Operational Research Specialist Apprenticeship

The Level 7 Operational Research Specialist Apprenticeship is designed to enhance the skills of Operational Researchers, improving their capacity to make strategic, tactical, and operational decisions in their roles.

Role and Responsibilities

Operational Research Specialists start by diagnosing and analysing a problem and end with recommendations for change and supporting implementation. They structure complex, non-routine problems, formulate specific research questions, and evaluate and implement solutions, interacting with a variety of stakeholders.

Key Activities

• Client Collaboration: Work with clients to understand problems and capture requirements.
• System and Process Analysis: Use formal and informal methods to understand the organisations' systems and processes.
• Problem Archetypes and Methods: Relate their understanding of a client problem and organisational context to a set of Operational Research problem archetypes and methods.
• Conduct Analysis: Perform analysis using a range of Operational Research methods, adapting and developing them to meet client needs while understanding limitations.
• Data Utilisation: Identify and use available data to solve problems, maintaining data protection principles.
• Quality Assurance: Develop and implement methods to quality assure their work and others' analyses.

Benefits of the Programme

The University of Kent is a Top 50 university, offering impeccable teaching and industry-standard facilities across two diverse and vibrant campuses in Medway and Canterbury. The focus of the apprenticeship is to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge for specific job roles.

Qualification

The apprenticeship is underpinned by Kent Business School's MSc in Business Analytics. On successful completion of the end-point assessment, apprentices will hold an apprenticeship qualification and (subject to the work-based project report meeting requirements of a dissertation research project) an MSc Business Analytics degree.

Duration and Commitment

The duration of the apprenticeship will be two and a half years, including the end-point assessment. This course is delivered online with two 2-day residentials across the two years.

Start Dates

This programme usually starts in January, however, this year it will begin in December.

Entry Requirements

Apprentices enrolling on this programme are expected to have a good Honours Degree from the UK or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification. Consideration will be given for those applicants who hold relevant work experience in place of a formal First-Class Honours Degree. Applicants also need to hold a GCSE in English and Maths at grade 4 (C grade) or equivalent.

Fees and Funding

The cost of this course is £14,000 which can be covered by the Apprenticeship levy or by government co-investment. In order to obtain an MSc in Business Analytics, there will be an additional top-up fee of £2,925 which cannot be paid from the levy or government co-investment.

Comprehensive Experience

Our Apprenticeship programme will combine on-the-job training and off-the-job training to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to become competent in their job role.

Training Approach

Apprentices will spend 80% of their time learning in their current job role with the support of an Apprenticeships Advisor and their line manager. Apprentices will spend 20% of their time studying towards their academic qualification with the triple accredited Kent Business School via blended learning.

Modules

Year 1

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules:

• BUSNX7027 - Spreadsheet Modelling and Decision Automation
• BUSN9660 - Simulation Modelling
• BUSN9173 - Project Management
• BUSN9003 - The OR Specialist in a Modern Organisational Context

Year 2

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules:

• BUSX7030 - Prescriptive Analytics for Decision Making
• BUSX7029 - Problem Structuring Approaches for Operational Research
• BUSX7009 - Big Data Analytics and Visualisation
• BUSX7028 - Machine Learning and Forecasting
• End-point Assessment

Year 3

In order to achieve the MSc in Business Analytics, the following module will need to be completed:

• BUSN9860 Business Analytics Research Project

Related Kent Programme of Study

The Level 7 Operational Research Specialist apprenticeship is underpinned by the MSc in Business Analytics.

University of Kent

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Overview:

The University of Kent is a public research university located in Canterbury, Kent, England. It is known for its commitment to ambition and providing a supportive environment for students to thrive.

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Services Offered:

Guaranteed Campus Accommodation:

First-year students are guaranteed a place in campus accommodation upon accepting their offer.

Free Gym and Fitness Membership:

First-year students receive a free sport and fitness membership.

Campus Tours:

Prospective students can book tours to explore the campuses and learn more about accommodation options.

Clearing Support:

The university provides comprehensive support for students applying through Clearing, including a dedicated website with information and resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university emphasizes a vibrant student life with opportunities for community building, fitness, and social activities. Students can expect a welcoming and supportive environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Guaranteed Campus Accommodation:

Ensures a comfortable and convenient living experience.

Free Gym and Fitness Membership:

Promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters a sense of community.

Comprehensive Clearing Support:

Provides reassurance and guidance for students applying through Clearing.

Vibrant Student Life:

Offers a range of opportunities for social interaction, personal development, and community engagement.

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Academic Programs:

The context does not provide specific details about academic programs.

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Other: