Business Decision Making Using Data

This assignment explores the crucial role of data in informed business decision-making. Students are tasked with analyzing a scenario involving a potential investment opportunity and applying various quantitative methods to evaluate its viability. These methods include calculating the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV), along with utilizing statistical tools for data interpretation and understanding trends. The assignment emphasizes the practical application of business intelligence concepts in real-world decision contexts.

BUSINESS DECISION
MAKING

INTRODUCTION
In the workplace of any organisation, several kinds of the problems and issues arise
which hamper the smooth business process to a greater level. It is mandatory to resolve such
obstacles by which an entrepreneur can easily achieve those purposes and goals which are
predetermined.. For conducting appropriate research, different number of statistical tools and
methods are considered by the scholar, which are described in the present project. The research
is on the basis of UK College of Business and Computing (UKCBC) in which satisfaction as
well as the experience level of students are analysed. It focuses on statistical tools and methods
like measure of dispersion, central tendency etc. which is supportive for making effective
business decisions. Beside this, the present project describes about the thematic analysis which is
taken into account by the scholar for analyse research problems and derive conclusion. At the
end of report, network diagram and financial tools are presented through which management is
able to make better decisions and meet with the determined time frame.
TASK 1
1.1 Plan or schedule in order to collect data and information for decision making
Data collection is been done in order to prepare a report. Data is being collected in two
initial ways, i.e. through secondary and primary data. Primary data is being collected via
questionnaires from students in four UKCBC campuses, Wentworth House Campus,
Cricklewood campus, Lords House campus, Holborn campus (Montes and Jorge, 2015). Sample
of 15 students is being taken. Collection of secondary data is based on books, journals,
magazines and articles published in by UKCBC colleges.
Research stages Details of researched data Budget
Secondary data
gathering
Data will be collected from secondary sources of
books, journals, magazines and articles.
500
Analysing of gathered
secondary data
Through analysis of secondary data collected. 860
Primary data gathering Data being collected from a sample of 25 students
across four campuses with questionnaires filled by
students.
950
1

Analysing of primary
data
Collected primary data being analysed for statical
research.
1120
Report Preparation of report taking in account the base
data created from primary and secondary
collection.
290
Total budgeted amount for conducting survey 3720 GBP
Primary is ought to be precise and more reliable as to secondary data as the data collected
is present and collected with particular degree of compliance. Primary data collected cannot be
trusted completely as the views students may be biased regarding a particular topic (García and
Conde, 2014). Data collected from secondary sources provide a broader line of research. Primary
data provide a view of current trend among the students.
1.2 Presenting survey methodology and sampling method which is used
A survey can be done via a number of methods, these include questionnaire, interview
etc. The purpose of this survey is gathering of certain data by filling of questionnaires by
different people.
Sampling frame Simple random sampling: This method of sampling is considered as the simplest method
of sampling. Sampling is done by distribution of questionnaires among individuals on
discretion of distributor of the questionnaire. This method of sampling is used when need
of data is highly discreet. Cluster sampling: Under this method, distribution of questionnaire is done based on
geographical factors (Ford and Richardson, 2013). Units are samples are picked up from
these diverse geographical areas. This method is suitable when one wants do survey for
specific area. Stratified sampling: Under this method the population is divided into different parts on
demographic grounds. Units of sample are collected from these fragments of population.
This method is used when wants to know about people buying pattern or perception that
they have in respect to research subject.
2

 Quote sampling: Sampling under this method done via distribution of population into
quotas, samples are picked up from these quotas (Zsambok, 2014).
In this research study scholar going of use simple random sampling method where it will
pick students on randomly basis. Further, in order to conduct survey and determine solution,
sample size of 25 students taken from the overall population studied in four campuses of
UKCBC college.
1.3 Questionnaire framing for gathering information
In the present study, primary data collected with the help of reliable source like
questionnaire which will be distributed among the students of all four campuses of UKCBC
college. Further, the questionnaire to carry out present survey are mentioned below:
Research Questionnaire
Demographic Information
Name: ________________
Gender: ________________
Age: ________________
Que. 1: From how many years you studied in UKCBC college?
 Last one year
 1 to 3 years
 3 to 5 years
 More than 5 years
Que. 2: From the four college campuses in which campus do you study?
 Wentworth House Campus
 Cricklewood Campus
 Lords House Campus
 Holborn Campus
3

Que. 3: From the following, in which course do you study?
 Business management (BM)
 Journalism
 Information technology (IT)
 Engineering
Que. 4: Are you satisfy with the quality of learning materials which are provided by UKCBC
college?
 Highly satisfied
 Satisfied
 Moderate
 Dissatisfied
 Highly dissatisfied
Que. 5: As per your opinion, does UKCBC college provides all the required information in
adequate manner ?
 Yes
 No
Que. 6: Do you agree that, UKCBC college provides all the needed facilities in proper
direction?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Moderate
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Que. 7: Please rank (out of 10) teaching methodology of all the campuses of UKCBC college?
4

____________________________________________________________
Que. 8: Do you want to recommend any suggestions to UKCBC college for improvement?
 Yes
 No
TASK 2
2.1 Summarising data which are collected for conducting survey
In order to conduct proper survey, primary source is considered i.e. questionnaire by the
scholar which is given among students of the UKCBC college. Data which is used in the present
study is summarised and upon it different statistical tools will be applied. Description of used
measure of central tendency is such as follows:
Mean: Very basic method which is used in statistic is mean value where the average
value of overall available data set is calculated in proper way. Under this, whole data added at
the initially and then divided by total number of population (Mean, Mode and Median, 2017).
Further, whatever outcome generated is considered as average or mean value in the statistics.
Mode: Another tool is mode, refers to the specific data or value which often or frequently
occurs in the total set of responses. When frequency of the data set is analysed then particular
value which is occurred frequently, that will be considered as the mode value.
Median: According to this tool, the whole data set is arranged in the ascending order at
the initial level. After that, calculation of median value is performed by in appropriate direction.
By considering this statistical method, when data is too much huge as well as large, then
management easily able to break into two equal parts (Ramsey and Schafer, 2012).
2.2 Analysing results and derive conclusion of survey
Q1: Students studied in UKCBC college from last some years.
Mean 2.56
Mode 2
Median 2
5

From the present data it can be assessed that, most of the students studied in the UKCBC
college are nearby 2. On the basis of this, majority of the pupils are studied from last 1 to 3
years. Further, nearby third value, some taking education from 3 to 5 years.
Q2: College campus in which students taking education.
Mean 2.52
Mode 3
Median 3
By considering the above table it can be analysed that, mostly pupils studied at the
second and third both campuses like at the Cricklewood and Lords House. Further, major
students are frequently studied from the Lords House campus of the cited college. At the middle
value of data set also same campus comes which is like Lords.
Q3: Students taking education from different courses.
Mean 2.52
Mode 3
Median 3
As per this question, major number of students give response at the second or third level
where they studied about the course of Journalism and Information Technology. Further, at most
of the time, students studied IT courses and taking education of that topic from UKCBC college
campuses (Hartman, DesJardins and MacDonald, 2014).
Q4: Satisfaction level of students with the learning material's quality.
Mean 2.88
Mode 2
6

Median 2
At this question, on the average basis pupils are at the moderate level where neither
satisfied nor dissatisfied. Apart from this, students are satisfied and due to which frequently
giving response on the second option. Further, as per the middle value also, they give response
on the option of satisfaction level.
Q5: Comment on provided information by the UKCBC college to students.
Mean 1.56
Mode 2
Median 2
According to the above stated table it can be visualised that, students provide response at
the second option as per all the values. Further, it can be said that, UKCBC college unable to
providing all the information which required for the pupils.
Q6: Students disagree from the needed facilities given by UKCBC college.
Mean 3.08
Mode 4
Median 3
In this question, most of the students are at the moderate level where neither agree nor
disagree to the statement that the college gives all the required facilities in proper direction.
Moreover, as per the mode value pupils not agree that, UKCBC college able to provide all the
required services (Zionts, 2012). In addition to this, as per the middle value also they agree at the
moderate level.
Q7: Ranking on the teaching facilities of UKCBC college.
Mean 6.24
7

Mode 7
Median 7
As per this particular question, on an average students give 6.24 rank to those facilities
which are provided by UKCBC college at the time of teach them. Further, as per the mode and
middle both tools of statistics, college performing at the 7th rabk out 10 according to the 25
students of the four campuses.
Q8: Students want to recommend for improvement to UKCBC college.
Mean 1.36
Mode 1
Median 1
It can be found from the current stated question that, at the all tools UKCBC college's
students giving response at the first option. Through this it can be analysed that, management of
the campuses need to take actions and frame strategies in order to improve existing teaching
facilities.
2.3 Data analysis with the help of measure of dispersion
Other tool which is used by management of college in order to derive experience and
satisfaction level of students is measure of dispersion. Under this, majorly three values calculated
from the data set which are like range, variance and standard deviation (Schabenberger and
Gotway, 2017). For the present data collected, computation of such tools is stated below:
Number of Questionnaire Range Variance Standard deviation
Q1 3 0.92 0.96
Q2 3 1.26 1.12
Q3 3 1.26 1.12
Q4 4 1.94 1.39
8

Q5 1 0.26 0.51
Q6 4 1.83 1.35
Q7 9 4.77 2.18
Q8 1 0.24 0.49
From the above table it can be ascertained that, outcome of range value is the highest in
question seven i.e. 9. The reason is that, difference between higher and lower digit from data set
is more at this questionnaire which is like 10 and 1. Further, variance and standard deviation
values both are also high under the rank given by students on college's teaching facilities. In
addition to this, it can be visualised that, outcome of standard deviation is lower than mean value
of respective questionnaire in every scenario. Henceforth, outcomes of both the statistical tools
like standard deviation and average are far which shows that students satisfied at the moderate
level.
2.4 Presenting quartiles, percentiles and correlation along with its usefulness in order to make
business decisions
Quartile and percentile both are same tool which divide data set in equal four parts. Major
difference in such statistical methods are regarding to the presentation where quartile denotes
outcome in form of level while percentile denotes in percentage form (Baak and et.al., 2015).
Moreover, such calculations along with the interpretation for all research questionnaire stated
below:
Q1: Students studied in UKCBC college from last some years.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 2
Q2 2
Q3 3
Percentile
25th 2
9

50th 2
75th 3
Q2: College campus in which students taking education.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 2
Q2 3
Q3 3
Percentile
25th 2
50th 3
75th 3
Q3: Students taking education from different courses.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 1
Q2 3
Q3 3
Percentile
25th 1
50th 3
75th 3
Q4: Satisfaction level of students with the learning material's quality.
10

Quartile Outcomes
Q1 2
Q2 2
Q3 4
Percentile
25th 2
50th 2
75th 4
Q5: Comment on provided information by the UKCBC college to students.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 1
Q2 2
Q3 2
Percentile
25th 1
50th 2
75th 2
Q6: Students disagree from the needed facilities given by UKCBC college.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 2
Q2 3
Q3 4
11

Percentile
25th 2
50th 3
75th 4
Q7: Ranking on the teaching facilities of UKCBC college.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 5
Q2 7
Q3 7
Percentile
25th 5
50th 7
75th 7
Q8: Students want to recommend for improvement to UKCBC college.
Quartile Outcomes
Q1 1
Q2 1
Q3 2
Percentile
25th 1
50th 1
75th 2
12

Interpretation
It can be found from the above all computation that, as the level of quartiles increase
from Q1 to Q2 and then Q3, outcomes also give response in same direction. On the basis of this
it can be derived that, major number of pupils taking education from the third college campus
which is like Lords House. Further, major number of the pupils like to take education on the
course of Information Technology (IT) and avid others. As per the major respondents, the
college needs to make improvements and changes in the existing teaching facilities. The reason
founded is that, they are giving 7th rank out of 10 on this kind of college services (Kaner, 2014).
In addition to this, at the Q3 level, students of UKCBC college not satisfied with the quality of
learning and education material provided by it. Further, from the overall statistical tools and
methods it can be concluded that, major students of UKCBC college satisfied at the moderate
level. In this, the management must should take corrective actions for proper improvement and
boost up their satisfaction level.
TASK 3
3.1 Graphical presentation of the data which are gathered from students of UKCBC college
Theme 1: Students studied in UKCBC college from last 1 to 3 years.
Responses Respondents
Last one year 3
1 to 3 years 10
3 to 5 years 7
More than 5 years 5
Total 25
Bar Chart
13

Last one year
1 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
More than 5 years
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
3
10
7
5
Pie Chart
3
10 7
5
Last one year
1 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
More than 5 years
Interpretation
It can be observed from the aforementioned graphs that, 10 students from 25 studied in
the UKCBC college from last 1 to 3 years consistently. Further, 7 and 5 respondents taking
education from the last 3 to 5 years and more than 5 respectively. Only 3 students are of that type
which are new in college are studied from last 1 year only.
Theme 2: Students studied in four campuses of college.
Responses Respondents
Wentworth House Campus 6
14

Cricklewood Campus 6
Lords House Campus 7
Holborn Campus 6
Total 25
Bar Chart
Wentworth House Campus
Cricklewood Campus
Lords House Campus
Holborn Campus
5.4 5.6 5.8 6 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 7 7.2
6
6
7
6
Pie Chart
6
6 7
6
Wentworth House
Campus
Cricklewood Campus
Lords House Campus
Holborn Campus
Interpretation
15

Total 7 students between 25 studied in the Lords House college campus whereas in other
campuses they taking education on equal quantity. In other three campuses of UKCBC college
such as Cricklewood, Wentworth and Holbor, 6-6 students studied.
Theme 3: Students study Information technology (IT) course in UKCBC college.
Responses Respondents
Business management (BM) 7
Journalism 3
Information technology (IT) 10
Engineering 5
Total 25
Bar Chart
Business management (BM)
Journalism
Information technology (IT)
Engineering
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
7
3
10
5
Pie Chart
16

7
3
10
5
Business man-
agement (BM)
Journalism
Information techno-
logy (IT)
Engineering
Interpretation
The present theme reflects about different courses in which students studied where it can
be found that, 10 among 25 pupils having interest in IT department. Further, 7 and 5 students
studied in the Business management and Engineering course from the cited college (Rothman,
2017). At the last, only 3 pupils having interest in the Journalism study.
Theme 4: Students satisfied with the quality of learning materials which are provided by
UKCBC college.
Responses Respondents
Highly satisfied 4
Satisfied 9
Moderate 2
Dissatisfied 6
Highly dissatisfied 4
Total 25
Bar Chart
17

Highly satisfied
Satisfied
Moderate
Dissatisfied
Highly dissatisfied
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4
9
2
6
4
Pie Chart
4
9
2
6
4
Highly satisfied
Satisfied
Moderate
Dissatisfied
Highly dissatisfied
Interpretation
From the above prepared charts it can be said that, major students like 9 between 25
satisfied from the standards of learning materials which provided by the college. Further, at the
second level, they are dissatisfied by such kinds of the materials.
Theme 5: UKCBC college not provides all the required information in adequate manner.
Responses Respondents
18

Yes 11
No 14
Total 25
Bar Chart
Yes
No
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
11
14
Pie Chart
11
14
Yes
No
Interpretation
Majority of the pupils like 14 say that, college not providing information which required
for them in proper and adequate ways. On the other side, 11 students give response to the
statement that, UKCBC college providing needed information in proper ways.
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Theme 6: Majority students disagree to the statement that UKCBC college provides all the
needed facilities in appropriate direction.
Responses Respondents
Strongly agree 4
Agree 5
Moderate 5
Disagree 7
Strongly disagree 4
Total 25
Bar Chart
Strongly agree
Agree
Moderate
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
4
5
5
7
4
Pie Chart
20

4
5
5
7
4
Strongly agree
Agree
Moderate
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Interpretation
It can be assessed through such presented charts that, most of the respondents like 7
between 25 disagree to the statement asked by them (Sutherland and Holstead, 2014). By this, it
can be said that, college not gives all the facilities and services to pupils which are needed.
Theme 7: Rank on the teaching facilities of UKCBC college.
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Bar Chart
22

1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
1 7
2 9
6
3 6 7
4 5 7 10
7
7
7
5 6
5 8
5 7 10
7 8
7
Pie Chart
17
2
9
6
3
6
7
4
5
7
10
7 7 7 5
6
5
8
5
7
10
7
8
7 1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25
Interpretation
While considering the ranking statement then it can be analysed that, as per the major
students, college is at the 7th rank in terms of providing teaching facilities. Some respondents
give 9th and 10th rank as well which reflects that college not able to give effectual services to
them.
Theme 8: Majority of the students want to recommend UKCBC college for improvement.
Responses Respondents
23

Yes 16
No 9
Total 25
Bar Chart
Yes
No
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
16
9
Pie Chart
16
9
Yes
No
Interpretation
Among the overall respondents, 16 say that they want to give advice to the college in
order to modify and improve the current facilities. Only 9 students do not want to any kind of
improvement in the UKCBC college due to satisfying with it.
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3.2 Creating the trend line in order to forecast future data
Line Chart
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
1
7
2
9
6
3
6
7
4
5
7
10
7 7 7
5
6
5
8
5
7
10
7
8
7
Trend Line
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213141516171819202122232425
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
1
7
2
9
6
3
6
7
4
5
7
10
7 7 7
5
6
5
8
5
7
10
7
8
7
f(x) = 0.1315384615x + 4.53
Interpretation
From the above presented charts it can be reflected that, major number of students among
total 25 give rank to the UKCBC's teaching facilities at 7 out of 10. Trend line reflects that, in
the upcoming year college able to perform in beneficial or negative direction. In the present
scenario, trend of this line is in upward condition by which it can be said that, pupils are giving
25

better rank and in the increasing direction (Vaiman, Scullion and Collings, 2012). Moreover, it
can be forecasted that, students will give higher rank to the teaching facilities of UKCBC college
in further periods.
3.3 Power point presentation
3.4 Formal business report for presenting to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
Formal Business Report
To,
Quality Assurance Agency
Date: 2nd August 2017
Subject: A survey on student experience and satisfaction in UKCBC college
Introduction
The present study is on the basis of UKCBC college which has total four campuses and
provides several kinds of courses. It shows about level of satisfaction that up to which extent
pupils of the college are satisfied with the teaching facilities offered to them. Apart from this, it
can be derived that, whether any kind of improvement is needed in existing teaching or other
college services.
Purpose and limitation
Main objective or purpose of the present project is to assess satisfaction and experience level of
the students of UKCBC college from facilities as well as services provided by it. On the other
side, limitation is regarding to the time availability in adequate manner. Further, because of lack
of appropriate timings small sample data is collected.
Main content
By considering the data collected it can be said that, major number of population having interest
in IT course and more students studied in the Lords House campus of UKCBC college. The data
and graphs present that, in terms of satisfaction level there is very less number of students agree
as well as satisfied. As per the major respondents teachers not able to provide better quality of
the materials along with required time. Further, information which needed students, also not
26

given by the UKCBC college in proper manner. As per the ranking on teaching facilities it can
be said that, it is at the 7th rank out of total 10. Trend line clearly shows in the present scenario
that, students will give more rank to its teaching services in the upcoming timings.
Summary and recommendation
From the present study it can be summarised that, students are satisfied moderately where
neither having full satisfaction or dissatisfaction from the services of UKCBC college. Along
with this, only 7th rank is given by them on the teaching facilities of lectures which is worst.
Moreover, it can be recommended to UKCBC college that, it needs to hire highly qualified
lecturers who will able to provided the highest quality of learning materials. Along with this, it
should allow students for providing all the relevant information on time.
TASK 4
4.1 Information processing tools for making business decisions at different management level
Tactical level:
Managerial personnels take decisions regarding the activities of business. Senior
managers, SBUs etc. use management information system(MIS) for taking tactical decisions in
the business. MIS helps in business operations and processes (Popovič and et.al., 2012).
Integration of information generated by departments of an organisation can be done through
MIS. Proper storage of data is possible with MIS and helps the manger in operational decision
making.
Strategic level:
At this level of decision making the top management, CEO, COO etc. take decisions with
the help of decision system support (DSS), which enables quantitative analysis in short period.
DSS helps the management to solve problems which can not be solved through normal
computerised handling. Dynamic environmental scenarios are also easy to dealt with through use
of DSS in the firm.
Operational level:
The employees at the lowest level need to keep a data on daily transactions made by them
in the course of running the business. Record of these transactions can be kept by transaction
27

processing system (TPS) (Laudon and et.al., 2012). This system helps in handling day-to-day
transactions in an effective and efficient manner. Purpose of TPS is supportive to reduce time
consumption and recording data of the firm.
4.2 Preparing plan for the project and deriving critical path
Activity Predecessor Duration
A - 2
B A 4
C B 6
D A 3
E B 6
F E 1
G C, D 3
H F, G 2
The tool by which critic activities of the project plan are to be derived in proper direction
is known as network diagram. Further, on the basis of that, one way is determined under which
non-critic activities are eliminated and not considered while preparing the project which
identified as critical path. Lower the path lead to reduce overall time or duration of the project
and helpful to meet with deadlines in adequate manner (Ghattas Soffer and Peleg, 2014). As per
the above mentioned plan network diagram, critical path as well as the Gantt chart are such as
follows:
Network Diagram
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Illustration 1: Network diagram
Gantt Chart
Illustration 2: Gantt chart
Critical path: 1+2+3+7+8
Time duration: 2+4+6+3+2 = 17 days
Present project and research will be completed within 17 days only instead of total 27
days which are stated in project plan. Moreover, 10 days earlier it will be completed.
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4.3 Decision making with the help of financial tools
Those methods by which company makes decisions related to the finance like
investment, expenses etc. is known as the financial tools. In this different techniques involved
which are highly supportive for making investment decisions which are such as NPV, ARR,
IRR, payback period etc (Methods for investment appraisal, 2012). For the present study NPV
and IRR calculation is mentioned below:
NPV formula:
Illustration 3: Calculation of NPV
Formula of IRR:
30

Illustration 4: Calculation of IRR
Interpretation
According to the above stated computation it can be observed that, net present value of
the project is in positive value which is worth of 7709 GBP. On the another side, internal rate of
return is also 28.85% which is beneficial for the UKCBC college campuses. Due to providing
better and fruitful return from this project it can be advised to the management that, it should
make investment.
CONCLUSION
It can be summarised from the present report that, for collecting reliable facts and figures
from four campuses of UKCBC college, the scholar use primary data source which is
questionnaire. It can be concluded that, there are very less number of pupils who satisfied with
the education system as well as teaching services of the respective institute. Hence, experience
and satisfaction is at the lower extent of the pupils and due to which rank given by them is at the
7th out of 10. Further, the college must make high level of improvements in the existing system
and services provided related to the education. Along with this, several facilities are also required
to enhance within college campuses. On the basis of financial tools it can be assessed that,
project provides beneficial IRR and NPV. At this case, the management needs to make
investment in this particular project.
31