Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Operations Research

To provide students with advanced core knowledge and skills about various specialised aspects of operations research in order to equip them for a career in quantitative areas of business/commercial management.

To develop competent leaders in the quantitative management fields within the primary, secondary and tertiary economic sectors, possessing advanced theoretical and applied knowledge and skills, enabling them to steer sustainable development, growth and prosperity in the most appropriate direction within their domain of work.

To deliver students who would like to proceed with master's study in operations research with a sound academic base from which to do so.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• The normal procedures of the University of Stellenbosch for admission to Postgraduate study apply.
• The Department of Logistics considers all the applications and makes recommendations regarding the adequacy of students' previous programmes and other learning experiences for this programme.
• The department may recommend direct admission or admission on condition of additional work to be completed before or during the programme, or that the student is not admitted.
• The Faculty board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences considers the recommendations and makes recommendations to the Executive Committee of Senate where the final decision is taken. Where applicable and justified, the option of admission on Senate discretion is considered and granted.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Commerce, Level 7.

1. Read and interpret (especially quantitative) management-related literature, implying the ability for independent learning from source material.
2. Use scientific methodology in the acquisition of quantitative data, information and knowledge.
3. Analyse, organise and critically evaluate relevant information.
4. Identify and solve diverse and complex problems in a critical and creative way by applying appropriate Operations Research methodology.
5. Work effectively with others as a member of a team.
6. Organise and manage personal activities in the work place responsibly and effectively.
7. Communicate effectively, using graphical, statistical, mathematical and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
8. Use quantitative-based science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the interests of others.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems, by recognising important common characteristics of problems in diverse contexts.
10. Understand and apply a range of advanced quantitative techniques, procedures and experimental approaches required for this programme.
11. Apply the knowledge of and practical skills in quantitative management methodology to address theoretical and practical problems in diverse areas of business.
12. Learn appropriate lessons from these experiences in order to solve problems in an optimal way.
13. demonstrate an appreciation of the advantages of precision and economy of thought and logical expression as hallmarks of Operations Research.
14. Model complex systems skilfully and with understanding.
15. Indicate the prevalence and the importance of variation/change in phenomena, and show expertise in different techniques for analysing variation/change.

An honours graduate in Operations Research will be able to independently, or as leader of a team

• Analyse, plan, implement and monitor business operations and projects within a firm and in a product's supply chain on strategic, tactical and operational levels, and found decisions quantitatively.
• Organise complex operations that entail the allocation and distribution of scarce resources, and
• Be equipped to proceed with Masters studies.

Integrated Assessment

• The nature of Operations Research is such that successful study at any particular level requires the student to draw on the knowledge and expertise gathered in previous years.
• In this sense the assessments that are devised for the Honours Degree are also integrated assessments for the entire study.
• Assessment takes place by way of a variety of procedures, including cross-disciplinary individual and group assignments, computer assignments, work-place assessments, written and oral presentations, tests and examinations. Over and above this, it is also expected of students to complete at least one large project of practical or theoretical nature, either individually or in small teams, and to present both written and oral reports on the work.