The MSc in Business Information and Analytics Systems provides students with a portfolio of business and analytical methods for solving problems and supporting decision making. The MSc BIAS provides students with a specialism in Business Analytics as well as an extensive knowledge of business and IS concepts. At the core of this programme is a selection of topics covering cloud technologies, Business Intelligence and Business Analytics, IT performance management , data management and IT project management. A research project will allow student groups to explore and develop an IT solution to a specific business problem in an area specific to the Business Information and Analytics area.
Business Analyst and Project Manager are listed as two of the top ten jobs in the IS/IT sector[1]. The MSc Business Information and Analytics (MSc BIAS) is designed to provide students with the skillset to be successful in these roles. Organisations today need people who know how to manage and store data that helps them make better business decisions, compared to years ago when businesses didn't have data management at their fingertips to review and analyse to help them drive business forward.
16 lecture hours per week, with 2 hours of lab work per week. Between 3 and 5 field trips will be organised throughout the year. Group project work continues to early July at the latest, concluding the formal course content. However, students may be required to complete an individual essay in their own time up until the end of July/early August.
A hybrid approach to assessment is used in this programme. Assessments methods include formal written exams, essays, group and individual project work and some lab practicals. Some modules are 100% continuous assessment and most modules have a minimum of 40% continuous assessment. During the programme, students will work individually and in groups. A strong emphasis is placed on oral presentation of work.
The course is taught by academic staff from the Cork University Business School. The academics who teach on the course are experts in their field. These lecturers all have PhDs and/or significant industry experience. Several of the Faculty have worked previously at leading IT organisations, major banks and research agencies. Our academic staff are also engaged in research with involvement in or leadership of research centers in UCC, and publish regularly in international peer-reviewed IT/IS and business journals.
Students develop a skill set appropriate for roles such as business analyst, data analyst, consultant, project management and IT manager. This course is strongly associated with business where data and information plays a critical part. Active input on course content and specialisms is continuously incorporated from multinational industry leaders. The MSc BIAS considers the technical enabling capability of IS and the behavioural aspects of management that support informed decision making. The course places an emphasis on design thinking and a cognitive approach to decision making.