About us

This is a field that encompasses the application of quantitative approaches (using mathematics, statistics, computer science and other tools) to business decision making and analysis. Decision sciences incorporate the building and modifying statistical, mathematical and/or numerical models and techniques in order to assist in making complex decisions in many fields. It involves a systematic, rational approach to problem solving and can be used to determine close to optimal answers to problems, or to examine and compare the outcomes of different decisions.

These skills are applied to anything, from weather forecasting to pricing strategies, new financial services and crop projections. Decision science places a strong emphasis on mathematical modelling and programming, data analysis and applied statistics, while also providing a solid foundation in the broader economic and management environment. The emphasis is on attaining the ability to perform complex decision-making in areas such as operations and financial management, manufacturing and logistics.

Operations Research (OR) is a systematic and rational approach to problem-solving and decision-making in situations of complexity, uncertainty and conflict. In short, quantitative (i.e. mathematical or numerical) models and techniques are used to find the optimal (best) solutions to quantifiable problems. The multi-disciplinary, computational and systems approach of OR is also known in the business world as Quantitative Management (QM), Management Science (MS), Decision Science, or Operations Management.

2005 has seen the change of our department's name to Department of Decision Sciences (Afrikaans: Departement Besluitkunde, seTswana: Lefapha la Disaense tsa Tshweetso) but this will NOT affect the name of your degree or modules. The focus of research and teaching in the department has always been on decision making based on facts and scientific methods in various context, ranging from industry and finance to the public sector, and not on management per se. The new name will better reflect the focus of the department's activities in the School of Economic Sciences and Unisa will join prestigious institutions like Drexel University, The National University of Singapore, Georgia State University, the Erasmus University in Rotterdam and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in having a department with the name Decision Sciences.

What can be gained by studying in the Department of Decision Sciences?

By studying the mathematical optimisation and systems modelling methods of Quantitative Management, you develop systematic thinking and modelling skills which are useful in business planning and management decision making.

What career prospects are there with a degree in Quantitative Management?
Career opportunities exist in businesses, banks, factories, environmental planning, mining, housing and engineering projects, health services, management consultation – anywhere planning or management or decision-making must take place.

Possible Careers:

Consultant
Decisions scientist
Financial analyst
Investment analyst
Marketing analyst
Operations manager
Project manager
Statistical analyst
Systems specialist

Lecturing:

Operations Research / Quantitative Management
Mathematics
Computer Science
Industrial Engineering
Statistics

Teaching:

Mathematics
Commerce
Business Studies

Research:

Operations Research / Quantitative Management
Information Technology
Industrial Engineering
Commerce

What subject combinations are possible?

Apart from the compulsory Quantitative Management modules, any other major subject in the College of Economic and Management Sciences, such as

• Accounting
• Auditing
• Business Management
• Economics
• Industrial Psychology
• Transport Economics and Logistics

may be chosen.  Further modules such as

• Introduction to the Economic and Management Environment
• Probability and Statistics
• Applied Statistics
• Distribution Theory
• Computer Science

as well as modules from other subject fields complete the degree and complement the degree Quantitative Management in the Department of Decision Sciences.

You can register for another degree at Unisa, and still take Quantitative Management (in the Department of Decision Sciences) Degrees in which you can take Quantitative Management as a subject, are:

• BCom degree
• Other BCom specialisation degrees
• BCompt degree
• BSc Degree (the subject is then referred to as Operations Research)

The logical, analytical thinking skills of Quantitative Management complement studies in any other field.

Undergraduate studies
Prospective undergraduate students should consult the Unisa brochures for the authoritative information about our programmes in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (my Registration @ Unisa - College of Science, Engineering and Technology) and in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (my Registration @ Unisa - College of Economic and Management Sciences). The Unisa brochures for 2011 are available by selecting Registration 2011 under the column heading "Information about" on the University's homepage.

Post-graduate studies
Prospective Honours, Master's and Doctoral students should consult the Unisa Calendar for the authoritative information about our programmes in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (my Registration @ Unisa - College of Science, Engineering and Technology) and in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (my Registration @ Unisa - College of Economic and Management Sciences). The Unisa brochures for 2011 are available by selecting  Registration 2011 under the column heading "Information about" on the University's homepage.

Prospective Honours students who believe that they comply with the registration requirements in the Calendar should apply for registration directly, without first contacting the Department. Possible candidates at Master's and Doctoral level, should contact the Department and provide a full description of their interests, complete academic transcript(s) and a copy of their Honours project or Master's dissertation.