Business Analysis
Define sampling and explain why a sample must be drawn from the population.
• Explain the difference between probability and non-probability sampling.
• Provide examples of probability sampling: simple random, cluster and stratified techniques.
• Provide examples of non-probability sampling: judgement sampling, snowballing, purposeful, quota etc.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of probability/non-probability sampling (e.g bias/error/size)
• use relevant academic literature/sources to support your arguments.
Question 2
In respect of primary and secondary data compare and contrast:
1) The main differences between primary and secondary data
2) The advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary data
You must draw upon relevant theory, concepts and models and appropriate organisational examples.
In order to complete this task, you will need to consider as a first step the factors outlined in the course materials, referring as a start to the lessons on Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research and add relevant academic sources to your answer.
• In response to this question, you need to explain the importance of identifying data sources before the study/survey commences.
• Explain how both primary and secondary data contribute to research.
• Define and describe types of primary data and how they are obtained. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of primary data e.g obtained through surveys, interviews, observation, ethnomethodology, etc.
• Define and describe types of secondary data and how they are obtained.
• Explain why a researcher is likely to start the research process by collecting secondary data.
• Gives some examples of secondary data (may be qualitative/quantitative)
• Compare and contrast both types of data and highlight the key differences. For example, secondary data may not address the research q
Explain the importance of coding.
• Explain the sources of data you intend to use for this task for example, the profit/turnover of John Lewis over a 4-year period.
• Explain the mean, mode and standard deviation – these are all descriptive statistics. Please show all formulas
• Show the calculations manually and also using excel.
• Screen shot the calculation in excel and embed in your report.
use relevant academic literature/sources to support your arguments.
Question 4
When it comes to making sound decisions an effective management information system acts as an important part of the process. To what extent would you agree with this perspective and why?
You must draw upon relevant theory, concepts and models and appropriate organisational examples.
In order to complete this task, you will need to consider as a first step the factors outlined in the course materials, referring as a start to the
lessons on Introduction and the Role of Business Analysis in Organisations and add relevant external academic sources to your answer.
• Start by explaining the importance of decision making in organisations e.g. enables employees/managers to focus on achieving the aims and objectives of the organisation.
• Briefly describe types of decisions – this can be linked to the types of decisions below.
• Briefly describe the three levels of management information in organisation (strategic, tactical and operational).For example, strategic data may include overall profitability, competitor analysis, future trends etc. and will only be accessible by the senior executive team/management team – (Executive information system).
• Tactical data may include productivity measures, cashflow forecast etc. and accessible to middle managers – (Management information system).
• Operational data is accessible and used at the lower levels in the organisations – Transactional Processing Systems). Briefly describe types of decisions that organisations are likely to make and the methods of decision making they are most likely to adopt.
• Discuss the approaches to decision making.
• Define/explain the use of a management information system
Justify the use of a management information system and how it enables the organisation to maintain relevant/operational, management and executive information which then facilitated decision making.
• Explain the role of the business analyst and how they ensure that the information systems used in the organisation meet the needs and processes.
use relevant academic literature/sources to support your arguments.
