Forty-five of this year’s MSc Business Analysis & Consulting and MSc Operational Research cohort spent three weeks in January on student placements in a range of organisations. In this, as in previous years, the students benefited from the real application of Management Science skills, as well as getting a feel for organisational dynamics. The projects ranged from defined, technical applications of Management Science to wider, organisation wide problems requiring clear definition and exploration.
The range of organisations involved in the January placements reflected the diverse economic and social impact Management Science can bring: Multi-nationals, health sector, B2B, small business, local government, third sector, SMEs and government agencies were all represented. This year’s hosts included Barnardo’s, Capgemini, Diageo, DSTL, Glasgow City Council, NHS, Rolls Royce and Simul8, to name a few. Much useful work gets done for the organisations, but they also fulfil an organisational criterion of giving something back.
As well as individual learning, the students share their reflections with the class, leading to wider appreciation of the variety of challenges organisations face. Often these placements lead to summer projects, where a more thorough analysis can take place, as well as to career opportunities for students.
MSc Business Analysis & Consulting student Simon Altweischer spent three weeks with IRISS - a new relationship for the department, developed through links with PhD students. IRISS (The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Sciences) has the mission to promote positive outcomes for the people who use Scotland’s social services through enhancing capacity and capability of the social services workforce. Along with the IRISS team, Simon undertook research into organisational processes that are helpful in establishing a peer-lead approach in a homelessness service. The visual capture of the learning and the research will be published alongside the project outputs in March 2016.
Numerous students had encouraging feedback about their placements. One said it was, “a perfect opportunity to understand the importance of the work a Business Analyst performs for their company."
Similarly, feedback from host organisations indicated the excellent contribution made by our students in such a short period of time, including “…hit the ground running and provided a valuable contribution during the short time-scale.”