Program Overview
Business data analytics (also known as business analytics) applies to the context of business intelligence. Business analytics is a subset of business intelligence and a data management solution that uses data mining, predictive analytics, and statistical analysis to analyse data, turn it into information, and produce smarter, data-driven business decisions by identifying patterns, forecasting outcomes, etc.
Frederick Winslow Taylor started time management exercises in the 19th century. From then on, business analytics has become a part of our life. Another illustration is when Henry Ford gauged the pace of the assembly line. Business analytics started gaining attention in the late 1960s as computers evolved into decision-support tools.
Data analytics has significantly evolved with the rise of big data, data warehouses, the cloud, and various software and hardware. Finding, spotting, and interpreting patterns in data are all parts of data analysis. Every organisation in the modern corporate environment seeks to increase the effectiveness of its decision-making, and business analytics provides them with that edge. The fact that business analytics may be used in several contexts is what sets it apart.
Throughout your degree program, you will have to choose between a mix of mandatory and elective courses. On average, you will take two mandatory modules, two optional modules, a dissertation, and three elective modules in addition to the five core courses while studying business analytics in Malaysia. Please be aware that module availability and distribution methods might change. Following are the courses you will take:
- Data Management
- Analytics in Practice
- Business Statistics
- Optimisation Models
- Understanding Business for Analysts
- Advanced Analytics: Models and Applications
- Advanced-Data Analysis
Businesses increasingly rely on data to support their choices across various functions, including marketing, customer service, and product development. The capacity to obtain valuable, actionable data from multiple sources is growing due to technology advancements like cloud computing and machine learning, and with that comes the possibility for even greater accuracy in decision-making. People who can master data analytics for business reasons and take advantage of the sector’s optimistic career outlook and highly competitive wage prospects will gain significantly from this highly technical, detail-oriented, data-driven environment.
Business analysts are essential for all organisations to make defensible choices and foster expansion. Numerous employment options are available in the broad topic of business analytics. We hope that this guide will assist you in identifying the business analytics job path of your choice.
Why Study This Program
Secure Your Future
As the digital economy develops, businesses from many sectors use big data to understand their customers better and make choices. According to a report, nearly 92 per cent of businesses said they were boosting their spending in data and predictive analytics. The statistics are clear: businesses that employ business analytics outperform those that do not, with 92.1% of top organisations reporting returns from their expenditures.
The need for experts in business analytics who can use data for problem-solving and creativity is increasing as more businesses adopt data strategies and a data-driven culture. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a 36 per cent growth in employment for data scientists through 2031 is anticipated, which is far higher than the five per cent average growth rate for all occupations.
Learn New Skills
Your analytical abilities can be enhanced and advanced in a program in business analytics, preparing you for a career as a data analyst. Additionally, it might assist you in developing a technical job that requires detailed statistical and machine learning modelling knowledge. With a bachelor’s degree in business analytics, you may also be able to work in data science, data engineering, and machine learning engineering positions.
You’ll study courses like Computer Concepts, Data Science Basic Inference and Visualisation, Operations Management, and Business Forecasting to gain the knowledge you need to succeed in the workplace. You will develop in-demand, data-driven decision-making abilities during your degree program. You can work in various business situations with these abilities on your CV. Your business analytics major will prepare you for various career titles, from business analysts to market research professionals. You may gain a thorough grasp of business analytics and a broad, well-rounded set of necessary abilities by studying it.
A Rewarding Occupation
Finding a job that lets you live a lavish lifestyle is demanding. Estimating a business analyst’s future earnings is challenging because of the diversity of more specialised positions they might fulfil within their organisations. However, expect excellent returns on your investment in a graduate degree due to the significant demand and growth for specialists in business analytics.
Graduates with a degree in business analytics may expect to earn a higher beginning income than the national average due to the highly skilled nature of this industry and the always-expanding demand. The typical yearly income for financial analysts is $83,660. The average annual pay for budget analysts is $78,970. An average management analyst makes $87,660 annually. A business analytics major is a secure (but fascinating) decision, given that all these well-paying occupations require a bachelor’s degree in business analytics.
More Informed Decision-Making
The power of sound decision-making is the next skill a course in business analytics will teach you. Any firm that wants to succeed has to analyse information quickly and in real time. Additionally, making well-informed decisions with care is an excellent advantage for any business. You may save time for your business after you understand how to use the data to make the best possible but wise decision. A well-informed decision can be made only with the right business analytics. Use essential data to provide fresh suggestions and predictions for your company.
For example, early in 2018, the ride-hailing company Uber upgraded its Customer Obsession Ticket Assistant. This tool uses machine learning and natural language analysis to help agents react to client tickets more quickly and accurately. Uber used prescriptive analytics to determine whether the new iteration of the product would be more efficient than its previous iteration. The business discovered that the upgraded product resulted in faster service, more precise resolution recommendations, and greater customer satisfaction levels using A/B testing—a technique for evaluating the results of two choices. With the use of these insights, Uber was able to resolve tickets more quickly and at a fraction of the cost.
Pursue Graduate-Level Education
After earning a bachelor’s degree in business analytics, you’ll be prepared to start a job. You will be well-equipped to continue graduate study and extend your education. You may be ready for a job in business analytics management with a Master’s in business analytics degree program. A position as an analytics manager, competitive intelligence manager, consultancy delivery supervisor, competitive information manager, project manager, dashboard designer, or business analyst may be available to recent master’s degree business analytics graduates.
Individuals could also get work as a consultant for businesses on the side. In addition, experts in business analytics provide businesses with a valuable service that can predict their performance in the future. These qualified individuals are in great demand, so earning a degree in business analytics is a wise investment.
Why Study In Malaysia
Data Visualisation
You will learn how to extract more evident trends from visual data in your course on business analytics in Malaysia. Based on the most current market trends you can observe in the visual data, you can rapidly determine what will work and what won’t. You get better at reading charts and graphs as you make informed judgments more quickly than before.
Analytics Experts
Building trusting connections within the business analytics community is beneficial for starting and developing your career. You will have access to solid alum networks and comprehensive career services.
Through a built-in network of faculty mentors, peers, and alums, you will have many opportunities to foster these relationships throughout your program. These connections may help you take advantage of new possibilities, keep up with industry trends, and act as resources as you progress in your career in business analytics.
Affordable Course Fees
The fee required to study business analytics in Malaysia is comparatively less than that required in many other countries, such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada, to name just a few. With business analytics degree expenses shooting up worldwide, Malaysia comes across as a reliable option to receive a high-quality education at an affordable cost.
Globally Recognised Degrees
Business analytics degrees from Malaysian universities enjoy global recognition. Studying business analytics in Malaysia allows students to pursue the program in Malaysia and then move anywhere globally. Several students continue their master’s and specialisation in Malaysia or transfer to other countries to pursue different pathways.
International Education Standard
The standard of business analytics in Malaysia meets international standards. This ensures exceptional education for students who enrol in this course. The course curriculum is rigorously developed, keeping in line with international benchmarks to ensure students learn the latest developments in business analytics.
Excellent Campus Facilities and Infrastructure
Malaysia offers excellent campus facilities, modern infrastructure, and innovative teaching aids for studying business analytics in Malaysia. The schools in Malaysia offer a great learning atmosphere. Several leading universities have developed in-house labs and testing facilities dedicated to helping students learn with hands-on experience, operate with state-of-the-art machinery, and stay up to date with the latest innovations.
Career Prospects
Many people compare a business analyst’s job to a bridge between cutting-edge technology and stakeholders’ objectives inside an organisation. People in this position are in charge of enhancing the effectiveness and impact of certain business activities, including evaluating software or technological procedures. A management team may ask business analysts to analyse and present data that pertains to business-related trends and solutions.
To streamline processes and influence decision-making, business analysts fill the knowledge gap between the management of an organisation and the complex data and technical systems firms use. Businesses place a high value on analysts who can effectively provide this help, particularly in today’s environment, which is increasingly dependent on data and technology.
Some roles to take responsibility for in business analytics are:
- Assessing the effectiveness, expense, and output of various procedures.
- Putting together suggestions for the business on process changes, new technology with promise, or other areas for development.
- Taking the lead in the group’s study, design, and execution of technologies or procedures.
- Managing projects, creating project plans, monitoring performance, and ensuring deliverables are turned in on time.
- Inform business teams of changes, suggestions, and processes.
- Maintain communication with business executives.
To be a successful business analyst, you must have particular abilities, just like in any other occupation. The following technical and business skills list has been provided for your reference.
- Skills for analytical problem solving
- Skills in communication and consultation
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
- Positive Attitude
- Essential software expertise and knowledge
- Basic familiarity with programming languages
- Knowledge of Networks and Databases
- Knowledge of business structures and industries
IT Business Analyst
The position of IT business analyst can be seen as an evolution of a more generalised business analyst because it requires a much more profound comprehension of how technology can be integrated into business management, especially distinct operating systems, information needs, and procedure requirements, and how each of these relates to a company’s overarching strategic goals.
Network Analyst
They provide network requirements analysis, hardware and software configuration, and information technology operations optimisation.
Management Analyst
As a management analyst, you will gather data on corporate operations, analyse it for trends, and use it to provide estimates or forecasts so managers can make better decisions and handle restructuring.
Data Analysis Scientist
Since data analyst scientists must evaluate and apply obtained data to provide insights that may be put to use, this job path is quite complex. To be effective in this role, you must be familiar with statistics and machine learning.
Test Analyst
Test analysts evaluate computer hardware or software before it is released to ensure its operation. They assist in developing, designing test strategies, carrying out test procedures, and evaluating the outcomes.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts create mathematical models using a firm’s data to develop predictive projections. These forecasts may be beneficial to corporations making critical financial choices.
Business Consultant
Business consultants offer expert guidance in management, security, and finance disciplines. By pointing out flaws and proposing options for improvement, they assist in enhancing a company’s business processes.
Business Analyst Manager
These managers supervise the hiring and training of the business analyst staff, establish best practices, and carry out organisational objectives.
Project Manager
Project managers are in charge of an organisation’s day-to-day management. They manage resource and activity planning, guarantee customer satisfaction, assess project risk and aid in risk mitigation, and keep track of a project’s overall development.
Program Duration
The duration to study business analytics in Malaysia is three years for the bachelor’s program. English is the medium of instruction followed in schools across all major international private universities.
The first year will have a number of common subjects between different specialisations. As students progress to years two and three, their modules and subjects will become more specialised as per their field of choice.
Students can sometimes switch from one specialisation to another, but it will require approval from the University faculty and the relevant authorities in Malaysia.
Students who want to opt for program transfers to another University will usually need to prepare the transfer paperwork and start processing from their second year onwards to ensure all the paperwork and approvals are in place so the program transfer can be done.
Entry Requirements
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) sets the entry requirements and guidelines for university admissions in Malaysia, which all universities must adhere to. All prospective international students must meet the minimum entry requirements, as the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) takes these standards into account during the application acceptance and processing phases.
The admission requirements to study business analytics in Malaysia for international students may vary from one university to another. However, the basic entry requirements are the same for most universities.
Usually, there are two pathways to entering a degree program in Malaysia:
- First, students can join a foundation program after completing their secondary schooling, O levels, or equivalent qualifications. After completing the foundation in the information technology/computing program, they can continue to the bachelor’s degree as per their choice.
- Second, students who have completed their higher secondary school or A levels or equivalent will be able to join the bachelor’s degree programme directly into year one.
If a student fails to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree programme, the faculty may offer different pathways into the degree programme, for example, through a foundation or a diploma programme.
Universities may raise the entry requirements to ensure incoming students are academically prepared for the rigours of their programmes. So, prospective international students should consult with an admission advisor to determine the precise entry criteria for their chosen programme and their preferred university.
General Entry Requirements For Bachelor’s Degree
A Levels or Equivalent:
- 2 Passes in A-Level in Science stream with a Pass in Mathematics and one Science or ICT subject. Or
- 2 Passes in A-Level with a Credit in Additional Mathematics at IGCSE/O-Level or equivalent. Or
- 2 Passes in A-Level with a Credit in Mathematics and Science or ICT subjects at O-Level/IGCSE or equivalent. Candidates need to do a Prerequisite module in Further Mathematics or equivalent in the first semester of the Degree Programme.
Foundation:
- Passed the relevant Foundation programme (minimum CGPA of 2.0).
English Language
International students who wish to study business analytics in Malaysia will need to also provide proof of their English language proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL exams. Students who have studied the British or American curriculum are generally exempted from the English proficiency requirements since the medium of instruction for that curriculum is in English by default.
Students who have studied other curriculums where the medium of instruction is also English will usually need to provide a supporting letter from the school stating that the instruction language for their schooling has been English. With that letter, English language requirements are proven to have been completed.
Fees & Cost
Students sometimes only look at the tuition fee during the comparison. However, depending on how forthright and clearly the fee guidelines from the university are, the extra fees can be a hefty amount that could be a surprise. So students are advised to correctly add all the fees and decide which university fits their budget requirements to study business analytics in Malaysia.
Various factors will contribute to the overall cost structure, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- Admission fee
- Registration and Visa fees and
- Other one-time fees.
These fees vary from university to university and can depend on varying factors. The quality, infrastructure, facilities and teacher-to-student ratio will also determine how much a university charges.
You must find the right balance between quality and cost to get the best education possible. The average cost to study business analytics in Malaysia is between RM30,000 to RM40,000 per year, depending on the University.
For reference, that’s around USD $7,500 to $10,000 per year for a 3-year business analytics degree program at the current exchange rate.
Accommodation
Accommodation cost is going to be another recurring fee for international students. Generally, students have two options: they can either stay at the on-campus accommodation provided by the university or at private accommodation. The prices will differ according to which university and area you choose.
Generally, campus accommodations at major universities start at around US$150 per month and can go up to $400 per month. The pricing for on-campus accommodation is determined by the size of the room, whether a student will be sharing the room or will be staying alone, or if the student is taking a master room which generally comes with an attached bathroom or decides to stay at a sharing room with shared bathroom.
Some universities also offer cooking facilities and on-campus accommodation, which are shared facilities which will also be factored into the accommodation costs. Utility costs are generally an add-on fee.
While choosing the university, you can check with your admissions advisor on the options available for accommodation and how much they will cost so that you have an idea of how much of a monthly budget you will require as a student.
Admission Procedure
Researching, applying and managing overseas admissions is a tedious, time-consuming and often confusing process. Incorrect application submissions can lead to lengthy processing, delayed approvals, or rejections. You can visit education, exhibitions and fairs to collect information. However, that is not enough. You can only collect cursory information at these places. However, your admission processing will usually take much longer. During that time, you will need consistent and dedicated support to ensure your application is in the right experienced hands.
This is where we help.
Edmates helps international students from around the world with complete admissions processing. Our integrated one-stop centre helps international students with everything. We help you find future-driven programs that match your abilities and interests in leading universities.
We handle the entire process from the beginning until you have joined the university. Our international support system will manage everything for you, absolutely free.
Each student is assigned with a dedicated admission advisor who will manage the complete admission process and also guide the student throughout the admissions process. The advisor will also liaise with the university admissions department to ensure clear communications and faster processing.
You can speak with your assigned advisor anytime by booking a free call online through the website. You will also receive regular updates regarding your application via emails, SMS and WhatsApp.
To learn about each step of the admission process, you can read our complete guide to start applying for your higher education the right way.