Student Blog Collection

Big Data, Analytics and Visualization: A Module Review

An elective of mine, this was by far my favourite module of all. Equally, this was the most challenging module because of my limited background in information technology and non-existent background in computer science.

What made the Big Data module so relevant for me, was the global Big Data hype train. Buzz words like ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Data Mining’ and ‘Deep Learning’ seem to be the words on everybody’s lips. In my own mind, whenever I heard these terms; answers were few, but the questions aplenty. How will the Big Data revolution transform our world? What will Artificial Intelligence look like in the developing world? What about the Luddite Fallacy; will all our jobs disappear?

So, it goes without saying that I was massively excited about this module, and the first lesson did not disappoint! In just 30 minutes, the WMG Big Data Module Teacher, Michael Mortensen dispelled all the misconceptions I had about Big Data. Apparently, Big Data did not just mean big data sets. It is equal parts a science, and equal parts an art!

Over the next 14 days, what followed was the most intellectually stimulating content I could have hoped for. The first few days were used to explore the hot button issues. The Cambridge Analytica scandal was unpacked and put into context for me, while students debated the ethics of the issue.

The next day was about Supply Chain Analytics and prior to this, I had no interest whatsoever in this subject area. However, in came guest lecturer, Dave Food. He was energetic and excited, and this made the lecture incredible to listen to. An industry leader, he explained to us how there was a shortage of supply chain technicians in the job market and how companies like Starbucks have monetized the data supply chain. The rest of the module covered data processing, data collection, analytics systems, and visualization software.

A great module experience for me, I give it an 8/10!

Karabelo Maloi - MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship