NBS8643 : Operations Analytics
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ajinkya Tanksale
- Lecturer: Professor Stewart Robinson
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The data processing and optimisation methods commonly used in operation managements and supply chain management will be introduced in the module. Students will also learn how to conceptualise and develop mathematical models for operations management and supply chain management. Moreover, students will evaluate and critically analyse the literature in operations research and management science. At the end of the study, students are expected to apply optimisation models to solve various problems in operations and supply chain management.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. Optimisation of quadratic function – both analytic method and computer software will be used to solve the optimisation problem of quadratic function with or without constraints. Revenue management issue will be used as example to illustrate the optimisation model.
2. Linear Programming – students will learn how to formulate and solve Linear Programming model, and linearise the common non-linear equations. A variety of examples in Operations and Supply Chain management will be used to introduce the optimisation methods, e.g., network design, job-shop problem, and fleet management.
3. Dynamic programming – Backward and forward recursion, and decision tree analysis. The corresponding examples in operation and supply chain management to introduce the model is outsourcing plan design.
4. Stochastic programming – introduction to two-stage and multiple stage stochastic programming. Facility location problem will be used to introduce the model.
5. Spreadsheet simulation – threshold based inventory control will be used as the example to introduce spreadsheet simulation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures introduce theoretical issues as well as practical issues and cases relating to supply chain management.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 100 | Individual coursework - 2000 word report |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | Students progression is assessed during PC Lab sessions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework tests acquisition of a clear general knowledge of the subject and the ability to collaborative working on a complex problem, apply quantitative research approaches to solve problems in practice, write clearly and concisely.
RESIT INFORMATION: If students are eligible to a second attempt resit will be an assignment and the resit calculation will be based 100% on the submission.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NBS8643's Timetable