| Unit name | Management Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EFIM20005 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Zhi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Mathematical and Statistical Methods (EFIM10008), Quantitative Analysis in Management (EFIM10014), Probability, Statistics and Econometrics (EFIM10024), or Introduction to Business Analytics (MGRC10001) |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this Unit Important?
Management Science (MS), synonymous with Operations Research (OR), is a fundamental discipline for applying quantitative and mathematical techniques to address operational and strategic challenges in both private and public sectors. This unit intends to equip you with indispensable tools such as inventory models, queueing models, network analysis, simulation, and linear programming. Specifically, you will explore their real-world applications in operations, project, and resource management, gaining valuable managerial insights. The convergence of theory and application makes this unit a gateway to understanding how to enhance management problem-solving systematically and effectively.
How does this Unit fit into your Programme of Study
In the UG programme Business Analytics, this unit serves as a foundational element, ensuring a robust understanding of using analytical tools to address business problems. As an option in other programmes, it complements core units, preparing you for the challenges of efficient and effective decision-making in real-world business settings.
An overview of content
This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Management Science, focusing on quantitative approaches to solving complex operational problems. Students will learn a variety of techniques, including inventory models, network models, queueing theory, and linear programming, all essential for optimizing decision-making processes in management. Through practical applications, students will gain skills in formulating and solving problems related to inventory management, project scheduling, resource allocation, and network optimization. The course emphasizes the use of mathematical modelling and computational tools to enhance efficiency and improve operational performance across various industries. By the end of the unit, students will be well-equipped to apply these techniques to real-world management challenges, providing valuable insights and solutions to improve organizational effectiveness.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
By the end of this unit, students are expected to undergo a profound transformation:
1. Gain an in-depth understanding of how quantitative techniques to help decision-making in both private and public sectors.
2. Cultivate advanced problem-solving abilities, honed through real-world applications and case studies.
3. Apply acquired knowledge to develop effective operational and strategic plans.
Learning Outcomes
1. Proficiently apply quantitative techniques, including: inventory models, queueing models, network analysis, simulation, and linear programming, to address complex business challenges, fostering advanced problem-solving skills.
2. Acquire practical skills in utilizing software for analytics, get prepared for real-world application and employability in a technology-driven business environment.
3. Critically analyse organizational dynamics, providing a solid foundation for strategic decision-making in diverse professional settings.
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions including lectures, tutorials, drop-in sessions, discussion boards and other online learning opportunities.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The formative tasks are designed to build the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the overall evaluation, which include two online tests and one coursework report. These formative activities will consist of practice exercises, quizzes, and problem-solving tasks that align with the topics covered each week, such as inventory models, network models, queueing theory, and linear programming.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark:
Two online tests (20% each) and one coursework report (60%, 1500 words).
Each online test spans a one-hour session.
When assessment does not go to plan:
If a student fails a component of the summative assessment, they will be required to retake the failed component. This allows students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and improve their performance in the specific area they struggled with.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EFIM20005).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
