Foundations of Data Management and Analysis

INTRODUCTION 

This Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) programme in Data Management and Analysis is a 120 contact hour programme consisting of 4 courses geared towards equipping individuals with the foundational knowledge and basic skills in the management of data as well as some data analytic techniques involving both qualitative and quantitative data. The programme seeks to provide individuals with the foundation necessary to properly understand data collection techniques and analyse projects. The target group includes individuals interested in developing fundamental qualitative and quantitative data analytic skills. While it does not have any pre-requisites, students’ knowledge of Mathematics up to the level of CSEC Mathematics or its equivalent will be an asset. Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.

RATIONALE FOR THE OFFERING OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme is needed in the Caribbean as leaders adopt a more data-centred approach to decision making. Governments in CARICOM need information that assists with the development and implementation of policies. The region’s private sector may also require valid data to support strategic initiatives. Both sectors therefore require employees with the skills necessary to adequately analyse data. Currently, many persons in managerial positions do not have a background in data analysis. The workforce in the Caribbean therefore needs to be equipped with knowledge of different types of data and an appreciation of the most appropriate ways of interrogating data. While many courses focus on statistical data analysis which relies on quantitative data, a firm foundation in the ethical considerations of data collection and qualitative data is necessary for effective data analysis. 

This CPE programme serves as a foundational pillar in the training necessary to have managers and other interested persons become more aware of issues surrounding data collection and the analysis of data. Participants in this programme will therefore benefit from a well-balanced curriculum incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This programme is designed for individuals who are desirous of becoming conversant with issues surrounding data as well as developing some fundamental data analysis skills. It would be particularly useful for those persons who are interested in or currently beginning a career in data management, data administration, computing, and information management and are in need of formal training. It is also ideal for those who are interested in self-development.

PROGRAMME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The main goal of this CPE programme is to provide a solid educational experience in introductory data analysis and management and to produce participants that are conversant with data and issues surrounding data. These include but are not limited to data collection and ethical considerations, as well as general and statistical data analysis.  The programme also emphasises communicating the results of data analyses to a general audience.  

 

Upon completion, participants of this programme will be able to:

• Carry out foundational data analysis on qualitative and quantitative data; 
• Effectively communicate the findings of qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
• Discuss the basic ethical and legal underpinnings as it relates to data management and data analysis.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

There are no formal entry requirements for this programme. Participants should however have some knowledge of computing or have some experience in the field of data management or data administration. A passing grade in CSEC Mathematics or its equivalent would be an asset.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Course Codes	Course Titles	Continuing Education Units
	Semester I
MGMT211	Topics in Data Management	3.0
MGMT212	Introduction to Data Analysis Tools	3.0
	Semester II
MGMT213	Basic Approaches to Data Analysis	3.0
MGMT214	Statistical Analysis and Interpretation of Quantitative Data	3.0

 

WHEN WILL THE PROGRAMME START?

Contact your nearest Open Campus Country Site on the start date for the programme.  

HOW DO I APPLY?

Kindly contact an Open Campus Country Site location nearest to you for further information on the application process.

COURSE COST

Please contact your nearest Open Campus Site location for information on the cost for this programme. Locations can be found at this link: http://www.open.uwi.edu/locations

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE 

A model of continuous in-course assessment is proposed for all courses to be offered in this programme. Students will be assessed at different intervals over the duration of each course as an alternative to midsemesters and final examinations. Continuous assessment is learner-focused and reduces anxiety with respect to the final assessment. With continuous assessment, students will be able to assess their progress based on the on-going reviews and as result, will have the opportunity to remediate weaknesses and address knowledge gaps.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

TOPICS IN DATA MANAGEMENT: Participants will be introduced to the key concepts in data management. The course gives an overview of some of the main aspects of data management such as data collection, the legal and ethical issues surrounding data management, data security, data quality and data documentation. Through the use of structured in-class activities, peer collaboration, and an individual project, this course presents learners with opportunities to critically analyse data management issues and apply skills learnt to pertinent data collection issues in their respective professions. 

INTRODUCTION TO DATA ANALYSIS TOOLS: Participants will be introduced to the key concepts and basic tools in data analysis. The course gives an overview of some of the main aspects of data analysis from the setting up of the data in a form that can be easily utilised to producing information in tables such as pivot tables. The course will also expose students to the free statistical software called R. SPSS will also be used to illustrate the storage and coding of survey data.

BASIC APPROACHES TO DATA ANALYSIS: Participants will be introduced to basic qualitative and quantitative data analysis approaches. Through the use of structured in-class activities, peer collaboration, and group projects, this course presents learners with opportunities to a) apply qualitative and quantitative research skills to the investigation of pertinent issues in their respective professions; b) combine basic qualitative and quantitative approaches in a simple mixed methods project. It also prepares participants for more advanced courses in statistics by providing a basic and brief overview of foundational statistical concepts and statistical techniques.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF QUANTITATIVE DATA: Participants will be exposed to a variety of statistical techniques related to data analysis procedures for quantitative data. They will be presented with opportunities to apply these statistical concepts to research questions of relevance to their respective professions.