Course Number: OIM 351 Instructor:Dr. N. Tamimi

Course Title:An Introduction to Semester: Fall 2015

Management ScienceCredits: 3

Prerequisites:STAT 251Office:437 Brennan Hall

Office Hours:T, TH: 3:45 pm– 5:15 pmPhone:941-4288

941 4209 (Admin Assistant)
Email:
Homepage:

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: / Spreadsheet Modeling and Decision Analysis
Author: / Cliff T. Ragsdale
Publisher: / South-Western/Cengage Learning
Year/Ed: / 2015/7th Edition
ISBN-13: / 978-1-285-41868-1
ISBN-10: / 1-285-41868-9
Availability: / 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.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)

2.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)

3.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)

4.Each student will understand the advantages and limitations of each quantitative technique. (Linked to KSOM’s learning goal 2A and 2C)

5.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:10%
Quiz 1:7.5% (Thursday, September 17, 2015)

EXAM 1:25% (Thursday, October 1, 2015)

Quiz 2:7.5% (Thursday, October 29, 2015)

EXAM 2:25% (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)

Final (comprehensive):25% (As scheduled by the registrar)

Gradingscale:91 - 100 A73 - 70 C

90 - 87 A-69 - 65 C-

86 - 84 B+64 - 60 D+

83 - 80 B59 - 55 D

79 - 77 B- < 55 F

76 - 74 C+

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE*

Week Topic Chapter

1Introduction to Modeling and Decision Analysis1

Review of Graphing Straight Lines, Inequalities, and

Solving Simultaneous Equations

1-3Introduction to Optimization & Linear Programming 2

Formulating Simple LP models

Graphical Solution Approach

Corner Point Solutions & Level Curves

Special Cases Alternative Optimal Solutions

Infeasibility

Unboundedness

4-6Modeling and Solving LP Problems in a Spreadsheet3 Marketing Applications

Make or Buy Problems

Financial Applications

Production & Inventory Planning Applications

Blending Problems

Transportation Problems

Integer Linear Programming6

An Employee Scheduling Problem

A Knapsack Example Problem

7Sensitivity Analysis4

Objective Function Coefficients Changes

Right-Hand Side Value Changes

Shadow Prices

8-9 Network Modeling5

The Transshipment Problem

The Shortest Path Problem

The Assignment Problem

Maximal Flow Problems

Minimal Spanning Tree Problems

10-11Project Management15

PERT/CPM Networks

The Critical Path Method

Uncertain Activity Times

Time-Cost tradeoffs

Simulation12

12-13Access textbook chapter via homepage link
Advantages/Disadvantages of simulation

Business Applications Using Crystal Ball

*Please 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

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: . 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 / or Ms. Lauren Rivera, AVP for Student Formation & Campus Life and Dean of Students, at (570) 941-7680 / . More information and resources may be found at