Data Analysis Report Guidelines UAE Students
Data Analysis Report Guidelines UAE Students General Assessment Guidance This assignment forms your summative assessment for the Data Analysis module and carries 100% of the marks. • Submissions received after the deadline will not be graded under any circumstances. • Upload your assignment exclusively via the university’s Turnitin portal. Submissions through email, cloud drives, or physical media will be invalid. • The word limit is 5,000 words. Submissions shorter than this may omit key assessment criteria; submissions exceeding the limit will have excess content disregarded. • Identify your work only with your Student Reference Number (SRN); do not include names or personal identifiers. • A total of 100 marks is available; 50% is required to pass. • Adhere strictly to the Harvard Referencing System. Any unreferenced material from published sources will be flagged as plagiarism. Guidance is available via the university library portal. • The use of AI tools is permitted only for grammar checks, draft review, or where explicitly stated in the assignment brief. • Include a completed Assignment Cover Sheet; failure to do so may render your submission invalid. Assessment Brief Introduction You are required to produce a 5,000-word analytical report for a selected organisation, focusing on a real-world data challenge. The report should interpret and evaluate datasets, provide insights, and inform actionable recommendations for the organisation. Think of yourself as a data consultant, translating raw numbers into meaningful narratives for decision-makers. Learning Outcomes LO1 – Design a data-driven investigation aligned with organisational objectives. LO2 – Interpret and visualise datasets effectively using appropriate analytical tools. LO3 – Evaluate patterns, trends, and anomalies within datasets to inform strategic decisions. LO4 – Produce clear, evidence-based recommendations demonstrating understanding of organisational impact. Key Areas to Cover Executive Summary Organisation Context Data Challenge Definition Rationale and Purpose of the Analysis Stakeholder Mapping and Impact Assessment Data Evaluation and Analytical Methods Findings, Insights, and Recommendations You should integrate statistical reasoning, data visualisation, and critical interpretation throughout the report, showing both technical skill and conceptual understanding. Data Analysis Report Structure • Declaration Page • Title Page • Table of Contents • Lists of Figures/Tables/Abbreviations (if required) • Executive Summary • Organisation Context • Data Challenge Definition • Rationale and Purpose of Analysis • Stakeholder Mapping and Impact Assessment • Data Evaluation and Analytical Methods • Findings, Insights, and Recommendations • Harvard References • Appendices (if required) Total Length: 5,000 words (excluding front matter, references, appendices). Word Count Breakdown (Approximate) Executive Summary – 500 Organisation Context – 300 Data Challenge Definition – 400 Rationale and Purpose – 200 Stakeholder Mapping and Impact Assessment – 600 Data Evaluation and Analytical Methods – 1,800 Findings, Insights, and Recommendations – 1,200 Total – 5,000 words Executive Summary Guidelines Summarise the entire report (approx. 500 words), highlighting the data challenge, purpose, stakeholder impact, analytical approach, key findings, and recommendations. This section should be written after completing the full report to ensure completeness and coherence. Merit: Include a concise overview of your analytical approach and rationale. Distinction: Explain the reasoning behind dataset selection, analysis techniques, and how insights add strategic value. Section Guidelines Organisation Context Present your chosen organisation, focusing on the environment in which it operates and relevant operational or strategic challenges. Incorporate recent examples to illustrate context, such as emerging industry trends in the UAE or regional data-driven practices. Data Challenge Definition Clarify the specific data problem, anomaly, or question your analysis addresses. Avoid generic statements; instead, provide context grounded in organisational operations, performance metrics, or sector-specific insights. Rationale and Purpose of Analysis Explain why this data analysis is necessary. How will the findings inform decision-making? Illustrate potential benefits such as operational efficiency, cost savings, or improved customer engagement. Stakeholder Mapping and Impact Assessment Identify key internal and external stakeholders affected by the data findings. Evaluate their interest, influence, and potential reactions to your recommendations. Provide practical examples: e.g., how marketing teams may adjust campaigns based on predictive insights, or how finance managers may respond to trend forecasts. Data Evaluation and Analytical Methods Critically examine secondary datasets using statistical techniques, visualisation tools, or analytical frameworks. Discuss reliability, limitations, and biases. Compare alternative interpretations to demonstrate critical thinking. Include charts, graphs, or tables where necessary to strengthen clarity. Findings, Insights, and Recommendations Present your analysis outcomes, highlighting patterns, anomalies, or correlations relevant to organisational strategy. Provide actionable recommendations linked directly to the data insights. Recommendations should be realistic, evidence-based, and consider potential stakeholder impact. Conclude with a reflection on how your findings contribute strategic value. References and Presentation • Use Harvard referencing consistently. • Maintain professional formatting, consistent numbering, and clear labelling of tables and figures. • Include a broad mix of academic and professional sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and credible datasets.