Management sciences is the application of scientific techniques that enable managers to make better decisions. Good decision-making can enhance the efficiency, productivity and profits of business firms. Management Sciences techniques are applied in many business functional areas, including supply chain and logistics management, inventory control, quality control, operations planning, production scheduling, sales forecasting, financial management, enterprise data mining, and customer relationship management. For instance, mathematical models can be used to create dependable flight schedules and crew shifts for airlines. Quantitative techniques can be used in deciding on service centre location, controlling production, or implementing statistical quality control in manufacturing companies. These techniques can also be used by service organizations such as banks, hospitals and investment firms to increase productivity, to provide better services to their customers and to increase profits. In this era of technological advancement in information technology, management sciences makes extensive uses of information technology to effectively model and solve large and complex management problems.

About the Department and Our Programmes

Currently, the Department offers three specializations in the BBA (Hons) programme: the BBA (Hons) Management Science (MS); the BBA (Hons) Managerial Statistics (MST); the BBA (Hons) Service Operations Management (SOM); and two taught master degree programmes, the MA Quantitative Analysis for Business (MAQAB), and the MA Operations and Supply Chain Management (MAOSCM). The BBA (Hons) MS aims at teaching students about the operations research techniques and contemporary software used in the business sectors to solve management problems. The BBA (Hons) MST is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education and training in the latest information technology, applied statistics and their applications in solving business problems. The BBA (Hons) SOM trains students how to manage and improve quality and productivity in service industries. The MAQAB and the MAOSCM, which offer part-time studies at the postgraduate level, are geared towards advanced study in the disciplines. These degree programmes are well accepted by the Hong Kong community, both public and private sectors alike.

The specialized areas of research of the current 37 academic staff of the Department reflect a wide spectrum of expertise in both theoretical and applied areas. We emphasize synergy between teaching, research and consultancy. We stay abreast of the latest developments and applications in the field, which ensures that our programmes are up-to-date. We are dedicated to making significant contributions to the economic prosperity of Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia. Having SAS software in data mining, customer relationship management, data ware-housing, and statistical modelling, our Knowledge Discovery Centre aims to familiarize students with the latest internet concepts, applications and analytical techniques. In addition, businesses in Hong Kong and China will benefit by being able to access the Department's training and consulting services.

Your Added Value

The Department is committed to effectively using expertise of its staff in quantitative analysis techniques to serve the educational and professional needs of the local economy. In addition to training in management sciences techniques, students will also be provided with training in economics, business and information technology, which ensures that, on graduation, they will be competent in the technical skills and have a good understanding of the business context in which those techniques are frequently called upon. Graduates are expected to be employed as quantitative analysts, managerial statisticians or quality managers in the commercial, industrial and public sectors.