Management Science/Operations Research
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What are Management Science and Operations Research?
At the University of Canterbury, Management Science includes specialisations of Operations Research and Operations Management. The two disciplines have much in common but are differently focussed and develop different skills. Students can focus solely on Operations Research or Operations Management or craft a degree covering both aspects of Management Science.
Operations Research uses mathematics and computer science to make improvements to business problems, decision-making and complex systems. Mathematical methods are applied to planning and management problems in areas such as production and operations, inventory management, and scheduling. These methods are usually based on analysis using mathematical or statistical models.
Techniques, often using powerful computer programs, are available to support decision-making for a wide range of situations ranging from real-time control of specific business, industrial, agricultural, and administrative operations to long-term planning models for corporations and public sector agencies.
However Operations Research is more than a set of mathematical methods. A fundamental part of Operations Research is the 'systems approach' to problem solving. This approach considers both the problem context and the problem itself in the decision making process. Defining a problem, collecting data, consulting with people involved in the solution, implementing change are all aspects of the Operations Research curriculum.
Why study Operations Research?
Many industries employ Operations Research specialists. Recent graduates from our programme have been employed in management consultancies, banks, insurance companies, large manufacturing firms, and SOEs. Many Operations Research graduates ultimately move to senior management positions.
Students in other disciplines often find it valuable to include some Operations Research papers in their degree programme because exposure to Operations Research has become an assumed part of the training of accountants, computer specialists, and engineers.
Background required
There are no restrictions to entry for Management Science at Canterbury. You may enrol in any course upon completion of the necessary prerequisites. Perhaps, the most important thing is that you are comfortable and proficient in mathematics and/or statistics.
In the undergraduate courses you do not need very high-level mathematics but you must feel comfortable with calculations. If you like maths or statistics, but don’t want to specialise exclusively in it, then Operations Research may well suit you.
You should also have an interest in understanding how systems work and in solving problems for people.
For the Operations Research specialist some knowledge of economics, basic accounting, and computing is also highly desirable. Some mathematics and statistics beyond first year is always a good idea if you can fit it in.
Degree planning
Management Science can be taken for a BSc, BCom, or even a BA. For a BCom you have the option of having an Endorsement in Operations Research or Operations Management.
The graduate degrees are a BSc (Hons), BCom (Hons), MCom, MSc, and GradDipSci. A strong Honours or Masters degree can lead to opportunities for PhD research in the area.
All undergraduate courses in Management Science involve two or three hours of lectures per week, together with a tutorial and/or problem class.
There are two first-year courses, MSCI 101 and MSCI 110. MSCI 101 "Management Science" is an introduction to Management Science intended for Operations Research and Operations Management students as well as general Commerce or Science students. MSCI 110 "Quantitative methods for business" is an introduction to mathematics and statistics aimed exclusively at Commerce students.
Students planning to major in Management Science should take MSCI 101 with some mathematics and statistics in their first year. Those with a strong background in mathematics or statistics are advised to take MATH 102 and STAT 101 (or equivalent courses). Other students should begin with MSCI 110 and then progress to the relevant mathematics and statistics papers in the second semester. This will ensure that you include the prerequisites in mathematics and statistics to enable you to complete your degree within three years.
Operations Research is a good complement to Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering and many other Science or Commerce based subjects.
The BCom Major in Management Science and Operations Management provides a good programme of study for anyone wishing to major in Management Science for a BCom, BSc or BA. For the endorsed degree the following courses are compulsory; the additional points needed to meet the BCom requirements are shown. For a non-endorsed degree, substitution of courses is allowed as long as the corresponding degree requirements are fulfilled. For all degrees, courses may be shifted between years where the prerequisites allow this.
BCom Majoring in Management Science and Operations Management
Year 1
- MSCI 101 (15 pts)
- STAT 101 (15 pts)
- ECON 104 (15 pts)
- MGMT 100 (15 pts)
- ACCT 102 (15 pts)
- INFO 123 (15 pts)
STAT 101 may be replaced by MSCI 110
As well as 30 points at or above 100-level.
Recommended:
Year 2
As well as an additional 15 points at or above 100-level.
Year 3
As well as an additional 15 points at 300-level and 60 points at or above 200-level.
Recommended:
Contacts
For information about courses contact:
Phone: 03 364 2606
Fax: 03 364 2020
Phone: 0800 827 748 (in New Zealand)
enquiry@mang.canterbury.ac.nz
or e-mail the relevant staff members teaching the courses.
The Department of Management
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
For general information on University courses or enrolment procedures:
University Liaison Officer
Telephone 03 364 2993
Phone: 0800 103 109 in New Zealand
liaison@canterbury.ac.nz