The Master of Business Analytics at the University of Auckland: Focus on Supply Chain Analytics
Dr Sarah Marshall highlights the key feature of an innovative masters programme that should build New Zealand’s supply chain management capability.
In today’s data-rich business environment, supply chain professionals increasingly rely on analytical skills to improve operations, support decision-making, and contribute to strategic planning. The Master of Business Analytics (MBusAn) at the University of Auckland addresses this need through a practice-focused programme that helps students conceptualise business challenges and use data and analytics to inform organisational strategies.
The programme commenced in 2021 with an initial cohort of 60 students. Due to growing demand, intakes now occur twice a year, with the sixth cohort scheduled to start in Quarter 2, 2025. Since its inception, approximately 200 students have completed the programme, and there are currently over 200 students enrolled.
Students come from a variety of backgrounds, including recent graduates and mid-career professionals, many of whom have not previously studied business analytics. This diversity enriches the learning environment, fostering a range of perspectives on business analytics challenges and solutions.
The curriculum consists of six core courses that introduce students to key concepts such as data sources, business analytics tools, machine learning, predictive analytics, and decision-making techniques. The teaching approach balances theory with practical application, incorporating lectures, hands-on computer labs, case studies, and collaborative group work to develop analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. Guest lectures from industry practitioners offer students insights into how analytics is applied in practice, helping to bridge the gap between academic concepts and industry challenges. After completing the core courses, students then select from three specialisations: marketing, supply chain management, and fintech. During the specialisation phase students also take courses that develop their soft skills involving project management and consultancy practice.
Specialisation in Supply Chain Management
The supply chain specialisation within the MBusAn programme equips students with tools and methods to address complex logistical challenges. The curriculum integrates analytical techniques with supply chain principles, covering areas such as demand forecasting, inventory management, network design, supplier selection, sustainability, optimisation, and risk management. Students also explore topics like simulation and queueing theory, applying data-driven approaches to understand supply chain dynamics and support informed decision-making. The practical relevance and broad applicability of the skills taught in this specialisation have made it consistently popular, attracting at least a third of each cohort.
Industry Projects: Connecting Learning with Practice
A key feature of the MBusAn programme is its industry project component, which bridges academic learning with real-world business practice. These capstone projects enable students to work with organisations of varying sizes, applying analytical skills to current business issues. Students have previously undertaken projects for small owner-operated businesses as well as large, well-known companies.
Projects cover a range of supply chain topics, from optimising logistics and improving demand forecasts to enhancing sustainability and resilience. Students work in teams, supported by academic supervisors and industry mentors, to develop data-driven solutions that address specific business needs. This hands-on experience not only reinforces classroom learning but also provides valuable insights into practical supply chain operations.
As the programme continues to grow, so does the demand for industry project partnerships. We are keen to hear from organisations of all sizes that may be interested in offering a project.
Get in touch
For more information about the Master of Business Analytics applied industry projects, guest lectures or other engagement opportunities, please contact me, Dr Sarah Marshall, the Programme Director Professor Leo Paas, or visit the websites below:
Master of Business
Master of Business Analytics Applied Projects