Business analysis and statistics

The Business Analysis and Statistics group (BASG) is one of the strongest in the country. Our members have diverse expertise and experience in the areas of business analytics, management science, operations research, statistics, operations management and consultancy skills together with a strong research record.

Starting in September 2013

MSc Business Analysis and Consultancy

This new master’s programme has been created at the Hertfordshire Business School because we recognise the importance of possessing the skills to:

• analyse data
• formulate models
• solve business problems
• use information technology confidently
  

These capabilities are key sources of competitive business advantage and are currently in high demand in job markets both nationally and internationally. The programme has been designed to equip you with the skills necessary to operate as a successful consultant and to enable you to add significant value to any organisation.

Students will learn from hands-on experience and by solving real-world problems during the programme.

Numeracy and Statistics Support

Numeracy support is offered to all Hertfordshire Business School students through the Academic Skills Unit (ASU), which is the location of the SSCU’s Stats Support Desk offering statistical advice to staff and students alike.

The Business School’s Numeracy Support Co-ordinator, Dr. Michaela Cottee, is currently involved in the development of on-line diagnostic testing tools with integrated support materials. This complements the support available on an informal drop-in basis and through workshops and guest lectures on a range of topics, including numerical aptitude tests for students seeking a placement or employment.

Operations Management Business Trips

All Operations Management students visit organisations outside of the class room, these may be manufacturing, service, retail, charity, tourist sites or an event related to their module or programme. These trips provide students with opportunities to visit areas of the organisations that they would not normally have access to speak to senior Operations Managers who are responsible for multi-million pound operations.

Statistical Services and Consultancy Unit

The Statistical Services and Consultancy Unit (SSCU) was formed in 1996 and serves a dual function as both a research unit within the Business School and the provider of consultancy services to business, industry, government and the academic environment.

It also offers a range of short courses in statistics and bespoke training for organisations.

Group members have commercial and professional links including the Operational Research Society and Royal Statistical Society.

Teaching

The group deliver a wide range of subjects at all levels, in the fields of:

• business analytics,
  
• management science,
  
• operations research,
  
• statistics,
  
• operations management and consultancy skills, both within the Hertfordshire Business School and in other faculties in the university.

Many tutors in the BAS group use Electronic Voting System (EVS) in lectures and tutorials. This provides immediate feedback to both staff and students, improves lecture interaction, encourages a learner centred approach and allows anonymous responses. A number of lecturers have also embedded the student unique weekly assessed tutorial sheets (WATS) into their modules in order to improve progression rates (by developing good study skills and increasing participation).

The WATS uses student unique data embedded in typical tutorial questions which the students take home and tackle in a setting and at a time that best suits them.