Apprenticeship training course

Operational research specialist (level 7)

Help clients (either internally or externally) to make strategic, tactical and operational decisions.

• Qualification level: 7 ; Equivalent to master’s degree.
• Typical duration: 24 months
• Apprenticeship category: Business and administration
• Maximum funding: £14,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Analytics specialist
  • Decision support analyst
  • Management scientist
  • Modeller
  • Operational analyst
  • Operational research analyst
  • Operational research consultant
  • Operational researcher
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Structure a client's problem using a relevant informal or formal methodology.
  • Conceptualise complex client problems into tractable operational research questions.
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise data relevant to the client problem (including data provenance, scope and limitations).
  • Manipulates, interrogate and manage raw data, using relevant methodology.
  • Undertake exploratory data analysis. This includes identifying relationships, robustness and quality, covering both model generated data and external information sources.
  • Exercise judgement by selecting the appropriate technique to design an approach to a client's problem.
  • Use relevant software solutions to support the analysis of a client's problem.
  • Creates a model to analyse a problem; applies an appropriate approach including programming, scripting, coding or using spreadsheets.
  • Critically analyse the internal and external factors relevant to an Operational Research problem to determine a holistic approach. These factors include organisational structures, the political, business and social context.
  • Apply holistic approaches to an Operational Research problem, taking into consideration internal and external factors.
  • Recommend compliant solutions that address the client's problem.
  • Source and use relevant internal/external technical expertise necessary to address the client's problem.
  • Use appropriate methodologies to manage complex client relationships.
  • Strategically manage all variables necessary to deliver timebound Operational Research recommendations. This includes, but is not limited to, people, risk, financial controls and budgets.
  • Exercise judgement to deliver persuasive arguments that are objective and unbiased.
  • Translate complex landscapes into client focused communications that balance rationale for recommendations with project limitations & compliance.
  • Critically evaluate & address own developmental needs.
  • Apply judgement to provide relevant and timely feedback when supporting colleagues' development.
  • Use concepts of team dynamics to create, lead and manage high performing and collaborative teams.
  • Operate autonomously within the limits of own authority and responsibility.
  • Design and implement strategic approaches that motivates team members to achieve objectives.
  • Exercise judgement in managing and using data in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational principles and governance.
  • Validate quality by application of relevant quality assurance methodology.

Full information on Operational research specialist (level 7) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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