Master of Commerce in Operations Research

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip qualifying students with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Operations Research; to develop students as effective researchers with critical research skills to generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study; and to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding of Operations Research. Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study at Doctoral level.

Rationale

The first rationale of the qualification is to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Operations Research that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, and prepares the graduate for employment and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with experts in the field of Operations Research in order to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research.

Successful graduates will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies. Graduates who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with Doctor of Philosophy studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The University also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching qualifications at this or another institution, or informally(obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning qualification of the University.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A Bachelor of Commerce Honours or similar qualification to the Honours Degree in Operations Research.

This qualification comprises a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 90 Credits

• Mini-Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the research methodology in the field of Operations Research, plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilizing scientific modeling techniques, analyze, interpret and derive information from data and apply appropriate scientific methods to evaluate the results.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the field of Operations Research to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices in combination with advanced scholarship or research in this specific field of Operations Research.
3. Identify, evaluate and creatively and innovatively address, under supervision, certain convergent and divergent problems in Operations Research.
4. Understand the consequences of solutions or insights generated within the context of Operations Research, be able to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production or complex organizational or professional issues, and make critical contributions to the development of ethical standards.
5. Communicate and defend ideas and results that are the products of their search in the field of Operations Research and use a range of advanced and specialised skills to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
6. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his/her own as well as others.
7. Work, and, where appropriate, to account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment (in the form of assignments and oral presentations) is aimed at determining the student's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes and is sometimes followed by a summative assessment in the form of a written or oral examination. The student's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The student is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.