Units / ETF5650
ETF5650 · Business optimisation skills
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit complements your practical understanding of business practices by introducing quantitative techniques in optimisation. Of particular interest are those techniques designed to improve the efficiency and transparency of supply chains, retailing and operations. Topics covered include quantitative techniques for forecasting, waiting lines, process modelling, logistics, resource planning and business process performance appraisal. You will learn to apply such methods in business settings.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | First semester | Activities scheduled as a mix of on-campus and online activities and held in the evening (BLD-EV) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 - Quiz / Test | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
| 2 | 2 - Written | Written | 40% | — |
| 3 | 3 - Examination | Examination | 40% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- ETF5480 — Optimisation for managers
prerequisite
- ETB1100 — Business statistics
- ETC1000 — Business and economic statistics
- ETC5900 — Business statistics
- ETF1100 — Business statistics
- ETF5900 — Business statistics
- ETM5900 — Business statistics
- ETW1001 — Introduction to statistical analysis
- FIT1006 — Business information analysis
- MGF5690 — Services and operations management
- MGF5961 — Supply chain management
- SCI1020 — Introduction to statistical reasoning
- STA1010 — Statistical methods for science
Joined by OR.
Learning outcomes
- develop business modelling skills and recognise the importance of optimisation techniques in solving business problems
- understand the role of optimisation approaches for dealing with uncertainty in the business environment
- develop basic skills in forecasting for business decisions
- apply optimisation tools to facilitate movement of information and resources through a business process
- recognise the role of online tools in business operation.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 12 hours |
| Tutorials | 12 hours |
| Seminars | 24 hours |
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