Data science in the business environment: Insight management for an Executive MBA

Abstract

Data science is an interdisciplinary field of methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data, where digital innovation and value creation through data are especially important in the business environment. Data science can be characterised as an umbrella of techniques for generating insights while providing a bridge to data-driven decision making across organisations. This paper focuses on the development and delivery of an Insight Management module for the Executive MBA at the University of Winchester Business School. It is informed by the application of a data science framework (EDISON) and an analytics body of knowledge (INFORMS), underpinned by data science principles. The adoption of data-analytic thinking is central to the conceptual approach taken for teaching and learning innovation, which is highlighted from four perspectives: data, process, technology and context.