King AbdulAziz University
Faculty of Economics & Administration
Department of Business Administration
Course Syllabus
Second Term 2013/2014
Course No.:
BUS 323, Credits: 3
Course Title: Business Quantitative Analysis
Prerequisites: Math 110
DR:
Amal Damanhouri
Office: 2222
Email: nmshd@hotmail.com
Office Hours: 12.30-3 M.W, 8-12T
Sections: DAR (11-12.30-11 M.W) , GAR
(12.30-2 M.W) VAR( 12-1 S.U.T)
Brief Course Description:
This course examines: the fundamentals of quantitative analysis and decision theory. It covers linear programming
and its components (formulation, graphical solution, simplex method, sensitivity analysis, and some special models).
It introduces some concepts, such as breakeven analysis, maxima and minima of a function, functions of several
variables, unconstrained and constrained optimization, and nonlinear optimization. It also presents some
applications in marketing, finance, and operations management. It also covers the fundamentals of decision theory
and problem formulation, with some applications in decision under risk using decision trees. The last part of the
course examines the techniques of forecasting with some applications in business administration.
Course Objectives:
The main objective of this course is to develop understanding of the basic principles of quantitative analysis and
provide adequate computing knowledge and skills. On successful completion of the course, the students will be able
to
1. Understand the essence of quantitative methods and decision theory.
2. Understand and solve a linear programming problem, with applications in marketing, finance and
operations management.
3. Formulate, build, and solve formal decision models.
4. Understand and use forecasting techniques with applications in business administration.
Policies:
1. Students are asked to be punctual, and not disrupt the class and late attendance is not allowed beyond 15
minutes after the class started, unless the student has a valid reason for being late.
2. Classroom behavior: during lecture, students are expected to respect others by keeping silence. Students
who have private discussions must leave the classroom. Questions related to the subject are always
welcomed and highly appreciated.
3. Exams are based on all the materials covered and assigned in the classroom and in the homework
assignments. Students are strongly advised to attend all the lectures and to be on time. It is your
responsibility to keep informed of any announcements; e.g., homework due dates, syllabus adjustments or
policy changes made during scheduled classes.
4. All exams are closed book and closed notes (unless otherwise announced). Students are allowed to bring an
information sheet. Bring your own calculator, pen, pencil, eraser and other supplies to the exam. You will
also need a ruler. You will not be allowed to borrow things during an examination.
5. No make-up exams will be allowed, unless there is a valid medical reason supported by official
documentation. To complete the course, you must take the final exam. Anyone who misses the final exam
will receive an F for the course.
Topics, chapters and sections to be covered
1
Topic
Details
1- Introduction.
2- Linear
programming.
Quantitative analysis and decision theory.
Chapter
Sections
1
1.1-1.2
Model development.
1.3
Applications (Breakeven).
1.4
Formulation of LP problem.
2
Graphical solution.
2.1
2.2
Computer solution and special cases.
2.4-2.7
Sensitivity analysis (introduction).
3
3.1-3.4
3- Some
applications of
Linear
Programming.
Application in marketing (marketing research).
4
4.1
4- Fundamentals
of Decision
Theory.
Decision analysis and problem formulation.
.Application in finance (portfolio selection).
4.2
Application in operations management (a make-orbuy decision).
4.3
13
Decision making with probabilities and without
probabilities.
13.1
13.2-13.3
13.5
Decision Trees and utility theory.
5- Forecasting.
Components of time series.
15
Smoothing methods.
15.1
15.2
Trend projection and seasonal components.
15.3-15.4
Student Assessment
Participation
10%
Assignments/projects/quizzes.
30%
Midterm exam (chapters 1 to 4 of principal textbook).
20%
Final exam (all chapters of principal textbook).
40%
Educational Resources
Educational Resource
Required Textbooks
Supplementary
References
Computer Software
Description


An Introduction to Management Science: Quantitative Approaches
Decision Making, by Anderson, D., Williams, T., Cumm, J., and Martin,
Published by: Cengage Learning, Inc., 13th edition, (2011).
Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions by Cur win, J., and Slater,
Published by: Thomson Learning, 6th edition, (2008).
Quantitative Methods for Business, Management and Finance, by Swift,
and Riff, S., Published by: Macmillan Publisher Ltd., 3rd edition, (2010).
Microsoft Excel.
2
to
R.,
R.,
L.,
3