Course Number:
Course Title:
Prerequisites:
Office Hours:
OIM 351
An Introduction to
Management Science
STAT 251
T, TH: 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Email:
Homepage:
Nabil.Tamimi@scranton.edu
http://ec.scranton.edu/tamimi/homepage.htm
Instructor: Dr. N. Tamimi
Semester: Fall 2015
Credits: 3
Office: 437 Brennan Hall
Phone: 941-4288
941 4209 (Admin Assistant)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
A survey of the quantitative techniques that are used by modern managers. Topic coverage will focus on
model building, linear programming methods, queuing models, project management, and simulation.
Emphasis is placed on the use and limits of these quantitative methods. Model analysis will be done using
appropriate software.
REQUIRED TEXT
Text:
Author:
Publisher:
Year/Ed:
ISBN-13:
ISBN-10:
Availability:
Spreadsheet Modeling and Decision Analysis
Cliff T. Ragsdale
South-Western/Cengage Learning
2015/7th Edition
978-1-285-41868-1
1-285-41868-9
Print
***A cheaper, customized version of this text (comprising only selected chapters) is available through the
University Bookstore (ISBN 978-1-30503-307-8).
LEARNING GOALS & OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each student will be familiar with basic quantitative techniques which are useful in analyzing and
solving decision problems. (Linked to KSOM’s learning goal 2B)
Each student will understand the role and scope of management science as a tool in the managerial
decision making process. (Linked to KSOM’s learning goal 5A)
Each student will be skilled in formulating decision problems as mathematical models, identifying
and applying the appropriate solution procedure for a given problem, and interpreting the model
solution. (Linked to KSOM’s learning goal 2B and 5A)
Each student will understand the advantages and limitations of each quantitative technique. (Linked
to KSOM’s learning goal 2A and 2C)
Each student will be able to use electronic spreadsheets to assist decision makers in applying
management science to real-world problems. (Linked to KSOM’s learning goal 2B and 5A)
The above objectives will be attained through a combination of lectures, hands-on assignments and problem
solving sessions. Also, please note that PowerPoint slides, solutions to practice problems /Excel assignments,
and Camtasia instruction videos may be accessed directly from my homepage.
ATTENDANCE, GRADING, AND OTHER POLICIES
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. Missing more than two classes will result in a zero
grade for attendance. Every student is responsible for all materials presented and announcements made during
any class. There will be no make-up exams or quizzes! Make-up exams will be given only at the discretion
of the instructor in cases of serious medical emergencies as evidenced by a documented report.
The final grade will be determined as follows:
Attendance:
Quiz 1:
EXAM 1:
Quiz 2:
EXAM 2:
Final (comprehensive):
10%
7.5% (Thursday, September 17, 2015)
25% (Thursday, October 1, 2015)
7.5% (Thursday, October 29, 2015)
25% (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)
25% (As scheduled by the registrar)
Grading scale:
Week
91 - 100 A
90 - 87 A86 - 84 B+
83 - 80 B
79 - 77 B76 - 74 C+
73 - 70 C
69 - 65 C64 - 60 D+
59 - 55 D
< 55 F
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE*
Topic
1
Introduction to Modeling and Decision Analysis
Review of Graphing Straight Lines, Inequalities, and
Solving Simultaneous Equations
1-3
Introduction to Optimization & Linear Programming
Chapter
1
2
Formulating Simple LP models
Graphical Solution Approach
Corner Point Solutions & Level Curves
Special Cases
Alternative Optimal Solutions
Infeasibility
Unboundedness
4-6
7
8-9
10-11
12-13
*Please
Modeling and Solving LP Problems in a Spreadsheet
Marketing Applications
Make or Buy Problems
Financial Applications
Production & Inventory Planning Applications
Blending Problems
Transportation Problems
3
Integer Linear Programming
An Employee Scheduling Problem
A Knapsack Example Problem
6
Sensitivity Analysis
Objective Function Coefficients Changes
Right-Hand Side Value Changes
Shadow Prices
4
Network Modeling
The Transshipment Problem
The Shortest Path Problem
The Assignment Problem
Maximal Flow Problems
Minimal Spanning Tree Problems
5
Project Management
PERT/CPM Networks
The Critical Path Method
Uncertain Activity Times
Time-Cost tradeoffs
15
Simulation
Access textbook chapter via homepage link
Advantages/Disadvantages of simulation
Business Applications Using Crystal Ball
12
note that the instructor has the right to modify the above schedule as deemed appropriate.
Students with Disabilities
In order to receive appropriate accommodations, students with disabilities must register with the Center for
Teaching and Learning Excellence and provide relevant and current documentation. Students should contact
Mary Ellen Pichiarello (570-941-4039, LSC 580) or Dr. Andrée Catalfamo (570-941-4218, LSC 582E) for an
appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.scranton.edu/disabilities.
Writing Center Services
The Writing Center focuses on helping students become better writers. Consultants will work one-on-one with
students to discuss students’ work and provide feedback at any stage of the writing process. Scheduling
appointments early in the writing progress is encouraged.
To meet with a writing consultant, call (570) 941-6147 to schedule an appointment, or send an email with your
available meeting times, the course for which you need assistance, and your phone number to: writingcenter@scranton.edu. Online appointments are also available – connecting virtually using Google Docs and Google
Talk.
Non-Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Reporting
The University of Scranton is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory employment and educational
environment. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational,
extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or in the context of employment.
Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated against, or involved in sexual misconduct including
sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic or dating violence or stalking should contact Ms. Jennifer LaPorta, Title
IX Coordinator, at (570) 941-6645 / jennifer.laporta@scranton.edu or Ms. Lauren Rivera, AVP for Student
Formation & Campus Life and Dean of Students, at (570) 941-7680 / lauren.rivera@scranton.edu. More information
and resources may be found at www.scranton.edu/CARE