Decision Science for Business module (BU31017)
Develop quantitative and analytical skills for business decision-making, using spreadsheet modelling and other advanced tools to analyse and solve complex real-world problems
Good decisions in business often need more than intuition. They need clear frameworks and analytical tools. That is what this module provides.
You'll work across a range of problem types: optimisation, resource allocation, scheduling, and decision-making under uncertainty. For each, you'll learn how to represent the problem, apply the right technique, and interpret the results.
Topics include linear programming, transportation and assignment problems, network analysis, decision analysis, and project management. Throughout, you'll build hands-on experience with spreadsheet modelling in Excel and more advanced programming tools.
A key goal is communication. You'll learn to explain technical results clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Lectures introduce new methods each week. Tutorials let you practice with real-world examples.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Understand quantitative models and their role in business decision-making
- Apply analytical concepts to real-world business problems
- Build spreadsheet models to analyse and solve business challenges
- Work with linear programming, network analysis, and scheduling methods
- Communicate technical results clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Explain the key quantitative models used in decision science and their importance in business
- Apply these models to a range of problems, including optimisation, scheduling, and decision analysis
- Build and use spreadsheet models to develop solutions for real-world analytics problems
- Interpret and present the results of quantitative analysis
- Communicate technical outcomes clearly to varied audiences
Assignments / assessments
Coursework (40%)
- Assesses proficiency in using spreadsheets and advanced modelling tools to solve analytics problems
Written exam (60%)
- Two-hour exam
- Assesses understanding of quantitative modelling techniques and ability to interpret results
Teaching methods / timetable
- Weekly lectures covering quantitative methods and real-world business problems
- Tutorials with problem-solving exercises and discussion
- Practical training in spreadsheet modelling and advanced programming tools
Regular office hours are available with lecturers and tutors for additional support and guidance on assessments.
Courses
This module is available on the following courses: