The Applied Analytics module seeks to introduce students to fundamental data-driven methodologies, tools and techniques used to help organisations make improved and informed operations and supply chain decisions. The module provides students with a set of established and best practice frameworks through which real-life operations problems within such areas as business forecasting, inventory management, capacity management and waiting times, and supply chain including transportation, can be approached.
The module covers some of the most widely used models and solution methods, including decision analysis, linear programming, inventory control, simulation and time series forecasting. These methodologies and tools are presented in a problem and application specific manner based on established frameworks of problem solving within these domains. In each area of application, students are challenged to think about a range of operations and supply chain related issues and challenges, and how data science and analytics can support data-driven decisions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
Critically evaluate the theories, principles and concepts of operations and supply chain management and their role within today’s organization.
Critically discuss the role of data and data-driven analytic frameworks and methodologies in supporting operations management across operations areas of forecasting, inventory control, capacity management, and supply chain to name a few.
Evaluate and choose among various methods, tools and techniques used when applying data analytics framework to solving real-world problems across a range of operations areas.
Critically apply various analytics methodologies and techniques to solve operational problems across a range of operation functions and decision areas.
Effectively communicate the findings of an analytics initiative or project to operations and supply chain stakeholders.
Assessment: 15-minute Group assignment - Group presentation (30%) 3000-word Individual assignment – Report (70%)
Reassessment: Reassessment by failed component. Group assignment to be reassessed by a critical analysis of the group work. (1000-word – 30%) 3000-word Individual assignment – Report (70%)
