What will I learn on this module?
On Data-driven Strategic Leadership, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to harness data analytics to frame, evaluate, and implement strategic decisions across private, public, and third sector contexts. Drawing on the programme’s five guiding themes (advocacy, plurality, sustainability, inclusivity, and accountability), the module explores: the economics of data as a strategic asset, predictive and prescriptive analytics for decision making under uncertainty, and the governance frameworks that keep algorithmic practices transparent, fair, and socially responsible.
You will learn to critically evaluate the provenance, quality, and biases of big-data sets, small-data observations, and streaming metrics, and to assess how these shape strategic options in diverse sector contexts. Through interactive analytics labs, live dashboards, and sector-specific cases, you will practise framing strategic questions, choosing the right analytical methods, and translating quantitative results into actionable recommendations.
The module also equips you with the skills to design innovative business models and governance frameworks that balance profit, public interest, and social value, ensuring diverse stakeholder voices are heard. Through case studies, interactive exercises, and group projects, you will develop practical strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication, embedding ethical practices in decision-making across sectors.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn within a dynamic, flexible environment tailored to current and aspiring strategic leaders who rely on data to drive decisions. The delivery model mixes high-impact, in-person workshops with live virtual seminars and self-paced online units. Ahead of each session, you’ll receive curated data sets and concise concept briefs; afterwards, small-group tutorials encourage reflection on themes such as data integrity, analytical rigor, ethical AI, stakeholder value, and agile strategy.
A comprehensive digital learning platform underpins your studies, offering on-demand recordings, interactive analytics quizzes, and discussion forums for peer exchange and project troubleshooting. Optional office hours and guided independent study sessions give you direct access to experienced faculty and industry practitioners, ensuring personalised guidance whenever you need it.
Together, these support mechanisms embed leading data-driven frameworks while building the practical competencies required to lead with evidence and confidence, equipping you to steer sustainable, insight-led change across any organisational context.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
In this module, you will benefit from a comprehensive and responsive academic support system designed to help you succeed across both private sector and public/third sector contexts. Your learning is guided by experienced module tutors and supported by dedicated programme leaders. .
The programme is structured to encourage both collaborative and independent study, with resources such as recorded lectures, curated reading materials, and peer discussion groups that help reinforce key concepts in responsible business. This multi-faceted approach ensures that whether you are tackling complex theoretical frameworks or developing practical strategies for sustainable change, you have a robust network of academic support to guide you every step of the way.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
KU1 – Critically evaluate how data, analytics and AI inform strategic leadership decisions within plural organisational contexts. [PLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
KU2 – Analyse the ethical, legal and societal implications of data-driven leadership decisions. [PLO 1, 3, 5]
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA1 – Select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to an organisational dataset, interpret results, and develop evidence-based strategic options. [PLO 1, 2, 3, 5]
IPSA2 – Craft a persuasive executive narrative that translates complex analytics into actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders. [PLO 1, 2, 3, 5, 6].
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1 – Demonstrate curiosity, integrity, and global social responsibility in the use of data for decision-making, reflecting on personal practice and bias. [PLO 1. 2. 3. 5, 6].
How will I be assessed?
This module is assessed through a single written assessment. You will identify a data-driven strategic leadership challenge or opportunity, analyse it using the theories and frameworks studied, and develop a comprehensive strategy or action plan. This assessment is designed to address all of the Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs) identified.
Formative feedback will be offered throughout the block teaching sessions and in the virtual sessions convened to support your learning and development.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Data-driven Strategic Leadership is a forward-looking module that equips you with the analytical mindset and practical toolkit needed to turn data into a decisive strategic advantage. Through a research-rich learning approach, you will investigate how advanced analytics and evidence-based decision making reshape competitive strategy across private, public, and third sector organisations. The module blends interactive lectures, hands-on analytics labs, and live case studies using real-world data sets to deepen understanding and sharpen critical thinking. The module emphasises themes of data integrity, analytical rigour, ethical AI, stakeholder value, and strategic agility, preparing you to craft innovative, insight-led solutions that drive measurable impact. By the end, you will possess both the academic grounding and the professional readiness to steer digital transformation, lead analytics initiatives, and create sustainable value in any organisational context.
Course info
Credits 15
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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