Master of Science in Business Statistics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of this particular field of Business Statistics; to develop learners as effective and critical researchers able to generate new knowledge; and to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in order to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding within Business Statistics. 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 Business Statistics 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 Business Statistics 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 (PhD) studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes 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 programme of the institution. In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Statistics.

Or

• A relevant Bachelor Honours Degree.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Verhandeling, 60 Credits.
• Data-Mining I, 60 Credits.
• Data-Mining II, 60 Credits.

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

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment (in the form of assignments) is aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules, and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a 3 to 5 hour written examination. The learner'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 learner 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 specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.