University of Glamorgan improves graduate job prospects with SAS

Mathematics department use SAS to meet the needs of modern business

21 September 2010 -  University of Glamorgan has chosen SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, as its strategic tool for teaching statistics and analytics in mathematics degree courses to enhance the employability of its graduates.  SAS will allow the University to ensure students have the best skills and knowledge to enhance their competitive standing in the job market.

Previously, SPSS was the main statistical package used by the University but feedback from the business community highlighted that mathematics and statistics graduates need specific SAS skills. The South Wales area has a dynamic job market, with organisations including the Office for National Statistics and the Welsh Assembly having links to the University of Glamorgan; graduates will have the skills to be able to submit stronger job applications.  

The first stage of the transition involved implementing SAS into labs of between 25 and 30 computers with testing under teaching conditions. Stage two introduced SAS into the Applied Statistics module of the degree course with all lecture notes and data sets converted into SAS.  University lecturers are also looking to become more involved in the SAS Academic Programme through enrolling themselves on SAS training courses.

Dr Hasan Al-Madfai, principal lecturer in statistics, Faculty of Advanced Technology, University of Glamorgan said “SAS is the primary business analytics tool for many organisations. To enhance our graduates’ employability, and keep providing students with the cutting-edge tools, skills and knowledge to compete in the job market, we need to use SAS.”

Richard Kellett, director of marketing at SAS UK, commented, “In the current climate, jobs are hard to come by, so giving students the knowledge and tools they will use in business will help them stand out. Business needs should set the agenda for modern learning, as ultimately, knowledge gained at university will determine the immediate success of new graduates. SAS technology plays a central role in organisations around the world and we are excited to play a role in helping those studying at Glamorgan get ready for the next phase of their lives.”

About the University of Glamorgan

The University of Glamorgan is part of the Glamorgan Group, which comprises the University of Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil College and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. These three institutions share the common values of quality and excellence in delivering education across the full spectrum of the needs of the people of Wales and beyond.

The University of Glamorgan’s vision is to be recognised as an international university with a distinctive approach to research, innovation and the student experience. It seeks to offer students a modern, innovative and intellectually challenging higher education that will furnish them with the evaluative and analytical skills essential to succeeding in the workplace. Glamorgan aims to have an academically distinctive portfolio of excellent and professionally relevant courses, state-of-the-art facilities and national and international recognition for learning, teaching and research – making the University a first-choice for students, staff, business and the community.

About SAS

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