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Information Usage and Communications within Contemporary Organisations

Informed management decision-making comes from clearly distinguishing between data, information and knowledge, and their sources.

  • Duration

    2 weeks

  • Weekly study

    10 hours
Overview
Requirements
Educators

Explore methods to critique data and information as a basis for decision-making

Become empowered to evaluate different sources of data and information in order to acquire knowledge. You’ll consider different research techniques and critique the role of statistics to develop an appreciation of effective decision-making in action.

This improved understanding of the basis of robust information will help you to become more critical of data sources before making significant decisions.

By combining insightful knowledge with a comprehension of different management styles, you’ll be encouraged to assess methods of communication within an organisation.

What topics will you cover?

Data, information and knowledge

  • Definitions of data, information and knowledge
  • The role and limitations of each
  • Challenges of data management in business analytics

Research techniques

  • The differences between qualitative and quantitative data
  • Key factors that you need to consider when preparing quantitative or qualitative data for analysis

The role of statistics in management decision-making

  • The principles behind measurement and statistical analysis
  • Calculations of data
  • The role of different calculations

Different management styles

  • How managerial styles (macro / micro) operate in different settings
  • Decision-making styles
  • Contemporary management approaches

Methods of communication within an organisation

  • Communication processes within an organisation
  • Factors that influence communication
  • The impact of different methods of communication
  • Barriers to communication

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate the differences between data, information and knowledge
  • Identify and evaluate research techniques
  • Critique the role of statistics in management decision-making
  • Describe different management styles
  • Assess methods of communication within an organisation

Who is the course for?

The course is applicable across a variety of roles, sectors and geographies. It’s suitable for junior and middle managers, either with a degree in a non-business-related discipline or without a degree, and for learners looking to progress in their careers within or outside of their existing workplace. It will also help to equip entrepreneurs with a range of business skills.

What software or tools do you need?

No specific software required.

Who will you learn with?

Geoffrey Proudlock

Geoffrey Proudlock

Geoffrey Proudlock BA(Hons), MSc, CMgr FCMI, FHEA, FCIH - head of curriculum - business, law and creative Industries

Clare Garrick

Clare Garrick

Clare Garrick BA,(Hons), MA, FHEA, CMgr MCMI – business course leader. Coventry University Scarborough

Who developed the course?

Coventry University logo

Coventry University

Coventry secured 5 QS Stars for Teaching and Online Learning in the QS World University Ranking 2020 and has received No. 1 in the world for Massive Open Online Courses in MoocLab’s World University Ranking 2021.

  • Established

    1992

  • Location

    Coventry

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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