The aim of this module is to introduce you to core quantitative methods used in a business context. The module will apply these methods to datasets typically encountered in business.
You'll study the principles involved in data analysis techniques and reasoning for decision-making in business, marketing, accounting and finance. Randomness is a defining characteristic of most datasets encountered in real life, which requires finding the signal in random and noisy data to make justified decisions.
The following topics will be covered by this module:
The use of Excel spreadsheets will be key to an understanding and application of knowledge. Spreadsheets are used throughout the module as the central tool used by professionals for simple data management and analysis. Real-life datasets will be provided to help you develop professional skills beyond the traditional academic discourse. These skills can be applied more broadly to your professional or personal life.
By studying this module, you'll understand how information is identified, collected and explored. Subsequently, you will learn how information relates to problem-solving and decision-making using a range of business data resources and appropriate methodologies. You'll be able to characterise and summarise datasets, explore relationships between variables using statistical techniques to support business decisions, as well as evaluate and develop information, data, and arguments necessary for decision-making in ways that show you understand their strengths and limitations.
The skills and knowledge that you'll develop will equip you to follow a variety of career paths, including but not limited to organisations specialising in marketing, accounting, finance and economics (such as professional firms, consultancy firms and banks). This may include organisations that have a need for data-driven business planning, such as private businesses, public administration and the civil service, local government, international organisations or charities and the voluntary sector.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
B126 is a compulsory module in our:
B126 is an option module in our:
Business data analytics and decision making starts once a year – in April.
This page describes the module that will start in April 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2031.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Whilst there are no formal entry requirements, this module does require good numerical skills. A basic understanding of Microsoft Excel will also help. We will provide introductory materials to familiarise yourself with this spreadsheet software.
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you would like to prepare for this module, you may find the following introductory resources on OpenLearn helpful:
This self-assessment quiz is intended to help you check your understanding of the numerical skills required to study the module material. You will receive feedback on each question and will be directed to links to free OpenLearn materials, which will help you to refresh your numerical skills if necessary. Please note you will need a (free) Open University account to access the quiz.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying B126 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
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| 03 Apr 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 | 11 Mar 2027 | £2,044 |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
