Honours Project Business Analytics

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/X_417011

Course Objective

At the end of the Honours Project Business Analytics students:know how to formulate a research question;study relevant literature;show they are capable of independent and critical reflection on their own and on other relevant work;answer the research question using analytical and numerical methods;students are able to write a report that clearly describes the research question, the motivation for this research, the relevant literature, the used methodology, the results, conclusions and recommendations for the benefit of an expert manager;students are able to give a clear oral presentation about the research question, the motivation for this research, the used methodology, the results, conclusions and recommendations;are able to complete the Honours Project Business Analytics within the allotted period (to include all required research activities).

Course Content

As part of the Honours Programme, students are required to produce a 'thesis'. This is an account of a research project undertaken by the students further to a specific problem statement. The input for this research may involve the use of computer-generated data, although it can also be drawn from the existing literature. Students record their findings in a written report
- the research paper
- and also give an oral presentation, both in English. The paper should emphasize the business-related aspects of the programme as well as the more fundamental aspects of mathematics and/or computer science. 'Co-productions' are not permitted; the research has to be conducted entirely by the students concerned.

Teaching Methods

It is common to conduct the research, write the paper and give the presentation within one month full-time. On the other hand, students are allowed to spread out the work for this project over multiple months in consultation with their supervisor. Students receive supervision by a member of the academic staff (from the department of Mathematics or Computer Science, but in exceptional circumstances from another department or even another faculty) and has multiple (at least three) progress meetings with this staff member.

Method of Assessment

A written report and an oral presentation (both in English). Furthermore, the process of the project, such as independence, initiative, adherence to schedule and agreements and personal input in relation to complexity of subject matter, will also be taken into account. That means that the assessment method consists of a written report (55%), an oral presentation (15%), and the execution and attitude (30%). The written report and the oral presentation are the only parts of the assessment that can be improved when initially graded as insufficient.

Target Audience

Participation is restricted to Honours Programme students 3BA

Custom Course Registration

If students want to start with their Honours Project Business Analytics within two months, please register via the registration module on vu.nl for this subject. Furthermore, they have to notify the internship coordinator ([email protected]) to discuss the Honours Project Business Analytics.

Recommended background knowledge

Students may start with the Honours Project Business Analytics during the whole academic year after completing the first and second year Business Analytics courses.

Explanation Canvas

Information about the Honours Project Business Analytics is available on the Honours Project Business Analytics Canvas website.