INFOSYS 722 : Data Mining and Big Data

Business and Economics

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Data mining and big data involves storing, processing, analysing and making sense of huge volumes of data extracted in many formats and from many sources. Using information systems frameworks and knowledge discovery concepts, this project-based course uses cutting-edge business intelligence tools for data analytics.

Course Overview

The goals of the course are to introduce students to several foundational concepts which include: Decision Making, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Generative AI. In addition, students will learn about Big Data and Data Mining Computing Environment – hardware, software, distributed systems, and analytical tools. Students will apply methodologies, processes, algorithms, and approaches for big data analytics to gather insights that deliver value from data. You will also discover through a study of  Big Data and Data Mining in Practice how the world’s most successful companies use big data analytics to deliver extraordinary results. This course is applied so you will apply the knowledge gained through the design and implementation of a prototype through multiple iterations. This course is ideal for students of business, science, and engineering.
Possible careers include data scientist, data analyst, decision scientist, and business intelligence analyst.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Master of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Contribute to a group to discuss, explain and apply foundational concepts/principles of (a) Decision Making and Decision Support from a variety of disciplines and (b) Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Big Data. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 6)
  2. Compare, contrast and synthesise a process for Data Mining and understand the key components of the computing environment for Big Data and Data Mining including hardware, software, distributed systems, and analytical tools. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.2 and 5.1)
  3. Outline and evaluate the process of turning data into insights that deliver value using predictive modelling, segmentation, incremental response modeling, time series data mining, text analytics, and recommendations. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 6)
  4. Contibute to a group to discuss and reflect on how successful companies have applied big data and data mining methodologies, algorithms, and enabling technologies to deliver extraordinary results and value. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 6)
  5. Design and implement a prototypical Big Data Analytics Solution to address one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgsinaction.com/) of the UN or a decision making situation facing an organization of your choice. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 6)
  6. Conduct independent research to write a research paper that follows the required structure which includes critical analysis and commendations. (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Iteration 1 Proposal (Steps 1 – 2) Individual Coursework
Iteration 2 ISAS (Steps 1 – 8) 25% Individual Coursework
Iteration 3 OSAS (Steps 1 – 8) 25% Individual Coursework
Iteration 4 BDAS (Steps 1 – 8) 30% Individual Coursework
Research Paper (Details of Steps 1 – 9) 20% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Iteration 1 Proposal (Steps 1 – 2)
Iteration 2 ISAS (Steps 1 – 8)
Iteration 3 OSAS (Steps 1 – 8)
Iteration 4 BDAS (Steps 1 – 8)
Research Paper (Details of Steps 1 – 9)

An overall course grade of 50% or more is required to pass the course.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 36 hours of lectures, 24 hours of tutorials, 30 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 60 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including labs/tutorials to complete components of the course.

Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials/labs will not be available as recordings.

The course will include live online events including group discussions/tutorials.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

There are three primary textbooks useful for the course. These textbooks can be downloaded free of cost from the University of Auckland library.
Dean, J., 2014. Big Data, Data Mining, and Machine Learning: Value Creation for Business Leaders and Practitioners. John Wiley & Sons.
Marr, B., 2016. Big Data in Practice: How 45 Successful Companies Used Big Data Analytics to Deliver Extraordinary Results. John Wiley & Sons.
Wendler, T., & Gröttrup, S. 2021. Data mining with SPSS Modeler: Theory, Exercises and Solutions. Springer.
Other readings and supplemental material will be distributed in class as needed. Students are also advised to take advantage of the extensive software resources made available for this course.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

A number of changes will be made that will enhance the course in terms of the technologies used as well as the engagement with industry:
 
1. A new suite of Microsoft Big Data Analytics software will become part of the technology portfolio. This will enable students to experience a set of technologies that is becoming an industry standard.
 
2. We are strengthening our relationship with IBM, SAP, and other industry partners. They will engage with our students through guest lectures.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.