As we the head towards the 9th year of our Business Analytics programme, we reflect on the journey that has led to the successful completion of over 700 dissertation projects.

These student projects have been undertaken in collaboration with start-ups, corporations, charities and public sector organisations. They are a testament to the transformative power of analytics in the modern business environment.

Here we delve into three distinct types of dissertation projects that our students embark on, each offering unique insights and solutions to real-world problems.

Type 1: Research Projects - Unveiling New Perspectives

Underlying our programme lies a commitment to rigorous academic research. Type 1 projects focus on exploring problems through traditional research methodologies, drawing upon existing theories, models, and frameworks sourced from published papers and articles. These projects are intellectually stimulating, pushing students to critically analyse and synthesise existing knowledge to uncover better solutions or novel approaches.

An example of this type of project focused on predicting stock price movements. This project involved a rigorous academic approach, including a comprehensive literature review, data collection from financial news, central bank statements, and social media, and the development of predictive models. By critically analysing and synthesising existing knowledge, the project aimed to generate accurate investment signals, ultimately bridging the gap between advanced AI techniques and investors.

Type 2: Technical Projects - Pioneering New Solutions 

At the opposite end of the spectrum are Type 2 projects, which are intensely focused on applying existing or new technical solutions to problem areas. These projects often require students to go beyond the standard curriculum, leveraging advanced tools and techniques to address challenges that even the collaborating organisations may not have the expertise to solve.

An example of this type of project involved predicting machine failure using telemetry. This project required students to develop a predictive model leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, beyond the standard curriculum, to address the challenge of minimising machine downtime. By analysing real-time data from sensors and building a robust statistical model, the project aimed to proactively identify potential failures and optimise maintenance schedules. The project’s success promised significant improvements in operational efficiency.

Type 3: Consultative Projects - Bridging Research and Practice

These projects occupy a unique space, blending elements of both research and technical application. The projects are driven by a collaborative dialogue between the student and the partnering organisation, focusing on delivering tangible business value. They often involve addressing specific business challenges through a mix of technical analysis and research rigour.

An example of this type of project involved analysing supporters’ free text responses to understand donor motivations and sentiments towards a charitable cause. This project required a blend of technical analysis and research rigour, driven by a consultation with a fundraising team. By extracting and analysing themes from textual data and integrating these findings with other donor metrics, the project aimed to provide actionable insights to enhance donor engagement and retention strategies. The consultative nature of the project ensured that the technical solutions were closely aligned with charity’s strategic goals, delivering significant business value through improved fundraising approaches.

As we look back on nearly a decade of innovation and collaboration, we are immensely proud of the diverse and impactful projects our students have completed. Each dissertation project, whether it falls into the Research, Technical, or Consultative category, showcases the versatility and depth of our Business Analytics programme.

Our students’ ability to adapt and excel in various project types reflects the comprehensive education they receive, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle the complex challenges of today’s business world. We look forward to many more years of fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and contributing to business success.

If you would like to learn more about our student projects and how you can get involved, please see here for an overview, including timelines.

And contact Tracey Phillipson: t.phillipson@ucl.ac.uk