GIS in Business and Society

Program Overview

This online postgraduate short course from Ulster University explores the integration of GIS technology into business and societal contexts. Participants gain essential knowledge in GIS applications, decision-making techniques, and advanced spatial analysis, preparing them for careers in GIS analysis, consulting, and management.

Program Outline

The course structure focuses on design, planning, error handling, decision support techniques, and advanced spatial analysis employed in real-world GIS project implementations. This knowledge is conveyed through lectures, tutorial discussions, and group work, allowing participants to comprehend the diverse applications of GIS across various domains. No prior familiarity with GIS is necessary for enrollment.

Objectives:

• Equip participants with a robust understanding of GIS applications within the commercial sphere.
• Highlight the significance of decision-based techniques in spatial analysis within GIS applications.
• Introduce key concepts related to design theory, project planning, legal considerations, and error management in GIS data handling.
• Expose participants to real-world analytical decision-making issues and processes prevalent in business and community settings.
• Encourage critical evaluation of established and contemporary research findings in spatial data management and decision support systems.
• Enhance understanding of how alternative analysis techniques influence outcomes.
• Develop a comprehensive grasp of the GIS management process.
The curriculum comprises lectures, tutorial discussions, and group work activities, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

The program content encompasses the following topics:

• Design theory and concepts
• Project planning
• Legalities and error handling in GIS data management
• Real-world analytical decision-making problems and processes in business and community environments
• Advanced spatial analysis techniques
• Decision support systems
• Spatial data management

Assessment:

Teaching:

The program is delivered by experienced professionals in the field of GIS, including academics and practitioners from the public and private sectors. The teaching methods employed include:

• Lectures
• Tutorial discussions
• Group work activities
• Guest lectures by experienced GI professionals

Careers:

Completion of this program can open doors to various career paths within the GIS industry, including:

• GIS Analyst
• GIS Specialist
• GIS Consultant
• Spatial Data Manager
• Decision Support Specialist

Other:

• The program is designed to provide participants with a firm understanding of GIS applications in the commercial world and their potential for value creation in various domains.
• The course emphasizes the economic and social significance of spatial data and demonstrates the critical role of decision-based techniques in spatial analysis.
• Participants are actively encouraged to engage in critical analysis of current and past research in spatial data management and decision support systems, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of diverse analytical approaches on outcomes.
• The program aims to develop a comprehensive grasp of GIS management processes, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of this field.

Conclusion:

This short course on GIS in Business and Society provides a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise in this dynamic field.

International Fees: £1,424.10 Additional mandatory costs It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.