Course Specification: Core Award Data: Validation Date

COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
COURSE SPECIFICATION:
Core Award Data
Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics
VALIDATION DATE
06 April 2017
AWARDING INSTITUTION
The Robert Gordon University
INSTITUTION OF DELIVERY
Informatics Institute of Technology, Sri Lanka
COURSE ACCREDITED /RECOGNISED/ APPROVED BY

None.
COURSE ACCREDITATION / RECOGNITION /APPROVAL

None.
AWARDS
Stage 1
Students are awarded:
• Postgraduate Certificate Business Analytics on successful completion of four modules

(60 SCQF11 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma Business Analytics on successful completion of eight modules
(120 SCQF11 credits)
• Master of Science Business Analytics on successful completion of eight modules and
the MSc project (180 SCQF11 credits)
Students have the option of graduating in Sri Lanka at the IIT convocation or at RGU's
graduation ceremony.
AWARD TYPE
Postgraduate - Masters
MODES OF STUDY
Part-time
DURATION OF COURSE
For part-time students the course has the following durations:
• Postgraduate Certificate: 30 weeks part-time study
Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 1

• Postgraduate Diploma: 60 weeks of part-time study

• Masters: 90 weeks of part-time study
These are typical durations for part-time delivery at IIT in keeping with the Sri Lankan part-
time delivery, which suggests a shorter duration of two years instead of three years to be
more appropriate for the Masters. Accordingly, the course is designed and structured to
provide the needed flexibility. This matter is covered in detail in the sections: What the
Course Involves and Course Structure Diagram.
LANGUAGE OF STUDY
English
LANGUAGE OF ASSESSMENT
English
UCAS CODE
None.
JACS CODE
I100
RELEVANT QAA SUBJECT GROUP

Computing
DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION
17 May 2017
INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
The MSc/PgD/PgC Business Analytics is a specialist Masters course, designed for practising
industry professionals such as Financial Analysts, Business Analysts and Statisticians who
have an Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Information Technology (IT),
Computing or related areas. The course consists of 8 core modules and an MSc Project
module designed to equip students with specialist computing skills which focus on
knowledge discovery from structured and unstructured business data, business intelligence
techniques, business modelling and analytics techniques and database management
systems. The course will provide research and analytical skills necessary for the student to
develop sophisticated data analysis and retrieval systems applied to business analytics and
work as an independent researcher.
The MSc project module will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate originality
and creativity in solving a relatively complex real-world problem and applying state-of-the
art research methods and techniques producing well-documented high-quality work of a
professional standard. It will give students a strong foundation and self-confidence to
introduce and implement business analytics projects in their workplace. This will, in turn,
benefit the local IT industry in Sri Lanka.

The course content and delivery will be complemented by practical and research work
intended not only to reinforce the learning process but also to enhance the vocational
relevance of the course of study. The syllabus content incorporates modules intended to
develop the technical and professional skills required to produce, manage and execute
state-of-the-art business analytics systems.
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE
The specific aims for each stage of the course are:
Postgraduate Certificate
To produce practitioners who will be able to:
• Demonstrate an extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding of the

role of data management for big data and data science projects.
• Create and extend models and trends to support decision making with a view to
explaining, interpreting and synthesising knowledge for business needs.
• Enhance and develop transferable skills needed to create and architect business
analytics systems.
Postgraduate Diploma
To produce practitioners who, in addition to the aims above, will be able to:
• Critically review, consolidate and apply the concepts from semantic representations
for the Internet, intelligent web search and browse methods to create innovative web
mining systems.
• Undertake independent research in a rapidly evolving technological discipline with
awareness of the legal, ethical, social and professional framework in which they
operate.
• Plan the deployment of complex business analytics and make informed judgments
based on comprehensive in-depth knowledge of: specialised business modelling,
statistical analysis methods, data management, data warehousing, web mining, big
data and data science methodologies.
• Critically appraise the state-of-the-art in business intelligence tools with insights and
conclusions drawn from related applied research works.
Master of Science
In addition to the above, MSc graduates will be able to:
• Plan, manage and deliver a significant business analytics project of research,

investigation and development within the confines of the legal, ethical, social and
professional context of business analytics.
• Critically appraise different data modelling approaches and technical solutions for a
business analytics project requiring a comprehensive understanding of the latest
research developments and scientific risk.
• Create innovative solutions through the integration of a range of standard and
specialised technologies at the forefront of business analytics research.
• Effectively test, evaluate, document and present a complex business analytics
solution.
LEARNING OUTCOMES

This Masters course offers extensive training in business analytics technology and methods,
providing the opportunity to upgrade existing skills to the state-of-the-art in areas such as
business modelling and analytics, business statistics, data warehousing, big data and data
science, web mining techniques and leveraging state of the art tools in analytics and
visualisation. A strong research focus will equip students either to move on to a PhD
programme, industry-based research position or be an industry consultant in business
analytics solutions.
Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
The student is expected to demonstrate a systematic, in depth knowledge and

understanding of:
• Modern data management, and advanced business modelling and analytics

methods which will enable the student to model complex business problems.
• Tools and techniques which aid the specification, design and implementation of a
business intelligence project incorporating analytics to extract useful information
from complex business data.
• Selecting and establishing a project management framework and lay down effective
procedures for monitoring progress of any large scale research/development
project.
• Accessing information resources and managing these to obtain state-of-the-art
knowledge of business intelligence tools and techniques.
• Comprehensive, detailed, state-of-the-art knowledge of the specialist area(s) in
business analytics.
• Research methods appropriate to their Masters independent study project, together
with detailed knowledge of the particular area or sub-area in which the project is
carried out.
• Theoretical and empirical limits and boundaries of business analytics, and the range
of methods of study and types of judgments employed by advanced practitioners in
the field informed by legal, social, ethical and professional issues.
Practice: applied knowledge and understanding
The student is expected to demonstrate the skills required to:
• Apply statistical methods to assess and evaluate research or experimental test

results.
• Use a wide range of data management and modelling tools, techniques and
analytical skills.
• Use prediction, forecasting and clustering methods to assist with business
modelling problems.
• Make effective use of available IT tools and packages to undertake the practical
work of the PgC/PgD modules, to produce high quality coursework.
• Make effective use of available IT infrastructure and software packages to
undertake a real-world business analytics project and to enhance the production
and presentation of the Masters stage project report and oral defence.
Generic cognitive skills

The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to:
• Critically analyse appropriate business intelligence tools given key business

requirements, and recommend alternative solutions using a variety of evaluation
methods.
• Develop an effective, original business analytics solutions to address a real-world
problem.
• Make calculated decisions in situations where information is incorrect and/or
incomplete.
• Use appropriate notations to express solution concepts and aid reasoning about the
efficacy of proposed business analytics solutions with focus on data storage,
retrieval, extraction, analysis and visualisation.
• Apply critical judgment in the selection and application of analysis/test strategies
for validating research outcomes/testing a developed system and compliance to
initial requirements.
• Propose (or select) and conduct the Masters project applying an analytic, rigorous
and critical approach to identifying project goals, proposing and evaluating different
research/solution strategies and generating a useful and effective output.
Communication, ICT and numeracy skills
The student is expected to demonstrate the skills required to:
• Communicate effectively, using appropriate methods to audiences with different

levels of knowledge and understanding.
• Produce structured and coherent written reports to document the investigation and
survey of a problem in the domain of business analytics.
• Formulate strategy/design decisions and record research/test strategies and results
throughout the various stages of a major business analytics project planning using
appropriate software tools.
• Produce a clear and coherent thesis, which documents the process and end result
of a major business analytics applied research project.
• Analyse a variety of data (including numerical and unstructured data) to draw
conclusions to aid decision making.
• Deliver a lucid and coherent oral defence of the work undertaken during the
Masters project before a live audience of peers and/or academics.
• Deliver concise and relevant reviews of work undertaken within a predefined plan of
work and make a valuable contribution to peer review tasks.
Autonomy, accountability and working with others
The student has to demonstrate the ability to:
• Investigate and critically appraise specialist areas of research.

• Use tools and techniques to analyse existing complex data.
• Work independently, demonstrating a high level of autonomy, individual initiative
and responsibility for own work.
• Integrate critical reflection into work roles and responsibilities.
• Adopt an analytical approach to tasks to identify problems, solutions and evaluation
methods.

• Show a willingness to learn from others and problem solve with others.
• Self-manage time and workload scheduling flexibly.
• Consider the ethical, social and professional issues of a business analytics
problem/solution, and effectively address any such issues.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF COURSE
The course offers specialist advanced technical skills with focus on business analytics in the
areas of Introduction to Big Data and Data Science (CMM727), Data Management
(CMM722), Fundamentals of Data Warehousing (CMM721), Business Modelling and
Analytics (CMM726), Statistics for Business Analytics (CMM723), Web Mining (CMM724),
Business Intelligence Tools and Applications (CMM725).
The Research Methods (CMM708) and the MSc Project (CMM799) provide project
management and research skills needed to conduct an independent study of the field to
deliver a substantial real-world business analytics project.
The course will benefit from IIT's strong collaborative links with industry partners. Highly
skilled practitioners will be invited to provide guest lectures and present case studies based
on current industry trends. This creates an effective practice-led learning environment for
students.
In addition to industry collaborations, IIT will leverage its inter-university links to organise
invited lectures particularly from the Universities of Colombo and of Moratuwa, which have
strong computing and engineering departments.
WHAT THE COURSE INVOLVES
The course will normally involve a two-year period with three cohorts planned in each year
(in late May, September and late January).
As illustrated in the course structure diagrams (Figures 1 and 2) the three semesters will
comprise a programme of rolling modules that are independent of each other. The course
curriculum is structured so that individual modules do not have a requirement for prior
study of any other course modules. This arrangement provides flexibility in delivery and is
made possible given the decoupled nature of the business analytics topics. This means that
students can enter into any semester and begin credit accumulation at a pace that fits with
their work commitments. The maximum duration for completion of the course is 4 years
(this includes the 104 weeks specified in RGU Academic Regulations A1, paragraph 4.7).
Pace of credit accumulation must be discussed and approved by the Course Leader.
Students will normally attend five semesters spread over two years. The first two
semesters in the first year contain three modules each. The third semester contains two
modules. Modules taught in each semester are as follows:
● Semester 1 - Introduction to Big Data and Data Science (CMM727), Data

Management (CMM722), Fundamentals of Data Warehousing (CMM721)
● Semester 2 - Business Modelling and Analytics (CMM726), Statistics for Business
Analytics (CMM723)

● Semester 3 - Web Mining (CMM724), Business Intelligence Tools and Applications

(CMM725), Research Methods (CMM708)
All modules, except the MSc Project (CMM799), are assessed by coursework only. Each
module has one reassessment opportunity. In the second year two (or three) further
semesters can be dedicated to completing the Masters project.
The modules are scheduled so that the three intakes in any one year will study a majority
of the same taught modules together, giving them the opportunity to have more interaction
and discussions within the lectures. Students will attend a minimum three hour (maximum
four hour) session each week per module. A week will normally have three modules being
delivered over 3 selected days. Lectures will be scheduled on week days (after 6pm) and
on weekends. The session consists of a combination of a lecture, tutorial and a lab. Students
from three annual intakes (i.e. May, September and January) will be awarded the respective
award on the appointed graduation day once credits are accumulated for the relevant exit
award.
For instance, the second intake (September) could complete the course in two years by
completing the MSc Project (CMM799) in the second semester of the second year, to
graduate in the summer. The third intake (January) completes the course in the third
semester of the second year, but would wait for the graduation ceremony held in the
summer of the third year. The first intake (May) completes the course in the first
semester of the third year, to graduate in the summer along with the third intake
students. There is flexibility to continue the Masters Project over three semesters in the
second year, if it better serves the needs of the student.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / PLACEMENT
A placement is not a core element of the course. Most of the students who enrol are typically
working in the Sri Lankan IT industry. However, students could use their workplace
experience in choosing an industry-based MSc Project.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY
The course has a strong grounding in research techniques and enables students to
advance into research and development at Doctoral level. RGU and IIT are exploring this
avenue of jointly supervised PhD opportunities with matched funding schemes.
Increasingly, Doctoral programmes by distance learning are growing in number and in

format, subject area and modes of delivery. It offers an opportunity to diversify RGU's
Doctoral offer and further expand to international markets.
EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS
IIT Mission Statement
“Our mission is to develop creative and highly skilled professionals with an international
outlook, who will make a significant contribution to the global knowledge economy." We will
achieve this by providing:

• The highest quality learning, teaching and research environments.

• An excellent student experience with an exciting range of social and cultural
activities.
• Empowerment that prepares the students for professionalism in the world of work.
• Outstanding education that imparts knowledge, wisdom and skill needed to thrive as
global citizens.
• An employability development and career development process that increases
student and graduate employment opportunities.
• Support to students to realize their potential notwithstanding their social, cultural
and financial environments.”
Internal and External Indictors
• IIT have been endorsed by the British High Commission as an institute that upholds UK
education standards and recognised for their contribution to improving education in
both countries (Celebrating IIT's contribution to Sri Lankan education, gov.uk news
article, 3rd Oct 2015, https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-
news/celebrating-iits-contribution-to-sri-lankan-education
• IIT is also involved in primary and secondary school IT education through
its own, curriculum development and delivery programmes.
• The Sri Lankan Board of Investment have granted IIT to deliver degrees in
partnership with UK institutes that are members of the Associations of
Commonwealth Universities (ACU) or are listed in the International Year Book
recognition. Currently RGU is listed in the latter and is also exploring membership
of ACU.
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
This course is governed by the provisions of the university's Academic Regulations, which
are available at www.rgu.ac.uk/academicregulations. In particular:
Regulation A1: Courses
Regulation A2: Admission
Regulation A3: Section 1: Student Appeals (Awards and Progression) Procedure
Regulation A3: Section 2: Student Misconduct Procedure
Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards
Applicants must satisfy the university's general admission requirements for undergraduate
and postgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including
proficiency to a minimum standard in the English language. Specific entry requirements
for this course are detailed below.
Course Specific Academic Regulations
IIT will adopt RGU's Academic Regulations (available

at www.rgu.ac.uk/academicregulations) with the following agreed adaptations
and amendments:
Regulation A1: Courses

Paragraph 4. Maximum Period of Enrolment
• Paragraph 4.6: The Masters Degree part-time at IIT can be completed in a minimum

of 5 semesters, (5 x 15 weeks) 75 weeks but this may extend to 6 semesters (90

weeks) if the student wishes to accumulate credits at a different pace.
• Paragraph 4.7: The maximum duration allowed for a student from first enrolment is 4
years.
Regulation A2: Admission

Paragraph 4 Admission Requirements for Taught Postgraduate Degrees
• Paragraph 4.1: Applicants for this course will normally have an Honours Degree (2nd
class or better) in a discipline with significant IT, Computing, Mathematics or Statistics
content. Interviews are mandatory at IIT and all potential applicants will be called for
an interview to discuss their qualifications and experience gained. Students whose prior
qualifications or experience are outwith the normal criteria can also be considered for
instance where they possess a qualification or industrial experience of equivalent
standard or an approved professional qualification. In such situations IIT will refer a
decision to RGU’s Head of School.
• Paragraph 4.2 English Language Proficiency: A minimum standard of IETLS 6.0 overall
with no less than 5.5 in any of the four components. However students with a degree
taught in English equivalent to a Bachelor's degree or above shall be eligible for a
waiver of IELTS.
Regulation A3: Section 1 Student Appeals (Awards and Progression)

This is replaced by IIT’s 16B Appeals Handling Procedure with the following agreed
adaptations: IIT will consider appeals against decisions relating to academic performance
and/or recommended academic awards, on the following grounds:
i. That the student’s performance was adversely affected by illness or other
factors which the student was unable, for valid reasons, to divulge to the
course leader prior to the decision being made; and/or
ii. That there had been a material administrative error, or that the assessment
was not conducted in accordance with the current regulations governing the
course or that some other irregularity which materially affected the assessment
had occurred.
Disagreement with the academic judgement, i.e. judgement about a student’s academic
performance, of an Assessment Board cannot constitute grounds for appeal.
Appeals Procedure
Level 1:
The appeal should be submitted, using the appeal form, to the Registrar who, in consultation
with the Course Leader, considers whether there are grounds for appeal. The appeal will be
considered by the Assessment Board.
The appeal should be made in writing within 5 days of receiving the official assessment
results. The outcome will be communicated to the student within 3 weeks.
Level 2:
If the appeal is not resolved at Level 1, the student can continue with their appeal by
providing further information, as appropriate. The Registrar would consult with the Dean
(or an independent assessor, as appropriate) to determine whether there is a prima facie
case. Where there is a case, the appeal will be referred back to the Assessment Board.
The second appeal should be made in writing within 5 days of receiving the Level 1 appeal

outcome. The outcome will be communicated to student within 3 weeks whether the case
is referred back to Board or not.
Where relevant/appropriate IIT will seek guidance from RGU.
Regulation A3: Section 2 Student Misconduct Procedure

This is replaced by IIT’s Policy “15 Misconduct or Malpractice Procedure – Students”.
Regulation A3: Section 1 para 4.1 (ii) and Academic Regulation A4, para 9.3
Attendance Requirements
Attendance is compulsory and IIT students will adhere to attendance requirements set
by IIT and acknowledge that failure to do so in particular in relation to assessment will
be taken into account by the relevant Assessment Board. Students with attendance
falling below the expected 80% threshold will be followed up and procedures put in place
to encourage a positive change in attendance behaviour. Students falling below the
expected attendance threshold are unlikely to successfully complete the module due to
the intense pace of content delivery which may result in students being required to
repeat the course.
Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards

Assessment and examination arrangements shall be in accordance with the regulations
of RGU. Refer to RGU Academic Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of
Assessment Boards and more specifically paragraph 7 Assessment Boards -
Recommendations for Postgraduate Courses. Where appropriate, as specified below,
some aspects of IIT quality procedures will also apply. The course will be delivered in
accordance with RGU’s Fit To Sit Policy and Extenuating Circumstances
(www.rgu.ac.uk/file/fit-to-sit-policy-2016-17-pdf-445kb).
Approval of Assessment
Assessments will be internally moderated by IIT, overseen by RGU and sent to the External
Examiner.
This course will also be governed by IIT's Assessment Verification Policy regulations
document (A1-Internal-Verification-Policy.pdf).
Assessment Board Composition and Operation

• The Assessment Board normally constitutes: the Convener (Head of
Department/Course Leader), External Examiner, RGU Moderator, Course Leader,
Module Leaders and a representative from Registry/quality. Refer RGU Organisational
Regulation O7 paragraph 3.
• The Assessment Board will be convened each semester to decide on student
progression and award.
External Examiner Arrangements

An External Examiner will be appointed and approved by RGU following RGU’s
appointment procedures.
Assessment Specific Requirements
Grading Scheme
The University’s grading scheme will be used to assess work. All module grades will be

expressed as an alpha grade as follows A, B, C, D, E, F. The assessment components

can be marked on a numerical scale. The Module Performance Descriptor will identify
clearly performance required to achieve each grade. For each assessment, three
sample batches of answer-scripts/courseworks are taken (top band, middle band, lower
band) and are reviewed by a second marker. This ensures that the marks given by the
first marker are uniform and un-biased. For viva based assessments, a moderator
would be present to give a second opinion on presentation skills, clarity and projection.
Condonement
MSc Project (CMM799) cannot be condoned because it is central to the objectives of
the course. Refer to RGU Academic Regulation A4 paragraph 11. One module from the
taught modules can be condoned in the event of a marginal fail.
Assessment Opportunities
For assessment of postgraduate awards students shall be permitted an initial assessment
and, as necessary, up to a maximum of one further opportunity for re-assessment to be
taken at the next scheduled assessment occasion. Reassessment is capped at Grade D.
Refer RGU Academic Regulation A4 paragraphs 7.2 and 9.6.
Merit and Distinction

All awards can be recommended with Merit or Distinction, refer RGU Academic Regulation
A4 paragraph 8.
Complaints Procedure
Complaints would be managed through QMS 16A Complaint Handling Procedure.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
IIT are committed to the active promotion of equality across its functions, including its
course provision. Please refer to IIT's Equality and Diversity Policy Level 2 Section 20
outlined in IIT's Quality System Process (QSP).
NOTE
This document constitutes one of two course documents that should be read together:
Course Specification: Core Award Data
Course Specification: Student Learning Experience
CONTACT DETAILS
Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT)

57, Ramakrishna Road,
Colombo 06, Sri Lanka.
Telephone:
Telephone: +94 (0) 112 360 212 / +94 (0) 112 580 714
Fax: +94 (0) 112 362 305

Web: http://www.iit.ac.lk
In compiling this information the university has taken every care to be as accurate as
possible, though it must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The
university reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of
courses, to discontinue, merge or combine courses, and to introduce new courses.

Created: Feb 2017

Record Number: N/A
Version Number: 4

DETAILED COURSE STRUCTURE
Part-Time
Stage 1 Semester 1 CREDITS LEVEL
CMM727 Introduction to Big Data and Data Science 15 11
CMM722 Data Management 15 11
CMM721 Fundamentals of Data Warehousing 15 11
Total for Semester: 45
Part-Time
CMM726 Business Modelling and Analytics 15 11
CMM723 Statistics for Business Analytics 15 11
Part-Time
CMM724 Web Mining 15 11
CMM725 Business Intelligence Tools and Applications 15 11
CMM708 Research Methods 15 11
Part-Time
CMM799 MSc Project - 11
Part-Time
CMM799 MSc Project 60 11
Total for Stage: 180
Notes:
This details the course structure for a September intake although the course does have
two additional intakes in January and May.

COURSE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM
Modules taught in each semester are as follows in:

Semester 1: CMM727, CMM722 and CMM721
Semester 2: CMM726 and CMM723
Semester 3: CMM724, CMM725 and CMM708
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, intakes can share modules for example CMM727 and
CMM721 are delivered to both intake 1 and 2 in the 2nd semester September to January.
Once students have accumulated their credits and wish to continue with the MSc Project
they can do so in any of the 3 semesters i.e. CMM799 can be undertaken in any of the
semesters (see Figure 2).
Figure 1: Shared modules by intakes.

Figure 2: Shared modules by semesters. MSc Project (CMM799) can be carried out in any
semester following accumulation of 120 credits.

COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
COURSE SPECIFICATION:
Student Learning Experience
Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics
STUDENT LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The university's mission is to be consistently one of the best modern universities in the
UK. To achieve this ambition, the university focuses on the needs of students, economies
and societies, aiming to:
• Enrich the all-round experience of students throughout their engagement with the
university;
• Enhance the quality and relevance of taught provision;
• Increase the diversification of the student population;
• Expand the provision of corporate programmes and lifelong learning opportunities;
• Grow internationally excellent research and knowledge exchange activities and
reputation;
• Secure economic and environmental sustainability.
The university believes a professional education starts with excellent teaching and research
within a supporting environment, and is about a lifelong and sustainable approach to working
and living. The university's portfolio is informed by its commercial and public sector
partners, who are instrumental in helping to develop courses to ensure their relevance
for the evolving economy and society. Many include practical experience and placements,
and are professionally accredited. These contribute to the university's position as one of the
UK's top universities for graduate employment.
By combining the best of both academic and professional worlds, the university aims to
give its students the best possible start to their careers. A degree from Robert Gordon
University is confirmation to a future employer that a student will possess the blend of
learning, skills and experience.
Course Philosophy
The overall philosophy and strategy proposed for the course is to provide a sound knowledge
and understanding of business analytics in the broader context. As the student progresses
through the course they are encouraged to expand their understanding and critical
appreciation of business analytics and develop research skills. The course is aimed at
instilling in students the importance of life-long learning in the pursuit of knowledge for either
personal or professional progression. The vocationally orientated nature of the course
requires the student to achieve general and specific skills, which are addressed through a
combination of teaching and learning methods.
The course induction programme is aimed at ensuring students gain familiarity with the
(academic and non-academic) policies and procedures required for the successful completion
of the course, e.g. assessment, extenuating circumstances, grading schemes and student
services. A Handbook “MSc Business Analytics Student Handbook” is provided to all students.
Students are also expected to, where appropriate; seek help from Module Leaders, self-help

groups and others, as appropriate.
Student-Centred Learning
This course demands a relatively rapid pace of delivery. Consequently, student-centred

learning strategies play an important role in most subjects, reinforcing and supplementing
more traditional methods of subject delivery. Directed reading, independent progress
through computer-based exercises, independent reading, analysis of case studies and
directed searches of online information resources (e.g. the World Wide Web) are all
commonplace.
Group Work
Group exercises are used to develop team-working skills and encourage discussion through
peer review of literature. This is particularly relevant when reviewing research literature in
modules such as Research Methods (CMM708). Students will also investigate legal, ethical,
professional and social issues with respect to one or more industry-based case studies in the
Research Methods (CMM708) module. These case studies will be organised as group
exercises in tutorials.
Module Approaches
Modules delivered on the course are divided into three broad areas:
● Core technological modules (i.e. modules Fundamentals of Data Warehousing
(CMM721), Data Management (CMM722), Statistics for Business Analytics (CMM723),
Web Mining (CMM724), Business Intelligence Tools and Applications (CMM725), Business
Modelling and Analytics (CMM726), Introduction to Big Data and Data Science
(CMM727);
● Professional skills modules (i.e. module Research Methods (CMM708) and, to a lesser
extent other core technical modules that involve technical writing and class
presentations as part of their assessment components); and
● Integrative course modules (i.e. modules MSc Project (CMM799)).
Core Technological Modules
These modules impart specialist technical knowledge through the medium of lectures and
tutorials, supplemented as necessary by student-centred materials and tasks. All core
modules have a supporting practical element, which is delivered through laboratory work. In
practical sessions students are expected to progress through a series of graded exercises
that are designed to foster analytical skills and to illustrate the synthesis of fundamental
knowledge and problem solving techniques in both structured and unstructured problem
domains.
Professional Skills Modules
Technical report writing skills are exercised in all modules. Group work is used in some of
the modules to enhance and develop team working skills. The course addresses project
planning skills that are vocationally relevant and that also directly underpin the planning and
management of the MSc Project. Student feedback in this course takes the form of critical
self-appraisal, peer appraisal, and commentary from academic staff. Through directed
reading, and by listening to invited external speakers, students are also encouraged to

develop a broader perspective of business analytics and to sharpen their awareness of the
need for professional standards and ethics in the workplace.
Integrative Course Modules
The MSc Project (CMM799) serves the primary purpose of integrating technological and
professional strands, in the context of a substantial business analytics project. It involves an
investigation of a technical problem and its domain, examining relevant methods and tools
and to gain deep understanding of the problem and its context and develop a specification
for a substantial professional (or equivalent) business analytics project. It will require
students to conduct a literature survey and critically appraise and organise literature in order
to provide insights about gaps and areas for contribution. Following on from this
investigation, the project will proceed to the development and evaluation phases where the
solution to a problem will require the skills to make judgements in complex business analytics
domains. The problem is original to the student and its solution, therefore, requires the
innovative application of knowledge and techniques either studied in the previous PgD stage
or acquired through independent research of recent and relevant literature. The MSc Project
provides a vehicle for integrating specialist knowledge with analytic, problem solving,
managerial and communication skills. All of these are exercised and evidenced through the
execution and outcomes of the project, which include a project plan, dissertation, final oral
presentation and project "viva" (demonstration).
Teaching and learning are reviewed through an annual appraisal mechanism and strategies
are liable to change for the sake of continuing improvement and to reflect best practice.
TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY
Introduction
The broad nature of the course including common and specialist elements necessitates the
use of a broad range of learning and teaching techniques. These include lectures, seminars,
tutorials, computer laboratories, interactive materials, group work, presentations and
demonstrations, student-centred learning and private study. The relationship between
these methods and the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills development is
detailed in the following sections.
Knowledge and Understanding
All core technological modules will utilise lectures, seminars and tutorials. Lectures provide
a formal discourse for the purposes of dissemination of information, the demonstration of
techniques and the discussion of supporting idea. Lectures are supported by whiteboard,
video and computer projection facilities, where appropriate. Students will have the
opportunity for questions, interaction and discussion. Invited guest lectures will emphasise
professional skills as well as provide an industrial context.
At IIT, seminar and tutorials are used for a wide range of activities, each suited to the
particular subject. Some tutorials will focus on staff supporting students in problem solving.
Some tutorials may involve group activities. This type of student contact is used to support
lectures, to clarify material and experiment with techniques and skills required.
Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding
All core technological modules have a significant practical component.

The nature of the computing elements of all courses requires students to gain practical skills
in the use of sophisticated business analytics tools and including systems design and
development tools. This activity normally takes place in the computer laboratories and
consists of the student, supported by a staff member.
Online materials, sometimes interactive, will be used to both explain theoretical aspects of
modules and to guide students on practical exercises. Video, audio and text media will be
used and students will be encouraged to actively seek video lectures from reputed research
institutes and international conferences.
Generic Cognitive Skills
Students are expected to take an active role in their learning. As well as studying formally
delivered materials, they are required to expand their knowledge and skills by reading
related materials, and undertaking increasingly more challenging theory and practice based
research. All core technical modules will require that students critically analyse, evaluate
and synthesise issues that are informed by research developments.
Research skills are emphasized through all modules but particularly in the Research
Methods module (CMM708), which is designed to foster understanding and competence in
conducting literature surveys, peer review, project management and planning issues and
in the testing and evaluation of implemented systems. Due to the novel nature of the MSc
project, and the rapid evolution of computing, it is essential that students also acquire
competence in research skills. These skills are intended to assist the student in the
investigation of emerging techniques and technologies that may be relevant to the
achievement of the MSc Project goals. Beyond the confines of the MSc Project, these same
research skills are useful for continuing professional development and act as a safeguard
against technological obsolescence. All students who embark on the MSc Project are
required to attend a Library Workshop. This is intended to familiarise students with
available information sources (journals, monographs and online resources) and to inform
them of systematic and effective methods to review current literature in the field of
computing. The Workshop is not assessed directly but evidence of independent research
and a review of the project context are elements of the overall assessment of the MSc
Project.
Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others
Group work sessions will be used to enable students to develop team-working skills and to
encourage discussions. In particular the Research Methods module (CMM708) will contain
group work exercises where each team will consider the legal, ethical, professional and
social issues of a given business analytics case-study project and present their findings to
the rest of the class.
The MSc Project (CMM799) further requires students to work to project deadlines, generate
deliverables as set in the project plan, develop a functional working relationship with their
supervisor and be able to progress the project through their own initiative and ability to
work independently.
As the course progresses, students will be increasingly expected to learn independently,

work unsupervised, critically reflect on their learning and establish their own learning
objectives.
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills
The majority of the core technological modules include the preparation of technical reports
as part of the coursework assessment component.

The MSc Project (CMM799) provides a vehicle for integrating specialist knowledge with
analytical, problem solving, managerial and communication skills. The investigation
exercises evidence skills in information gathering, analysis and communication. In addition
to problem solving, managerial skills are exercised and evidenced through the execution and
outcome of the project, which include a project dissertation, final oral presentation and
project ‘viva' (demonstration).
Learning Resources
The course will make use of a wide range of learning resources. IIT staff will upload module-
specific course materials to RGU's CampusMoodle (http://campusmoodle.rgu.ac.uk/),
which is a widely used virtual learning environment. Uploaded content will include all lecture
materials, guided tutorial questions and solutions, guided laboratory work, case studies,
coursework specifications and guidelines and sample solutions to exercises as appropriate.
Feedback on performance will be given during tutorials and/or laboratories to enable the
student to learn from past performance. Module Leaders are responsible for ensuring that
students are aware of essential readings and additional textbook recommendations at the
beginning of each module.
The library stocks a high number of electronic learning resources. Academic staff will submit
resource recommendations for consideration by the library to ensure up-to-date portfolio
offering.
Learning Environment
At every opportunity students will be provided a seamless view of their attachment to both
institutes. For instance RGU's SITS (enrolment) systems will be personalised for IIT
students and relevant web links from RGU will point to the validated MSc Business Analytics
course website at IIT. Students will access RGU's CampusMoodle, not only to access lecture,
tutorial and lab materials but also for its additional facilities such as forums, quizzes and
Dropbox for coursework submissions.
IIT has a number of computer laboratories for exclusive use of computing students. These
are state-of-the-art facilities with up-to-date software. Supervised laboratory sessions are
provided for all modules. Additionally, students working on the MSc Project will have a
dedicated lab area. Students may contact a wide variety of staff using alternative
communication methods depending on their needs, e.g. face to face, email, chat, virtual
learning environment forums, Skype and phone. We list these below indicating normal
modes of communication:
● A Module Leader: module related queries (via Email, Face To Face at

Lectures/Tutorials/Labs)
● The Course Leader: course queries and/or personal issues (via Email, Phone, Face to
Face)
● Student Relations Manager: non-academic matters and personal issues (via Face to
Face)
● The Postgraduate Registrar: module registration related issues. (via Email)
● IT Services: for technical support in the laboratories and/or for setting up software on
their own devices e.g. Wi-Fi (Email)
● Library staff (Email)
● Designated email contact at RGU: course validity related questions (Email)
ASSESSMENT

A range of assessment methods are used, with particular emphasis placed on coursework
assignments, including design exercises (ranging from design studies to fully implemented
solutions), comparative studies, investigative reports, demonstrations, presentations and
interviews. Students are informed in advance what assessment methods will be used for
each module and will have access to examples of past assessments. Where the format of
assessment varies significantly from one year to the next, examples of assessment will be
created in order to ensure students understand what the assessment entails. All
assessments include a marking/grading scheme, which describes the criteria used for the
award of marks/grades.
Assessment Plan
Coursework deliverables cover a variety of artefacts such as technical reports,

presentations, demonstrations, assessed labs. These will be used to assess problem
identification, problem analysis with evaluation of alternative solution strategies, solution
design, evaluation of solution performance, documentation and presentation skills. With
assessed labs, where students undertake a coursework in a computer laboratory under
examination conditions, students will normally also have access to a range of reference
materials. The use of state-of-the-art computational tool kits and programming skills will
be assessed in all practical coursework assignments in addition to analytical and critiquing
skills (i.e. literature survey, evaluation methodologies) and communication skills (results
presentation and documentation). Technical reports will be used to document business
modelling and analytics coursework assignments. Demonstration of IT competence is
mandatory in production of documentation to support all coursework submissions.
With the MSc Project, a plagiarism analysis report, such as from Turnitin will accompany
the final dissertation. Supplementary documentation on project management will record
project progress, quality guidelines and project deliverables. It will also contain information
on the use of WWW resources to present interim MSc Project progress updates and
guidelines on the live presentation and demonstration of MSc Project outcomes.
The following sections detail the assessment of various skills including: (i) knowledge and
understanding; (ii) practice: knowledge and understanding; (iii) generic cognitive skills;
(iv) communication, ICT and numeracy skills and; (v) autonomy, accountability.
Knowledge and Understanding
For taught modules the focus will be to assess the student's ability to integrate key features,
boundaries and conventions through a critical understanding of the principal theories,
concepts and principles. Students will be expected to have an extensive detailed and critical
knowledge when addressing assessment components in each of the core technological
modules.
Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding
Practical skills are assessed throughout via coursework assignments which involve the use
of a variety of business analytics tools as well as programming environments and other
computing tools and packages. Evaluation skills are key to demonstrating knowledge and
understanding of business analytics practice. The MSc Project (CMM799) will assess
practical skills required to complete a substantial real-world business analytics task.
A majority of the core technical modules will assess a range of specialised tools and
packages that are at the forefront of business analytics developments. For instance
business intelligence tools in CMM725 (such as Tableau, Qlikview), data warehousing tools
in CMM721 (MS SQL Server Integration Services), statistical computing environment in
CMM723 (R or SPSS), and comparative evaluation methodologies in CMM724 (NLP and text

mining tool kits). Students will be expected to integrate knowledge and skills from a range
of such offerings and techniques of inquiry to create novel solutions to assessment tasks.
A range of the principal professional skills, techniques, best practice informed by legal,
ethical and social aspects will be assessed in Research Methods module (CMM708).
Opportunity to assess group working is also integrated within CMM708's assessment
components.
The integrative MSc Project module is primarily designed to assess the student's ability to
plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation and software development
to demonstrate originality, creativity, and aptitude for innovation. Presentations and viva
component further tests the student's ability to respond positively to critique and
participate in peer-review processes. Importantly, it will also expose students to the
unknown, and often unpredictable, variety that is to be expected of professional level
contexts.
Generic Cognitive Skills
Assessment generally involves the production of technical report content, which reflects on
problem identification, critical appraisal of alternative solution strategies and evaluation of
solution performance.
With core technical modules, assessments will focus on testing the student's ability to
critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise issues that are informed by research
developments, in particular in the following modules: Fundamentals of Data Warehousing
(CMM721), Introduction to Big Data and Data Science (CMM727), Statistics for Business
Analytics (CMM723), Web Mining (CMM706) and Business Intelligence (CMM725). More
generally, assessment components will require students to identify, conceptualise and
define new and abstract problems and issues.
The assessment of generic cognitive skills is particularly evident in the MSc Project module
(CMM799). In particular, students will be expected to critically review, consolidate and
extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in relation to their chosen MSc Project.
These projects provide the student with the opportunity to excel in their original and
creative problem solving skills. Although not a requirement, it has the potential to generate
work that can lead to publishable research material.
Communication, ICT and numeracy skills
Communication skills are assessed through technical reports documenting business

analytics development assignments; structured project documents to manage project
conduct, establish quality guidelines, archive project deliverables; use of web resources to
present interim MSc Project progress; live presentation of MSc Project outcomes.
Communication tasks are implicitly assessed in tasks which involve both oral/written
communication as well as documentation.
ICT skills are assessed through the use of IT tools in all coursework assignments (i.e. use
of tools to plan, aid design, collate results and document coursework). Demonstration of IT
competence is mandatory in production of documentation to support all coursework
submissions including development of support materials for the project oral presentation.
Numeracy skills are essential for the successful completion of most course modules and are
implicitly assessed in coursework. Numeracy skills are particularly key to data analysis
tasks and the evaluation of project results.
Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others
These skills are assessed implicitly in all modules. Explicit assessment of these skills is
evident in the project conduct grade of the MSc Project (CMM799), which reflects the

student's interaction with their supervisor and includes demonstration of own-initiative and
ability to work independently. Other coursework that involves presentations will equip
students to handle peer pressure and respond appropriately to questions. Team-working
skills are mainly assessed in the Research Methods module (CMM708) which includes group
work for the compilation of a critical report on legal, ethical, professional and social issues.
SUPPORT FOR TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
IIT provides a number of means of supporting teaching and learning:

• Student induction/orientation program organised for each intake (May / September /
January);
• An extensive library of learning resources;
• Close collaboration with industry and professional, statutory and regulatory bodies;
• CampusMoodle, http://campusmoodle.rgu.ac.uk/, the RGU’s dedicated virtual
learning environment;
• A commitment to knowledge exchange and technology transfer through focused
research activity, which contributes to the critical underpinning for all taught courses;
• The expanding provision of state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities and buildings.
RGU will provide guidance and direction to IIT in relation to setting coursework assessments,
Turnitin, managing MSc projects, and related quality procedures. IIT Module Leaders will
also be put in contact with the relevant Module Leaders at RGU to work collaboratively on
developing teaching materials and explore research opportunities.
IIT will organise inductions on an intake basis. They will also have a well-stocked library with
corresponding books related to the MSc Business Analytics course.
Computing facilities at IIT comprise a number of labs with state-of-the-art PCs, each updated
over a 3-year cycle to ensure they deliver high performance and support the latest software.
IIT offers wireless network coverage for laptops and other handheld devices. Established
relationships with major software suppliers mean access to the latest software either for free
or very low prices. IIT believes the academic success of the students is founded in the desire
to develop and maintain close links with industry and to actively seek state-of the-art
technologies and integrate these into course modules.
All students have access to a Student Relations Officer as well as the Course Leader and the
Postgraduate Registrar who work as a team in order to ensure that comprehensive support
is given to students not only on academic matters but also personal matters that may impact
performance. The project supervisor provides general advice in all aspects related to the MSc
Project.
RGU's Campus Moodle Virtual Learning Environment, will be used for a variety of purposes
to support learning including: (i) a repository for learning material; (ii) a discussion forum;
(iii) a place for uploading coursework submissions by students; (iv) a tool for electronic
assessment and (v) a facility for feedback to students.
MONITORING OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS
RGU’s key process for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching,
learning and assessment is though the Annual Course Appraisal activity. The process involves
the Course Team’s analysis of key data sources including; External Examiners, student

academic performance, employment data and student feedback (refer below).
IIT will adopt a similar appraisal process and will draft a Course Appraisal, which will be
approved by the IIT Head of Department and then considered by the School Academic Board
of RGU’s School of Computing Science and Digital Media.
Apart from Annual Course Appraisal, IIT employs several mechanisms for evaluating and
improving the quality and standards of teaching, learning and assessment during course
delivery. These include conducting random real-time peer reviews of lecturers while they
are delivering a module. There is also ongoing feedback from industrial/professional liaison
groups; review of student performance at Assessment Boards and overall oversight by IIT's
Academic Syndicate.
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS
IIT uses a variety of mechanisms to obtain feedback from students, and to involve them in
their learning experience. This is integral to IIT's approach to the quality assurance and
enhancement of teaching and learning, and the holistic student experience. Formal feedback
is gathered from Student Questionnaires, the class representative system (class
representatives are also involved in formal Committees including the Course Committee)
and also Annual meetings of the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Department with
Student Representatives. Informal feedback is gained from discussion with students.
The student questionnaires provide feedback on the course and modules and give students
the opportunity to comment in detail on all aspects of the course as well as the general
environment, support services and facilities. Student questionnaires used by IIT will align
with survey tools used by the University and will be approved by RGU. Responses to, and
actions resulting from, these comments are addressed fully through the Course Committee.
DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION
17 May 2017
NOTE
This document constitutes one of two course documents that should be read together:
Course Specification: Core Award Data
Course Specification: Student Learning Experience
CONTACT DETAILS
Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT)

57, Ramakrishna Road,
Colombo 06, Sri Lanka.
Telephone:
Telephone: +94 (0) 112 360 212 / +94 (0) 112 580 714
Fax: +94 (0) 112 362 305

Web: http://www.iit.ac.lk

In compiling this information the university has taken every care to be as accurate as
possible, though it must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The
university reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of
courses, to discontinue, merge or combine courses, and to introduce new courses.
Created: Feb 2017

Record Number: N/A
Version Number: 4

Course Specification: Core Award Data: Validation Date

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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics

COURSE ACCREDITED /RECOGNISED/ APPROVED BY

COURSE ACCREDITATION / RECOGNITION /APPROVAL

• Postgraduate Certificate Business Analytics on successful completion of four modules

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 1

• Postgraduate Diploma: 60 weeks of part-time study

RELEVANT QAA SUBJECT GROUP

DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 2

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE

The specific aims for each stage of the course are:

• Demonstrate an extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding of the

• Plan, manage and deliver a significant business analytics project of research,

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 3

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

The student is expected to demonstrate a systematic, in depth knowledge and

• Modern data management, and advanced business modelling and analytics

Practice: applied knowledge and understanding

The student is expected to demonstrate the skills required to:

• Apply statistical methods to assess and evaluate research or experimental test

Generic cognitive skills

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 4

The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to:

• Critically analyse appropriate business intelligence tools given key business

Communication, ICT and numeracy skills

The student is expected to demonstrate the skills required to:

• Communicate effectively, using appropriate methods to audiences with different

Autonomy, accountability and working with others

The student has to demonstrate the ability to:

• Investigate and critically appraise specialist areas of research.

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 5

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF COURSE

WHAT THE COURSE INVOLVES

● Semester 1 - Introduction to Big Data and Data Science (CMM727), Data

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 6

● Semester 3 - Web Mining (CMM724), Business Intelligence Tools and Applications

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / PLACEMENT

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY

Increasingly, Doctoral programmes by distance learning are growing in number and in

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS

IIT Mission Statement

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 7

• The highest quality learning, teaching and research environments.

Internal and External Indictors

Regulation A1: Courses

Regulation A2: Admission

Regulation A3: Section 1: Student Appeals (Awards and Progression) Procedure

Regulation A3: Section 2: Student Misconduct Procedure

Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards

Course Specific Academic Regulations

IIT will adopt RGU's Academic Regulations (available

Regulation A1: Courses

Master of Science [MSc] Business Analytics 8

of 5 semesters, (5 x 15 weeks) 75 weeks but this may extend to 6 semesters (90

Regulation A2: Admission