La Trobe Business School students recently teamed up with NAB to tackle some real-world business problems.
Bachelor of Business Analytics students were presented with the challenge of improving the distribution process for NAB’s disaster relief grants for customers who have been impacted by natural disasters.
Lecturer, Dr Shalinka Jayatilleke, said the 12-week project required students to harness their “AI and analytics knowledge, project-based skills and a significant level of leadership and innovation, to develop a solution in a team setting.”
Bachelor of Business Analytics student, Darshinee Sunyasi, believes the subject has contributed to her professional growth.
“I was able to work on a real-life project from the perspective of a business analyst,” she explains.
“Our research identified some of the pain points experienced by those who had previously accessed the disaster relief fund, and we worked on a solution that could help improve the current system.”
“We focused on preparedness and prevention strategies, using predictive analysis to identify customers in a potential bushfire risk zone.”
“We also suggested that NAB develop prevention campaigns for customers in bushfire risk zones – because with data in hand, people are more likely to take prevention measures.”
Fiona Anderson, Director for Education and Government Clients for NAB, was one of the project judges.
“Their prototypes were detailed, considered and well researched,” she said.
“La Trobe is a valued client of NAB and the opportunity to partner with the University on this project provided insights into the work being undertaken within the University’s Bachelor of Business Analytics course and how this can be applied to industry.”
Reflecting on the experience, Darshinee says the opportunity also allowed her to hone her communication and collaboration skills.
“This project involved teamwork, so I developed my collaboration, communication, feedback and idea-sharing skills.”
“I thrive when I understand the overall picture of any topic, and business analytics enables that. It provides a holistic view of businesses and demonstrates how technology can drive efficiency.”
