IB408-15 Operational Research for Strategic Planning
Introductory description
This module, for MMORSE students only, will develop a student's understanding of the
range of methods and models available to support the development of effective strategic
decision making and equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify and apply a
selection of methods that are appropriate for supporting the development of effective
strategic decisions.
Module aims
To develop an understanding of the range of methods and models available to support
the development of effective strategic decision making.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify, apply and reflect on the use
of a selection of methods that are appropriate for for supporting the development of
effective strategic decisions.
To instill in students an appreciation of how the methods can be incorporated within the
planning process
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
A conceptual model of the strategic development process is introduced which identifies a set of essential elements for example:
vision development, strategy creation, strategy rehearsal and evaluation, performance measurement. Frameworks, methods and
models to support the development process include but are not limited to:
- Problem structuring methods
- Visioning approaches
- Strategy formulation approaches including SWOT / TOWS analysis
- Scenario planning
- Evaluation approaches
The module will focus on a selection of methods; this selection may vary from year to year. The teaching style emphasises the
practical application of techniques for strategy support through the use of case studies and group exercises.
The module is taught alongside IB3490 - this version is for MMORSE students only who are given an extended assessment
covering an additional topic.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand the range of methods and models available to support the development of effective strategic decision making.
- Appreciate how the methods can be incorporated within the planning process.
- Work out how to analyse information and present it in an intelligble form.
Indicative reading list
Core Text:
F A O'Brien and R G Dyson, Supporting Strategy: Frameworks, Methods & Models, Wiley, 2007.
Other Illustrative Texts:
Cairns, G. and Wright, G., 2020. A reflection on the mass production of scenarios in response to COVIDâ19. Futures & Foresight
Science, 2(3-4), p.e34.
Crawford MM, and Wright G, (2022_. The value of mass-produced COVID-19 scenarios: A quality evaluation of development
processes and scenario content. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 183, p.121937.
Dyson, RG, ‘Strategic development and SWOT analysis at the University of Warwick’, European Journal of Operational Research,
152, 2004, 631-640.
Hindle, G.A. and Vidgen, R., 2018. Developing a business analytics methodology: A case study in the foodbank sector. European
Journal of Operational Research, 268(3), pp.836-851.
Kunc, M. and O'Brien, F.A., 2017. Exploring the development of a methodology for scenario use: Combining scenario and
resource mapping approaches. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 124, pp.150-159.
Kunc, M. and O’Brien, F.A., 2019. The role of business analytics in supporting strategy processes: Opportunities and
limitations. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 70(6), pp.974-985.
Wright, G., Cairns, G., O'Brien, F.A. and Goodwin, P., 2019. Scenario analysis to support decision making in addressing wicked
problems: Pitfalls and potential. European Journal of Operational Research, 278(1), pp.3-19.
MMORSE 4th year students are given additional material for their assessment, for example:
O'Brien, F. (2011). "Supporting the strategy process: A survey of UK OR/MS practitioners." Journal of the Operational Research
Society62(5): 900-920.
O'Brien, F.A., 2015. On the roles of OR/MS practitioners in supporting strategy. Journal of the Operational Research
Society, 66(2), pp.202-218.
Rigby, D. (2001). "Management tools and techniques: A survey." California Management Review43(2): 139-160.
Subject specific skills
Use a selection of the methods covered on the module in practical situations.
Transferable skills
Demonstrate written, analytical and verbal communication skills.
Utilise and develop analytic skills.
Convey their understanding of key concepts using different forms of communication (eg write reports, make presentations).
Use information technology (e.g. WP, www, specialist packages).
Work with others (e.g. teamwork).
Business analysis of real world scenarios.
Working in teams.
Presentation skills.
Communication skills.
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
Online learning (independent) | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
Private study | 48 hours (32%) |
Assessment | 73 hours (49%) |
Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Private Study.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A4
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
Individual Assignment (15 CATS) | 90% | 65 hours | Yes (extension) |
Individual Assignment |
|||
Participation (15 CATS) | 10% | 8 hours | No |
Participation |
Assessment group R3
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
Individual Assignment | 100% | Yes (extension) |
Feedback on assessment
Formative feedback is provided to groups of students on a (non-assessed) presentation of the case company used in their individual assessment. Summative feedback is provided via a feedback form attached to the submitted assessment document.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
-
USTA-G300 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics
- Year 3 of G300 Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics
- Year 4 of G300 Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics
- Year 4 of USTA-G1G3 Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (BSc MMathStat)
- Year 5 of USTA-G1G4 Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (BSc MMathStat) (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Option list C for:
- Year 4 of USTA-G300 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics
- Year 5 of USTA-G301 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics (with Intercalated
This module is Option list D for:
- Year 3 of USTA-G300 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics
-
USTA-G301 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics (with Intercalated
- Year 3 of G30G Master of Maths, Op.Res, Stats & Economics (Operational Research and Statistics Stream) Int
- Year 4 of G30G Master of Maths, Op.Res, Stats & Economics (Operational Research and Statistics Stream) Int