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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
04 Apr 2026Sept 2026
This module will introduce you to methods used to facilitate data-driven business decision-making. It will equip you with a basic knowledge of quantitative techniques to analyse data and skills to make decisions primarily in a business context. In particular, it will enable you to construct valid arguments, summarise and describe datasets, explore relationships between variables, make hypothesis-driven decisions, and employ basic forecasting techniques. Upon completion of the module, you'll be able to apply the techniques and tools acquired during the module in a professional environment.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Business data analytics and decision making starts once a year – in April.
This page describes the module that will start in April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2031.
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