Business Analytics Programming II: Algorithmic Thinking

Module overview

Programming is a structured way of giving a computer unambiguous instructions to perform specific tasks. Knowledge and experience of programming not only improves your employability but it also teaches you analytical skills such as breaking down a problem into smaller parts and recognising and reusing previously solved problems.

The purpose of this module is to equip you with the knowledge and skills for writing structured computer programs. Although these fundamentals can be achieved using any high level programming language, e.g. Java and Python, the module introduces Visual Basic for Application (VBA) as the introductory language.

VBA is a very versatile, event-driven programming language. Programmers predominantly use VBA algorithms to build customized applications and solutions for Microsoft office applications such as MS-Excel, MS-Word and MS-Access to enhance the capabilities of those applications. For example, you can build a VBA algorithm to automate the repetitive task of forecasting future demand for a product upon updating current sales data in Excel.

The module will also briefly introduce the Python language and illustrate how to transfer VBA programming skills to Python by highlighting differences and similarities between the two languages.

Although the module assumes no prior programming experience, its analytics orientation best suits students who are highly interested in problem solving, have strong analytical skills and are highly numerate. MANG1019 or MANG1007 is a pre-requisite for this module, with a mark of at least 65% being achieved.

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: MANG1019 or MANG1007 orMANG1047

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

handle files using a programming language and integration with other packageshandle files using a programming language and integration with other packages;
design and implement an algorithm to conduct technical calculations, manipulate data and create graphical user interfaces;
use techniques for debugging an algorithm.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

object-oriented programming;
the software development techniques that constitute good programming practice;
the importance of correctness, usability and readability in programming.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

use your analytic skills in problem solving;
communicate effectively, in both oral and/or written form.
plan and control effectively for successful completion of a personal workload;
self-manage the development of learning and study skills;

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods and learning methods include:

Lectures
Interactive case studies
Computer labs
Directed reading
Private/guided study

Learning activities include:

Introductory lectures
2 assignments (individual written coursework)
In class debate and discussion
Private study
Use of video and online materials

Study time
Type	Hours
Practical classes and workshops	24
Lecture	12
Wider reading or practice	32
Completion of assessment task	70
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Beginning Excel VBA Programming: A concise guide to developing Excel VBA Applications and Macros.

Textbooks

Knuth, D. E. (1998). The art of computer programming: sorting and searching. Pearson Education.

Albright, S. C. (2016). VBA for Modelers: Developing Decision Support Systems with Microsoft® Office Excel®. 5th Edition edition.. Cengage Learning.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

In-class activities

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: - Verbal formative feedback will be given by the lecturer and tutor throughout the module during lectures and classes as well as during office hours. - Written feedback will also be provided by the lecturer and tutor through email communications. - A “Project Corner” will be part of the lectures to guide students in their progress towards Analytics project submission. Moreover, students can submit a draft of a part of their project. Holistic overall feedback based on all submitted drafts will be provided, via blackboard and email, to all students during the Christmas vacation and, where time allows, students who submit a draft will have the opportunity to get one-to-one feedback on their work.
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
In-class Test	20%
Project	80%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Project	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Project	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External