ISEN 220: Introduction to Production Systems
Course Objective: The course is an introduction to spreadsheet-based modeling and the use of Visual
Basic for Applications (VBA). Excel and VBA will be used to code and evaluate models related to production systems.
Instructor
TA
Name
Office
Office Hours
Phone
Dr. Gary M. Gaukler
4075 ET
W: 12:00 – 14:00; or by appointment
Amanda DuBois
3030 ET
F: 15:00 – 17:00
Email:
gaukler@tamu.edu
adubois1@neo.tamu.edu
Class Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1420 – 1535 in 1027 ET.
Text:
VBA for Modelers, by S. Christian Albright, 2010.
Prerequisite: CSCE 206
Co-requisite: STAT 211, ENTC 181.
Assumed Skills: Basic Excel and manipulation of spreadsheets. A word processor of your choice (e.g.
MS Word) for written reports and other assignments.
VBA tutorial sessions:
The TA is offering voluntary tutorial sessions for students that need help with Excel or VBA. These sessions are offered during the regular TA office hours (TBD). It is NOT mandatory to attend these sessions.
E-mail: All students are expected to maintain their neo e-mail account. You are advised to check your email on a regular basis.
Homework, Projects, and Due-dates: Homework assignments and projects must be handed in at the
start of class on the day they are due. Late assignments and projects will be accepted, but will have points
deducted.
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Topics:
“Production systems”
History of Manufacturing/Production
Forecasting
Inventory Management
“Spreadsheet modeling”
Intro to VBA
Recording macros
Ranges and other Excel objects
Loops and decisions
User forms
Pivot tables
Exams: You will write an exam approximately every 4 weeks. If an exam is missed, you must have a
written authorized excuse.
Grading: Homework problems
Project (in teams of 4)
Exam I (Sep 29)
Exam II (Oct 20)
Exam III (Nov 22)
Final Exam (comprehensive)
20%
20%
15%
15%
15%
15%
Grades: A: 100-90%, B: 89.9-80%, C: 79.9-70%, D: 69.9-60%, and F: less than 60%.
ABET OUTCOMES
During the course, students will demonstrate the following:

ABET outcome A - The ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
Students learn how to apply basic knowledge in manufacturing operations, manufacturing processes, mathematical modeling, and engineering economy.

ABET outcome D - The ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
Teamwork in an essential component of this course. Students also work on two team-based design projects. Students are required to do a peer evaluation of team performance and the end of
the semester. A team portfolio is also required.

ABET outcome E - The ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Students engage in the identification of industrial engineering problems in the context of modern
production systems. Students use basic mathematical and computer modeling tools to formulate
and solve some of the problems typically presented to industrial engineers in industry.

ABET outcome G - Ability to communicate effectively.
Students constantly engage in team discussions. Two major written presentations of projects are
also part of the course.

ABET outcome K - Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
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Students will be using several state-or-the-art software packages in the modeling and analysis of
production systems.
Copyright Notice: The handouts used in this course are copyrighted. By "handouts," I mean all materials
generated for this class, which include but are not limited to syllabi, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, web pages, and additional problem sets. Because these materials are copyrighted, you
do not have the right to copy the handouts, unless I expressly grant permission.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement
The following ADA Policy Statement (part of the Policy on Individual Disabling Conditions) was submitted to the University Curriculum Committee by the Department of Student Life. The policy statement was
forwarded to the Faculty Senate for information.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires
that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation,
please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room B118 of
Cain Hall or call 845-1637.
Aggie Honor Code
“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”
Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to
uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning and to follow the philosophy and rules of the
Honor System.
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