Course Number:
Course Title:
OIM 351
An Introduction to
Management Science
STAT 251
T, TH: 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
T, TH: 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Nabil.Tamimi@scranton.edu
http://ec.scranton.edu/tamimi/homepage.htm
Prerequisites:
Office Hours:
Email:
Homepage:
Instructor: Dr. N. Tamimi
Semester: Spring 2014
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
Cliff T. Ragsdale, Spreadsheet Modeling and Decision Analysis: A Practical Introduction to Management
Science, Revised 6th edition, Cengage Learning, 2011.
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.
Each student will understand the role and scope of management science as a tool in the managerial
decision making process.
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.
Each student will understand the advantages and limitations of each quantitative technique.
Each student will be able to use electronic spreadsheets to assist decision makers in applying
management science to real-world problems.
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. Class attendance will be taken randomly. Every
student is responsible for all materials presented and announcements made during any class. All Excel
assignments will be randomly assigned during the class sessions. Students who are absent during scheduled inclass Excel assignments will receive no points. 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:
Excel Assignments
Final (comprehensive):
Grading scale:
5%
5% (Thursday, February 27, 2014)
25% (Thursday, March 13, 2014)
5% (Thursday, April 10, 2014)
25% (Thursday, April 24, 2014)
10% (please refer to above policy)
25% (Tuesday, May 20, 2014; 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
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
Week
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
14
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 577) or Jim Muniz (570-941-4218,
LSC 580) 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:
writing-center@scranton.edu. Online appointments are also available – connecting virtually using Google
Docs and Google Talk.