Data-Driven Decision Making: The Analytical Side of Business Studies

Success in modern business largely depends on one thing: data. From small start-ups to global corporations, the ability to gather, analyse and react to data is now central to daily decision making. For Business students at the University of Greater Manchester, developing your analytical skills is not optional. It’s essential.

Why analytics matter in business

Businesses have access to more information than they ever have before (about customers, markets, finances, competitors and their own operations) but raw data alone doesn’t drive success. What matters more is the ability to translate data into meaningful insights that inform strategy and allow a company to take action.

Students of business with us learn exactly how to do that. Whether it’s spotting marketing trends, understanding consumer behaviour or improving internal efficiencies, data-driven thinking sits at the heart of modern management.

Remember — Analytics is not limited to finance or marketing. It touches all parts of a business’ activity, from human resources to supply chain management.

What do students actually learn?

The practical side of data analytics should be a key feature of any Business degree, but it’s not about just studying theory. You need to learn to work with the tools and technologies that businesses use every single day. This includes:

● Microsoft Excel for data modelling and financial analysis

● Power BI and Tableau for data visualisation and reporting

● CRM platforms like Salesforce to manage customer data

● Google Analytics for tracking website performance

● Social media analytics for brand engagement

● Accounting software for financial tracking and forecasting

Through case studies, simulations and real-world project briefs, our students build confidence in applying these tools to real business scenarios. You’ll learn how to clean data, interpret results and present findings in ways that can influence decision makers.

The strategic value of analytical thinking

Beyond the software itself, our students develop a highly valuable way of thinking — logical, evidence-based and outcome-driven. These skills help graduates to approach real problems methodically, test their ideas and provide recommendations backed with clear evidence.

Employers consistently rank analytical ability among the top skills they look for in business graduates. It demonstrates not only technical capability but also sound judgment and commercial awareness.

Competitive advantage in the job market

Graduates with strong data skills are in demand across multiple sectors. Roles in marketing, operations, consultancy, finance and management all increasingly expect candidates to be comfortable working with data. Jobs where these skills are particularly valuable include Business Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Data-Driven Project Manager, Operations Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist and Financial Planner.

What’s more, these roles often provide faster career progression, as employers tend to trust data-literate staff to lead projects and make more informed decisions.

Ready to learn in-demand business skills?

At the University of Greater Manchester, our students graduate with far more than just theoretical knowledge. They leave with exactly what employers across every sector are looking for: practical analytical skills, digital confidence and the ability to transform data into decisions.

To find out more about enrolling for Business Studies with us, get in touch with our team today by calling us on +44 (0)1204 900 600 or sending an email to enquiries@bolton.ac.uk.