Outline

Overview

Prescriptive analytics is concerned with using quantitative tools to turn data into managerial and operational decisions, in both deterministic settings and under risk. This unit introduces mathematical optimisation modelling, with applications to problems in management, logistics, economics, science and engineering. Students will learn techniques for rigorously formulating complex decision-making problems as mathematical models, state-of-the-art computational tools to solve the models, how to incorporate measures of risk into models, and how to interpret outputs of models in the relevant decision-making context. It is expected that students have a good understanding of fundamental data analytics concepts such as vectors, matrices, probability, and the Python programming language.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Business Analytics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	ECMT5001 or QBUS5001
Corequisites ?	BUSS6002
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Vectors, matrices, probability, Python
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Simon Loria, simon.loria@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Written exam.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation 1 mark for each week of participation in both the lecture and tutorial	10%	Ongoing	NA	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Assignment 1 A written assignment submitted through Canvas.	10%	Week 05 Due date: 29 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Apr 2026	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Mid Semester Test Written test	20%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 17:20	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Assignment 2 A written assignment submitted through Canvas.	10%	Week 11 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 May 2026	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assignments: You will solve a series of problems using mathematical modelling. The assignment problems will be similar to tutorial questions. Assignment 1 will focus primarily on integer programming. Assignment 2 will focus primarily on integer programming and network models.
In Semester test: This test will cover content from weeks 1 - 6. It will include multiple choice and extended response questions.
Final exam: The exam will cover all unit content. It will test your understanding of theory, your ability to solve problems, and your capacity to draw insights from models. All questions are extended response questions.
Participation: The participation mark will comprise the best 10 of 13 weekly marks. Each week a maximum of one mark is awarded, split equally between the lecture and tutorial.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Assignments are subject to a late penalty of 5% per calendar day up to 10 days late after which a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and linear programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Linear programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Linear programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Linear programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Linear programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Linear programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Integer programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Integer programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Integer programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Integer programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Transportation and assignment problems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Transportation and assignment problems	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	In Semester Test	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 07	No tutorial	Self-directed learning (1 hr)
Week 08	Network Flow Models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Network Flow Models	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Project Management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Project Management	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Goal programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Goal programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Multi-objective linear programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Multi-objective linear programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Non-linear programming	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Non-linear programming	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Review	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at lectures and tutorial is strongly encouraged. A small but significant attendance and engagement mark applies. Further details can be found in the assessment section of this unit guide.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no required textbooks.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. select between prescriptive analytic models according to the business context
LO2. create prescriptive analytic models for decision-making
LO3. make decisions based on model outputs
LO4. use software tools to analyse and solve models

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assignment weights and complexity have been reduced to accommodate an in-semester test.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

QBUS6820: Prescriptive Analytics: From Data to Decision

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links