Learning Expedition Spotlight: Business-oriented Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Dublin
As part of the MSc in Business Management, students joined a Learning Expedition in Dublin to deepen their understanding of business-oriented data analytics and machine learning. Through expert-led sessions and company visits, they explored how AI is transforming industries across Europe.
As part of the MSc in Business Management programme, students engage in transformative Learning Expeditions that connect academic theory with real-world business practice. One such experience took place in Dublin, Ireland, focusing on business-oriented data analytics and machine learning—fields that are rapidly redefining decision-making across industries.
We spoke with Professor Peter Daly, the Faculty member leading the expedition, whose expertise in linguistics and AI helped shape a rich, interdisciplinary journey. Through masterclasses, industry visits, and hands-on innovation projects, students explored how data and machine learning are powering smarter, more ethical business solutions—gaining both technical insights and strategic perspective within one of Europe’s most vibrant AI ecosystems.
What is the purpose of this Learning Expedition, and who is it for?
This Learning Expedition is designed to equip MSc in Business Management students with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to thrive in a data-driven world.
As data and AI literacy are becoming essential—no longer a ‘nice-to-have’—this learning expedition is offered to all MSc in Business Management students, who have an interest in AI, Machine Learning and Data Analytics. It is geared towards those with high-level skills in AI and to those with a keen interest in integrating AI knowledge and practice into their skill set.
How does your expertise align with the focus of this Learning Expedition?
My background is in language and linguistics—foundational elements of AI. A solid background in linguistics (from phonetics/phenology to morphology/syntax and semantics/pragmatics) is essential to understand linguistic AI, NLP and algorithms. The study of linguistics is crucial to machine learning, especially from an NLP (Natural Language Processing) perspective and is essential to processes such as sentiment analysis, speech recognition and text analysis.
Why was Dublin chosen as the destination?
Dublin stands at the forefront of an AI revolution. The city has the highest density of AI engineers and is leading the way in Fintech, Medtech, AI startups, sustainable and green AI, smart mobility and responsible AI. Indeed, Dublin is set to become the AI Capital by 2030. Therefore, it was a natural choice to choose Dublin to educate students on all aspects of business-oriented data analytics and AI, and introduce them to the European AI eco-system.
What are the main learning objectives of the trip?
The Learning Expedition aims to enable students to:
Gain practical knowledge in data analytics, machine learning, and computer vision—including advanced concepts like predictive analytics, agentic AI, and sustainable AI.
Develop greater understanding of how data analytics are used in different industries and business settings.
Work on innovation projects together with AI and data experts using their newly acquired AI knowledge.
Develop an AI mindset to transform organisations in line with their desirable futures.
Which institutions and companies did students engage with during the visit?
In 2025, we worked with CeADAR, the National Centre for Applied Data Analysis and Research at University College Dublin (UCD) National University of Ireland, who offered master classes on Data Analysis, Machine Learning and Computer Visioning.
The trip also included visits to:
BNY Mellon, the largest custodian bank to meet data analysts specialised in Fintech;
Accenture – to discuss how they use AI in their consulting work for major international clients;
Salesforce, the world leader in CRM technology – who presented ethics in AI, the productivity and operational gains afforded by AI and the transformation of human oversight.
How does this experience complement students' academic learning?
Students arrive in Dublin with different levels of knowledge in Data Analytics and AI. However, through our Master classes, workshops and company visits, they leave with a comprehensive understanding of data analytics, machine learning and computer visioning. They work with AI experts on an innovative AI project and acquire the professional mindset of business-oriented AI specialists. They learn how to exploit AI in real life business situations to help companies capitalise on their data to make better and more efficient business decisions. This Learning Expedition complements their theoretical training within their respective MScs by providing practical experience and the opportunity to meet corporate experts who use AI and data analytics in their everyday work life.
What do you hope students take away from this Learning Expedition?
I have been running this Learning Expedition since 2019 (it was cancelled in 2020 and held online in 2021 due to Covid), and I hope that students come away with three things:
A greater understanding of the importance of data in contemporary business
A more developed AI mindset so that they know how to capitalise on data for corporate decision-making
Enhanced AI literacy to enable them to critically evaluate AI technologies, communicate and collaborate effectively with AI, and use AI ethically and responsibly in their future workplace.
Students also gain valuable insight into Dublin’s vibrant and evolving AI ecosystem—knowledge that will serve them well in their future careers.
