Business Analytics and Knowledge Management

This course will give students an introduction to IT-supported knowledge management, learning organizations and intellectual capital.

The course is based on the need for information that leaders in today's organizations have, seen in relation to the decisions they have to make. Students gain knowledge about the use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and decision support systems, as well as how these systems can be used for data collection, processing, distribution and presentation to managers and other stakeholders.

Particular focus is placed on the utilization of data that is typically generated with IT systems such as enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), customer relationship management systems (CRM) or human resource management systems (HRM).

Students get a thorough introduction to Business Intelligence & Analytics (BIA) which is often referred to as "decision support" or "business analysis". In this context, BIA is a collective term for applications, technology and methods used for the collection, compilation, storage, reporting and analysis of data. Students become familiar with how such systems help decision makers throughout the organization to make better and faster decisions on a more accurate data basis.

After completing the course, the following overall learning outcomes must be achieved:

Knowledge

Students must:

• Have knowledge of what knowledge management and intellectual capital are, why this is important for modern organizations, and how digital collaboration systems can be utilized in this context.
• Be able to describe the most important theories in relation to how decisions are made in organizations.
• Have in-depth knowledge of how Business Intelligence & Analytics (BIA) processes and associated tools can contribute to improved decision-making processes.

Skills

Students must be able to:

• Carry out needs analyzes for identification of reporting needs across the information systems in an organization.
• Prepare requirements specifications for BIA and data warehouse solutions.
• Define different reporting cubes based on consolidation of the organizations' reporting needs and structuring of underlying business concepts.
• Extract data from different data sources using different IT tools.
• Carry out measurements and reporting in relation to intellectual capital.

General competence

Students must:

• Be able to communicate about professional issues, analyzes and conclusions within IT-supported knowledge management to managers, employees and other stakeholders.
• Have in-depth knowledge of models and tools used in BIA and knowledge management.
• Be able to contribute to quality assurance of data in connection with reporting and other utilization of the data that also satisfies ethical guidelines.
• Be able to contribute to the utilization of innovative methods for measuring, analyzing, managing and reporting intellectual capital.

Various forms of work and learning activities will be used with a combination of lectures, student presentations and essay writing.