Since the setting up of our Department in May 1997, we have dedicated our efforts to promote the academic disciplines of probability, statistics and operations research through instruction, research activities and publicity.

After successfully launching and executing our full four-year B.Sc. Hons programme of studies, the M.Sc. programme of studies in Statistics and Operations Research (OR) as well as a very wide menu of servicing study-units, our Department is involved heavily in three major directions:

• updating existing Statistics and OR service study-units, for students from departments in the Science and other faculties, from institutes and centres through an emphasis on the application of Statistical and OR techniques in relevant areas through the use of computer software
• consolidating, updating and focusing on the programme of work for a full major subject option in Statistics and OR within the four-year B.Sc. Hons course which was inaugurated in October 1998
• strengthening our research output by systematically launching research initiatives which aim at attracting students to participate in research activities and postgraduate studies.

Our long-term objectives remain:

• maintaining and focusing on our teaching programmes to cater for needs as they arise and develop in local society
• creating concrete opportunities for our members of staff to upgrade and sharpen their academic potential
• extending and strengthening current research activities to include new areas
• expanding the process of negotiation and interaction with private and public bodies to help establish a consultancy service in our Department within the shortest possible time.