Syllabus

Title
1032 Spatial Business Analytics
Instructors
Ass.Prof. Mag.Dr. Petra Staufer-Steinnocher
Contact details
petra.staufer-steinnocher@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
10/19/20 to 10/26/20
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
This class is only offered in winter semesters.
Subject(s) Master Programs
Economic Geography
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Tuesday 10/27/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 11/02/20 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 11/09/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 11/16/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 11/23/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 11/30/20 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 12/07/20 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 12/14/20 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Friday 12/18/20 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 12/21/20 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 01/11/21 02:00 PM - 07:00 PM Online-Einheit
Friday 01/15/21 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM Online-Einheit
Friday 01/15/21 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM Online-Einheit
Monday 01/25/21 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Online-Einheit

On this page:

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Procedure for the course when limited activity on campus

For the class in Spatial Business Analytics the preferred alternative scenario would be a full distance mode. Even in the remote format, the sessions will take place within the announced time slots via MS Teams, including software tutorials and online coaching.

A change of the class mode will not alter the defined assignments (e.g. number of assignments, scope, evaluation, ...). In any case, the conditions of the assignments, (virtual) classroom participation, and group projects will be the same for every class participant. Hence, in distance mode all grading-relevant student activities, and especially collaboration of student groups, progress reports and coaching sessions, presentation of the group projects, discussion and feedback will be online (via MS Teams). Necessary alterations will be communicated together with the announcement of the mode’s shift.

The sessions will be recorded and made available within MS Teams and within Learn@WU (via lecture casts).

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Contents

This course explores the spatial aspects of business decisions. Hence, while much of economic geography is about processes of uneven regional development, this course, while acknowledging that decisions made by business will have an impact on regional development, will focus on the location decisions of businesses. Understanding how economically relevant spatial differences can be exploited and geographic distance, proximity and relations are key aspects to consider in strategic business decisions is essential for successful entrepreneurs and managers. The course will be taught through a combination of interactive lectures, practical computer sessions and student-led discussions and presentations of research projects developed in relation to an interesting spatial business problem.

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Learning outcomes

Students will learn and understand the spatial aspects of strategic business decisions, learn how to use and employ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve spatial allocation problems, and work with quantitative information to produce an empirically grounded research report. They will also get a better understanding how theories help them frame research projects and inform the methodological approach to successfully address particular research questions.

Featured methods include:

  • Evaluation of target regions using regional socioeconomic data.
  • Geomarketing: Defining and locating target groups by analyzing the spatial distribution of demand using concepts like HeatMaps, Hot Spot Analysis, and Kernel Density estimation.
  • Facility location: Determining (near) optimal locations for service and production facilities, shops, warehouses, etc.
  • Vehicle Routing: Determine optimal routes for servicing a predefined set of customers.
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Attendance requirements

Please scroll down for English version

Anwesenheitspflicht

  • Prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltungen (PI-LV) haben Anwesenheitspflicht.

  • Sollte es durch einen wichtigen Grund zu einem Fehlen in einer Lehrveranstaltung kommen, so können maximal 20 % der gesamten Lehrveranstaltungsdauer durch eine Zusatzleistung kompensiert werden. Bei kumulierten Abwesenheiten von über 20% ist die Lehrveranstaltung zu wiederholen. Für die Fehlzeit ist ggf. eine Bestätigung (z.B. ärztliches Attest) vorzulegen.

    Wichtige Gründe sind lt. Prüfungsordnung der WU all jene, die außerhalb der Disposition des Studierenden liegen (Erkrankung, Unfall, Tod eines nahen Angehörigen). Berufliche Verpflichtungen werden nicht als wichtiger Grund im Sinne der Prüfungsordnung angesehen, da diese in der Disposition der Studierenden liegen.

Continuous assessment courses (PI) are high-interactive courses.

For a positive completion of the course an 80% presence is required.

Should there be an important reason for an absence in the course, then a maximum of 20% of the entire course duration can be missed. For cumulative absences of more than 20%, the course must be repeated. A confirmation (eg. a medical certificate) must be provided for the absence.

According to the examination regulations of the WU, important reasons are those which are outside the disposition of the student (illness, accident, death of a close relative). Professional obligations are not considered as an important reason within the meaning of the examination regulations, because they are in the disposition of the students.

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Teaching/learning method(s)

Combination of interactive lectures, computer practicals, student presentations and group consultations

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Assessment

Tasks: max. achievable points = 100

class contribution (10)

practical assignments (30)

group project (60 in total):

  • presentation (10)
  • quality of analysis (solution strategy, usage of methods) (30)
  • final report (20)

Grading scale:

  • Excellent (1): 90% - 100%
  • Good (2): 80% - <90%
  • Satisfactory (3): 70% - <80%
  • Sufficient (4): 60% - <70%
  • Fail (5): <60%
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Availability of lecturer(s)

Petra Staufer-Steinnocher (petra.staufer-steinnocher@wu.ac.at)

Office hours: by appointment

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Other

Please notice that the project reports of all groups are due at the end of the semester.

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Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 10/27/20

Theory: Introduction to spatial concepts (2h)

Bring your brain to engage in discussion
2 11/02/20

GIS Lab I: GIS basics (4h)

Do homework I (GIS tutorial)
3 11/09/20

Theory: Business location decisions (2h)

Readings
4 11/16/20

GIS Lab II: Geo-marketing  (2h)

Do homework II
5 11/23/20

GIS Lab III: Location-allocation modelling (2h)

Do homework III
6 11/30/20

Project-Coaching (4h)

Bring what you have so far
7 12/07/20

Project-Coaching (4h)

Bring what you have so far
8 12/14/20

Project-Coaching (5h)

Bring what you have so far
9 12/18/20, 12/21/20

Project-Coaching (4h)

Bring what you have so far
10 01/11/21

Project-Coaching (5h)

Bring what you have so far
11 01/15/21

Project-Coaching (3+4h)

Bring what you have so far
12 01/25/21

Group presentations (6h)

Presentation
Last edited: 2020-09-29



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