Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics (PGCertORAn) is a 60-point program designed for students seeking to enter the field of operations research and analytics or enhance their quantitative skills for further study. It provides a thorough grounding in core topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, operations research, and time series analysis, laying a solid foundation for those aspiring to pursue the research-based Master of Operations Research and Analytics. The program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in diverse industries, including financial services, technology, consulting, manufacturing, logistics, supply chain management, and government.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Operations Research and Analytics (PGCertORAn) is a 60-point, half-year or part-time program designed for students seeking to enter the field of operations research and analytics or enhance their quantitative skills for further study. It provides a thorough grounding in core topics such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, operations research, and time series analysis, laying a solid foundation for those aspiring to pursue the research-based Master of Operations Research and Analytics.

Objectives:

• Equip students with fundamental knowledge and skills in operations research and analytics.
• Enable students to apply quantitative methods and tools to real-world problems.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Provide a pathway to further postgraduate study in operations research and analytics.

Details:

• Offers a comprehensive introduction to the field.
• Addresses the increasing demand for qualified professionals in operations research and analytics.
• Serves as a springboard for further academic pursuits or career advancements in various industries.

Outline

Program Structure:

• Comprises 60 points of taught courses.
• Requires completion of two of the following courses:
• Algorithms for Optimisation (ENGSCI760)
• Integer and Multi-objective Optimisation (ENGSCI761)
• Scheduling and Optimisation in Decision Making (ENGSCI762)
• Advanced Simulation and Stochastic Optimisation (ENGSCI763)
• Studies in Operations Research I (ENGSCI765)
• Advanced Operations Research and Analytics (ENGSCI768)
• Stochastic Processes (STATS720)
• Stochastic Methods in Finance (STATS723)
• Operations Research (STATS724)
• Simulation and Monte Carlo Methods (STATS783)
• Allows for up to two of the following courses:
• Uncertainty in Data (COMPSCI753)
• Machine Learning and Data Mining (COMPSCI760)
• Artificial Intelligence (COMPSCI761/367)
• Advanced Machine Learning (COMPSI762)
• Computational Algorithms for Signal Processing (ENGSCI712)
• Decision Making in Engineering (OPSMGT766)
• Fundamentals of Supply Chain Coordination (OPSMGT766)
• Probabilistic Machine Learning (SOFTENG753)
• Time Series (STATS726)
• Bayesian Inference (STATS731)
• Advanced Regression Methodology (STATS763)
• Data Science Practice (STATS769)
• Adheres to postgraduate enrollment regulations.

Course Schedule:

The specific course schedule for the PGCertORAn will vary depending on the semester and year you choose to enroll. Each module page provides information on the specific content, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and faculty members involved.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• Combination of coursework and final examinations to assess student comprehension and application of course material.
• Coursework may include assignments, projects, presentations, and other activities as outlined by individual course instructors.
• Final examinations may take various forms, such as traditional written exams, open-book assessments, or take-home assignments.
• Common criteria may include demonstration of knowledge and understanding, application of analytical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, and professional presentation.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures provide core content delivery and theoretical foundations for the program.
• Tutorials offer opportunities for interactive learning, clarification of concepts, and practical application of knowledge.
• Labs allow students to gain hands-on experience with software tools and techniques related to the field.
• Independent study is crucial for reinforcement of learning and in-depth exploration of specific topics.
• Blended learning approaches may be employed, utilizing online resources and platforms to enhance the learning experience.

Faculty:

• experienced and renowned faculty
• Each professor's profile is available on the University of Auckland website, showcasing their research interests, publications, and teaching experience.

Unique Approaches:

• a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application
• Real-world case studies and problem-solving exercises are incorporated into the curriculum to provide context and enhance relevance.
• Collaboration and teamwork are encouraged through group projects and interactive learning environments.

Other

Careers

Career Paths:

• The PGCertORAn equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in diverse industries, including:
• Financial services
• Technology
• Consulting
• Manufacturing
• Logistics
• Supply chain management
• Government
• Specific career opportunities may include:
• Operations research analyst
• Data analyst
• Quantitative analyst
• Management consultant
• Supply chain manager
• Logistics specialist

Career Opportunities:

• Graduates of the PGCertORAn have secured employment in renowned organizations such as:
• Air New Zealand
• ANZ Bank
• BP
• KPMG
• PwC
• Fonterra
• Career outcomes for PGCertORAn graduates are positive, with a high percentage of students securing employment within six months of graduating.

Other Considerations:

• Completion of the PGCertORAn provides a strong foundation for those seeking to pursue further postgraduate studies, such as the Master of Operations Research and Analytics.
• The program enhances professional development and opens up opportunities for career advancement in various fields.
• The skills and knowledge acquired through the PGCertORAn are highly valued in today's data-driven world.