WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
MIS 311-01 - BUSINESS MODELS
COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2004
DR. MARIE A. WRIGHT
MIS Department
Office:
Telephone:
e-mail:
Web site:
OFFICE HOURS
WS 142
(203) 837-9344
wrightm@wcsu.edu
http://people.wcsu.edu/wrightm/
Monday:
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Tuesday:
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Wednesday:
12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to business and industrial planning and decision making through the use of computer
modeling and simulation. A case study approach will be used.
Prerequisites: FIN 230 and MIS 260
COURSE FORMAT / COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course consists of a comprehensive survey of quantitative decision-making techniques demonstrated through the use of case
studies and problem solving exercises. The management science techniques that are covered include: linear programming,
sensitivity analysis, transportation and assignment problems, and queuing models. The algorithms for solving each management
science model are supplemented by the use of software (WinQSB). Emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling, solution
techniques, analysis of computer output, and communication of results.
By the conclusion of the course, you should be able to:
 Formulate complex decision problems as mathematical models.
 Select the appropriate management science techniques for the solutions of the problems.
 Analyze and interpret the results in order to recommend appropriate courses of action.
 Communicate the recommendations to management.
REQUIRED TEXT
Lawrence, John A., Jr., and Pasternack, Barry A. Applied Management Science: A Computer-Integrated Approach for Decision
Making. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Custom published).
GRADING
3 exams, each worth 20%
Homework assignments
2 cases, each worth 12%
60%
16%
24%
100%
You are expected to attend every class.
You are responsible for the material presented or assigned in class, whether in attendance or not.
Homework assignments and cases will not be accepted late.
Only unusual or extenuating circumstances warrant a makeup exam being given.
Makeup exams will be considerably more difficult than the original exam.
No makeup exam will be given for the final exam.
LETTER GRADE/NUMERIC EQUIVALENTS
A
93 and above
B
83 - 86
A90 - 92
B80 - 82
B+
87 - 89
C+
77 - 79
C
CD+
73 – 76
70 - 72
67 - 69
D
DF
63 - 66
60 - 62
below 60
WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE
April 12, 2004
PROPOSED COURSE OUTLINE
NOTE: This is a tentative course outline and may be subject to change at any time
January 26
Course overview; Introduction to MS/OR;
LP model formulation
Ch. 1
Introduction
Ch. 2
The Management Science Process
Ch. 3
Linear Programming
March 22
Spring Break
February 2
LP: Graphical solution using WinQSB;
Sensitivity analysis of objective function coefficients;
Sensitivity analysis of right-hand side values
Ch. 3
Linear Programming
April 5
EXAM #2
February 9
Minimization; Infeasibility; Unboundedness;
WinQSB
Ch. 3
Linear Programming
April 19
Transportation problems (balanced and
unbalanced); WinQSB
Ch. 6 Network Models
February 16
Holiday
April 26
Assignment problems (minimization and
maximization); WinQSB
Ch. 6 Network Models
February 23
EXAM #1
March 1
Simplex algorithm;
Sensitivity analysis of objective function coefficients;
Sensitivity analysis of right-hand side values;
Other post-optimality changes
CD 3
The Simplex Method
Ch. 4
Linear Programming Applications
March 8
Simplex method; Sensitivity analysis
Multiple optimal solutions; Unboundedness
CD 3
The Simplex Method
Ch. 4
Linear Programming Applications
March 15
Simplex method; Sensitivity analysis; WinQSB
Ch. 4 Linear Programming Applications
March 29
Review: Simplex method; Sensitivity analysis;
WinQSB
April 12
No Class
May 3
Queuing systems; WinQSB
Ch. 12 Queuing Theory
May 10
Queuing systems; WinQSB
Ch. 12 Queuing Theory
FINAL EXAM
Wednesday, May 19th, 11:00 am