Quality Control is an important application of statistical theory and methods. Since the industrial revolution, factories have needed to find ways to manufacture high quality products while minimising cost to maintain a competitive edge. From monitoring an automotive production line to stop out-of-control processes, to sampling techniques in the food production industries designed to minimise food waste, quality control procedures form a key part of the modern manufacturing process.

In this module you will learn the techniques companies employ to achieve the above. Topics for this module may include:

• Introduction to quality control: summary of relevant probability theory and probability distributions.
• Methods and philosophy of statistical process control.
• Control charts for variables: mean, median and range charts, special charts.
• Control charts for attributes: p-charts, np-charts, u-charts, c-charts.
• Process capability studies.
• Acceptance control charts.
• Acceptance sampling: single, double, and sequential sampling plans, rectifying inspections.
• Modified control limits.
• Cumulative sum techniques: CUSUM Charts, V-Masks, Tabular CUSUM.

Numerical analysis is the exploration of algorithms that rely on numerical approximation; this is invaluable for the study of many complicated problems, where an exact solution is very difficult, or even impossible to obtain. Its applications extend across mathematics, physical sciences and engineering, and, in the 21st century, have expanded into life sciences, social sciences, medicine, business, and even the arts. This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental techniques and methodologies for solving mathematical problems using numerical methods and equips students with the skills needed to analyse, design, and implement numerical algorithms effectively across a broad range of mathematical problems.

The topics include:

• Solving nonlinear equations, finding roots, Newton iteration and related methods.
• Introduction to optimisation, optimisation of functions of several variables, with and without constraints.
• Interpolation and approximations: Lagrange interpolation, Hermite interpolations,
• Numerical integration and differentiation: Trapezoidal method, Simpson method.
• Solutions of ordinary differential equations: Euler method, Runge-Kutta method, multistep methods, stability, convergence.
• Solution techniques for partial differential equations including the heat equation.
• Implementation and programming, e.g., Python, MATLAB.
• Error analysis: developing an understanding of the sources of error in numerical computations and methods for analysing and controlling numerical errors.

The aim of this module is to examine strategic finance issues faced by multinational companies from an international perspective. It focuses on how these companies operate within the global financial environment. Students will learn to identify and analyze the various forms and sources of business risks that multinational companies encounter.

Specifically, the module aims to:

1. To enable students to critically evaluate the international financial environment of a multinational corporation, including financial institutions, financial markets and exchange rate systems.

2. To critically examine and evaluate the principal concepts in the theory and practice of international financial management.

3. To analyse, apply and evaluate financial strategies through application of relevant analytical tools to examine and assess major issues and developments in international financial management.

4. To provide a critical understanding of the principles of risk exposures and the management of its international financial operations

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Analyse the environment in which international financial management is undertaken and discuss the structure of a MNC.

2. Critically assess the operations of the currency and derivatives markets and theories of exchange rate determination.

3. Define, assess and apply techniques and methods to evaluate and manage exposures and risks deriving from international business.

4. Apply the principal concepts, theories and appropriate tools in international financial management and reflect upon contemporary thinking to analyse and evaluate the international financial strategies of organisations, capital structure and financing of MNCs.

5. Assess a wide body of empirical research literature on contemporary issues relating to international financial management and critically appraise it. 

The module aims to develop students' ability to apply financial models and related advanced analytical techniques to inform business decisions and to evaluate possible decision outcomes in a competitive business environment.

The project is an opportunity for you to explore deeply an area of mathematics of your choice.  This may be a topic not already covered in the degree, or you may explore in more depth a topic covered before.

You will engage with mathematical literature, seeking out material and learning for yourself, supported by regular meetings with your project supervisor.  You will develop skills of self-discipline and project management, and study the art of mathematical writing and communication.

You will negotiate with tutors the precise title and objectives for the project.