Bachelor of Science Honours in Operations Research

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip qualifying learners with a range of technical, scientific, and research skills in Operations Research and to enable them to pursue a career in industry and commerce. Learners will be able to demonstrate the following upon completion of the qualification:

Critical and creative thinking and a comprehensive and systematic knowledge basis
Coherent and critical understanding of the principles, theories, and research methods of Operations Research
Application of appropriate Operations Research skills and techniques to complex and real-world problems
Ability to operate effectively in complicated but sometimes ill-defined contexts
Planning and conducting of research in the field of Operations Research
Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting information correctly
Utilizing relevant theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken
Thinking and reflecting contextually on learning from individual experience and academic disciplines
Relating to scientific, technological, and economic realities locally and globally
Demonstrating efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills
Ability to present and communicate academic work effectively
Managing learning tasks in an autonomous, professional, and ethical manner
Displaying a high level of intellectual independence

Rationale

There is a demand from both the private sector and academic sector for a Bachelor Honours Degree in Operations Research which will provide academic and career-focused Postgraduate learning and research opportunities. This Degree follows on from the Bachelor of Science Degree. This qualification will contribute to the development of the research capacity and critical scholarship of Postgraduate learners.

Outcomes

Engage in critical and creative thinking and show a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base, having a coherent and critical understanding of the principles, theories and research methods of Operations Research.
Apply appropriate Operations Research skills and techniques to complex and real-world problems and operate effectively in complicated but sometimes ill-defined contexts.
Plan and conduct research in the field of Operations Research, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.
Think and reflect contextually on learning from individual experience and academic disciplines in relation to scientific, technological and economic realities, locally and globally.
Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills and the ability to present and communicate academic work.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Technical Writing Techniques: Utilize LaTeX and technical writing techniques to accurately present technical reports.
Knowledge of Stochastic Modelling: Demonstrate understanding of introductory theories of stochastic modelling and applications in Markov chains.
Background Knowledge: Apply counting processes, queues, and reliability theory to acquire necessary background knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Optimisation Algorithms: Understand fundamental principles underlying the design of optimisation algorithms.
Mathematical Programming: Construct and solve mathematical programming models using appropriate algorithms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Combinatorial Optimisation: Demonstrate understanding of combinatorial optimisation and its applications.
Algorithm Design: Construct models and design algorithms in the field of Operations Research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Meta-heuristic Methods: Understand basic concepts and limitations of meta-heuristic methods for optimisation problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Project Report: Choose, formulate, solve, and present a project in Operations Research.
Statistical Concepts: Demonstrate understanding of statistical concepts and apply experimental methodology.
Artificial Neural Network (ANN): Understand and apply ANN algorithms.
Genetic Algorithms: Apply genetic algorithms in problem-solving.
Meta-heuristics: Illustrate meta-heuristics inspired by phenomena from other fields.

Integrated Assessment:

Formative Assessment: Continuous feedback on progress towards Exit Level Outcomes through assignments, real-world briefs, internship journal, and programme portfolio.
Summative Assessment: Judgement of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes through examinations, projects, reports, or portfolios, testing integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Designed to demonstrate achievement of qualification's purpose, applied competence, and criterion-referenced assessment clarity.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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UNISA

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UNISA, short for the University of South Africa, is a distance education institution based in South Africa. It is the largest university on the African continent and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. UNISA provides flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The university is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. UNISA also conducts research and collaborates with other institutions to contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in South Africa and beyond.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.