Developing Business Practice –302LON Using data in your studies Unit: 5 Knowledgecast: 2

In this Knowledgecast, we will: Evaluate current academic, self-marketing and personal skills and present a plan for developing skills Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research Module Learning Outcomes

Module Overview Unit 1Developing as a learner 2Working independently and with others 3Academic writing 4Critical thinking, reading and taking notes 5Using data in your studies 6Business and management research 7Career development strategies 8Effective self marketing tools 9Successful work experience 10Personal Development Planning

Source: Northedge (2005) & Cameron (2009) Why Use Data? Academic Inquiry To produce convincing and reliable descriptions of the world around us. Data To help illustrate the evidence that supports our conclusions Maths A language with a set of rules for combining symbols rather than words A clear, unambiguous and concise way of describing certain relationships

3 Steps to Managing Data Communicating Meaning Interpreting Data Reading Data

Some considerations when drawing conclusions from data: Is the sample representative? Data can be imperfect Situations can be complex to explain Interpreting Data – Be Critical

Samples are used to inform a decision or test an hypothesis. We need to be aware of: Nature and size of the sample How representative the sample is of the population under investigation Comparisons are made between similar groups/factors How the sample was identified and used How the sample was categorised Representative Samples

The meaning of data can be influenced by many factors at different stages in its collection and interpretation. We need to be aware of: Opinions can be temporary Opinions don’t always reflect actual behaviour The experience of being a part of the research can influence the response Whether the research tracks single events or consistent trends over time Imperfect Data

There is a whole range of statistical techniques that can be used to help draw conclusions about the meaning of data. We need to be aware of: What are the variables in the situation under investigation How these variables have been taken into account What is being inferred from the data collected Have the limitations of the research methodology been considered Explaining Complex Situations

Tests of significance measure the extent to which results were observed by chance. We need to be aware of: To what extent the results gathered are by chance What was the original purpose of the data collection What might the non-significant data be suggesting? Significant Data

Analysing Arguments Identify the claim being made Evaluate the evidence that supports the claim Evaluate the reasoning used to link the evidence to the claim

3 Steps to Managing Data Communicating Meaning Interpreting Data Reading Data

Only use the data you need to make your point 1. Edit ruthlessly Choose how you are going to present the data once you know the meaning 2. Clear meaning Make sure your data can be interpreted accurately by others 3. Label carefully & clearly Make sure your audience understand the big picture and the detail 4. Summarise Keep it simple, engaging and easy to understand your message 5. Present professionally Know your audience and meet their needs 6. Present simply 6 Principles for Presenting Data Based on: Shoolbred (2008)

Source: Shoolbred (2008) Clear Meaning

Source: Shoolbred (2008) Clear Meaning

In our next Knowledgecast, we will look at: Discuss the value of reflection and self-evaluation as a learner Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research Evaluate own skills, competencies and attitudes required for a successful work experience What are we going to cover next?

In this Knowledgecast, we have looked at: Evaluate current academic, self-marketing and personal skills and present a plan for developing skills –Identify the skills required to interpret and communicate data to meet the needs of your audience Identify the key skills and competencies involved in designing and undertaking relevant business and management research –Recognise the link between the research design and the interpretation of data Knowledgecast Summary

Share reflections and feedback on Regular Assignment 1 Details of Regular Assignment 2 Independence and Reflection: the ingredients for successful learners? Prepare and deliver a Group Presentation (Unit 7). Plenary and Q&A Seminar: Regular Assignment Check- In

Independence and Reflection: the ingredients for successful learners? Prepare and deliver a Group Presentation (Unit 7). 1. Setting your Ground Rules 2. Brainstorming your assignment 3. Creating your action plan Group Activity: Regular Assignment 2