Postgraduate taught 

Finance & Management MSc

Management Science for Business Decision-Making MGT5426

  • Academic Session: 2025-26
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This is an introductory course on management science for solving decision-oriented problems in a wide array of business settings. We will explore the application of quantitative techniques (linear programming, regression etc) using software, fostering students' ability to make qualitative judgements on best course of actions. Through real world examples and case studies, we will focus on what future managers should know about the practical application of management science.

Timetable

10 x 2-hour lectures.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The assessment consists of an individual assignment (75%) and a group presentation (25%). Students will be given an assignment briefing document and the assessment criteria based on the intended learning outcomes. Descriptions and grade category of each criterion will be given.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes

Assessment

Weighting

Word Length/ Duration

1, 2, 3

Written Assignment

75%

2000 words

1, 2, 4

Presentation

25%

20 minutes

 

Course Aims

This course aim to introduce management science techniques for decision making with real world cases. We will equip students with skills to analyse and identify best course of actions using quantitative methods and software tools. Our focus is to foster students' ability to draw qualitative insights such as strength and weaknesses on those identified solutions. Our purpose is to provide students with experience in using this framework to solve problem which they can apply in the workplace.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Formulate and model complex decision-oriented business problems using appropriate techniques in management science.

2. Develop and evaluate data-driven solutions that align with long-term business objectives, acknowledging their strengths, limitations, and strategic implications.

3. Interpret and critically assess analytical results to generate actionable insights and recommend evidence-based managerial decisions.

4. Collaborate effectively in teams to communicate analytical findings, delivering clear, audience-appropriate presentations and reports that demonstrate professional and persuasive communication skills.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.