing methods and models used in these business analytics tasks. You need to apply your knowledge and modelling skills in the context of a simulated case study. The focus is on the diagnostic and predictive analytics.

You need to submit the work in different stages over several weeks. The collection of your submission forms the portfolio, which includes Excel modelling work, a report, and a video presentation.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1; 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.2)

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: 2500 words equivalent
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Access to a laptop/computer and Microsoft Excel.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

Computer software - Microsoft Excel

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with teaching and learning activities in this unit. 

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

2: Engineering Application Ability


  1. Relates to: Simulated Case Study

3: Professional and Personal Attributes


  1. Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report

  2. Relates to: Research Report

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report

KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge

Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report

SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding

Relates to: Research Report

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS05 Bachelor of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study
  2. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: Research Report
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
    Relates to: Research Report

BS06 Bachelor of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study
  2. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: Research Report
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
    Relates to: Research Report

DS01 Bachelor of Data Science

  1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of the data science discipline, with depth of knowledge in at least one area developed through a major.
    Relates to: Research Report
  2. Use appropriate statistical, computational, modelling, data management, programming and generative artificial intelligence techniques to develop solutions for deriving insights from data.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as adaptivity in applying learned techniques in new and unfamiliar contexts.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report
  4. Communicate effectively in a variety of modes, to expert and non-expert audiences, including in a professional context.
    Relates to: Simulated Case Study, Research Report