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Global Business Administration (MBA)
Specialise in Business Analytics
The Business Analytics specialisation in the Global Business Administration MBA programme prepares you to use data as a strategic success factor for business decisions. In an increasingly digitalised and data-driven economy, the ability to analyse complex information, identify trends and derive concrete recommendations for action is crucial for sustainable business success.
As part of this specialisation, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of data management, data analytics and data visualisation, as well as the use of modern technologies such as Power BI, Tableau, Python and cloud platforms. In addition to technical expertise, you will develop a deep understanding of the entire data cycle – from collection and preparation to analysis and meaningful presentation in the form of reports and dashboards. This is complemented by the aspect of storytelling, which enables you to communicate complex relationships in a convincing manner.
You will learn how to design data-based strategies, optimise business models and secure competitive advantages. The practical orientation ensures that you can apply your knowledge directly to real business cases, thereby strengthening your role as a future-oriented manager.
Module content
You will deepen your specialist knowledge in the modules of the Business Analytics specialisation of the Global Business Administration distance learning MBA programme.
Module content
The Data Analytics – Fundamentals module provides you with a thorough overview of the basics of modern data analysis. You will learn about the structure and functioning of databases, become familiar with various database technologies and practise using query and programming languages such as SQL. In addition, you will acquire knowledge on key topics such as data quality, data mining and the use of neural networks in business analysis. Another focus is on data preparation and working with data warehousing structures and OLAP methods, which enable complex evaluations. This is supplemented by an examination of practical reporting methods and presentation formats that support target group-oriented communication of results. You will learn about common analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau and Qlik Sense, and use Power BI as an example for your own analyses and reports. In addition, you will learn how to develop automation in the analysis process in order to make evaluations efficient and repeatable.
Acquired competences
After completing the module, you will be able to understand complex data structures, identify suitable data sources for analysis projects and professionally assess their quality. You will be proficient in working with relational databases, modelling them, querying them and preparing them for analytical questions. In addition, you will develop the ability to design suitable reports, consolidate data in a targeted manner and present results in a way that is appropriate for the audience. You will be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of different technologies and will be able to make informed decisions about which tool is suitable for a specific project. At the same time, you will develop skills in the automation of analysis processes, which will allow you to efficiently implement even more complex queries. In addition to technical knowledge, you will develop your analytical thinking, expand your ability to continue your education independently, and develop professionalism in using current methods and tools. Finally, you will learn to communicate results convincingly, lead discussions, and act as a competent contact person in the field of business analytics.
Module contents
In the Data Visualisation and Storytelling module, you will learn the basics of effective data visualisation and how to use storytelling to convey complex information. You will explore different visualisation techniques, the characteristics of various data types, and design principles that ensure messages are communicated clearly and convincingly. In addition, you will develop an understanding of the use of infographics, interactive visualisations and multidimensional representations. Complex data structures and their preparation for machine learning contexts are also covered. Another focus is on the ethical dimension of data visualisations, such as recognising and avoiding manipulative or misleading representations. Practical exercises with tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Python and R reinforce the theoretical knowledge. In a case study, you will apply the entire process from design to publication and learn how to professionally export and share visualisations for different formats.
Acquired competences
After completing the module, you will be able to develop sound visualisation strategies and select suitable forms of presentation for different data sets. You will master working with commercial solutions such as Power BI or Tableau as well as implementation in code-based approaches with Python and R. In addition, you will be able to prepare visualisations for specific target groups, export them and make them available for various communication channels. You will learn how storytelling can transform data into compelling messages and develop the ability to present results in a clear, understandable and visually appealing way. At the same time, you will reflect on the ethical aspects of data visualisation, recognise persuasive and misleading elements, and be able to critically evaluate them. In addition to technical expertise, you will develop your analytical and creative thinking skills, work independently on your own topics, and develop professionalism in the application of current tools and methods. Furthermore, you will strengthen your communication skills by presenting results convincingly and acting as a qualified contact person in the field of data visualisation in discussions.
Module contents
In the Data Management and SMART Data module, you will deepen your knowledge of modern data management methods and learn how to use large and heterogeneous data sets to make reliable decisions. You will deal with data profiling procedures, various data quality dimensions and the concepts of data warehouses, data marts and data lakes. A central component is the design and implementation of ETL and ELT pipelines that cleanse and transform data from different sources and make it available for analytical purposes. In addition, you will learn how to develop suitable data models and schemas for specific business cases. At the analytical level, you will deal with methods such as classification, clustering, regression and association rule mining. In addition, you will learn how SMART data pipelines can be efficiently implemented with modern cloud technologies. The module combines theoretical basics with practical exercises in which you independently create pipelines, apply data models and interpret and present results using appropriate visualisation methods.
Acquired competences
After completing the module, you will be able to independently plan and implement complex data management processes. You will master the setup and maintenance of data warehouses, be able to integrate data from various sources and consolidate it using suitable ETL pipelines. Using programming libraries such as Python and cloud services, you will develop automated workflows that convert raw data into high-quality data sets. You will also learn to identify data quality issues, select appropriate methods for cleaning up data, and structure the results in the form of data cubes or OLAP queries. On an analytical level, you will use appropriate methods to answer business-relevant questions and visualise the results in a way that is tailored to the target audience. In addition to methodological expertise, you will hone your ability to critically reflect on results, justify decisions and defend your approaches convincingly. By working on practical projects, you will also expand your ability to collaborate and act as a competent contact person in the field of SMART Data and Business Analytics.
Career prospects in Business Analytics
Specialising in business analytics opens up a wide range of career paths in data-driven areas of business.
As a Business Analyst, you will play a key role in analysing complex data sets and deriving well-founded recommendations for action. In your role as a data scientist, you will develop models and forecasts that help companies better understand markets and drive innovation. As a BI consultant (business intelligence consultant), you will support organisations in implementing modern reporting and analysis tools and guide them in their strategic use. As a data engineer, you may also be responsible for designing efficient data pipelines and integrating different data sources.
Leadership-oriented career paths such as the position of Chief Data Officer (CDO) offer you the opportunity to shape the data-driven transformation of a company at the highest management level. In addition, positions as Analytics Manager or Consultant in the field of Digital Transformation are also possible, in which you can contribute your expertise to the optimisation of business processes. The combination of analytical, technical and strategic skills makes you a sought-after specialist and manager in almost all industries – from financial services and manufacturing to retail and consulting.