COURSE: MAN 3550: Introduction to Management Science

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Arup Mukherjee

REQUIRED TEXT:

An Introduction to Management Science:; Anderson; Sweeney and Williams; 2006; {Note: This is a custom edition for the University of West Florida}.

BRING THE TEXT TO CLASS.
BRING THE TEXT TO CLASS.

PREREQUISITES::

1. Man 3025: Management Fundamentals
2. Mac 2233: Calculus with Business Applications

ABOUT THE COURSE:

Managers of contemporary organizations must make decisions in a complex and rapidly changing environment. They are faced with the challenging task of trying to meet competing and ever increasing demands for resources like capital, energy and people. At the same time they find that these very resources are increasingly becoming scarce. How does one allocate resources when there are several needs and limited resources? How does one operate efficiently? How does one procure materials in a cost effective manner? How does one distribute products at minimum cost? How does one plan production to maximize profits or maximize capacity utilization? The fundamental question in all these queries is to do more with less. Management Science or Operations Research is the field of study that enables managers to find answers to these questions. The basic approach is to develop a scientific method to analyze a business decision. The use of a scientific method ensures that the solution obtained is better than any arbitrary trial and error approach that might come to the decision maker's mind. In this course you will learn about several important management science tools that have been extensively applied in industry to bring about improvements in business. Applications are wide spread in business, government, services and 'not-for-profit' firms.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Describe complexities in the real world that necessitates the use of quantitative models for improved decision making;

2. Develop linear programming models; Solve two variable linear programming models by the graphical solution procedure;Solve linear programming models with the help of computer software; Interpret computer solution of a linear programming problem; Use computer output to support managerial decision making;

3. Develop linear programming models for important application areas in production, marketing, and finance;

4. Recognize real life scenarios that can be modeled as network problems; Formulate network models such as transportation models;

5. Describe the need for integer programming; Develop integer programming models; Develop zero- one integer programming models for decision making scenarios;

INDIRECT OUTCOMES

The learning objectives listed in the previous section are the direct outcomes of this course. In addition to the aforementioned direct outcomes, there are many indirect outcomes achieved when a student completes this course. These indirect outcomes provide the student with critical skills needed for solving complex and difficult decision making problems that are likely to be encountered in their careers. These indirect outcomes are described next.

The most important indirect outcome is the ability to structure real life business problems in a quantitative manner and find the best solution. Students learn that analytical solutions are better than arbitrary trial and error solutions. They develop a basic appreciation about the nature of quantitative models and the relative advantage of using models over trial and error approaches. They get to learn about the power, efficiency, and dependability of models to find the best possible solution to important and complex business problems. The process of creating structure where there is no apparent structure is one of the best training in logical thinking for the students. They get the opportunity to develop the rare skill of 'critical thinking' by applying classroom approaches to a diverse range of business scenarios.

TEACHING METHOD

1. Lecture: This is primarily a lecture oriented course. Non-trivial discussion of material covered in class is encouraged.

 
2. Homework: Some work will be assigned for completion out of class. Many of them will require computer solution. This work will be graded.

 
3. Classwork: There may be some work assigned for completion during a class period. This work may or may not be graded.

 
4. Quizzes: Quizzes will be held regularly to ensure that students keep up with the material being discussed in class.

 
5. Practice problems: Some problems from the text will be assigned for home practice. These will not be graded. However, you are responsible for them on quizzes/ tests.
EVALUATION:

a) Midterm	25%
b) Final	35%
c) Quizzes      Homework      Class work	40%

GRADING SCALE:

		A	94 - 100	A-	90 - 93.9
B+	87 - 89.9	B	84 - 86.9	B-	80 - 83.9
C+	77 - 79.9	C	74 - 76.9	C-	70 - 73.9
D+	67 - 69.9	D	60 - 66.9	F	below 60

  HOMEWORK GUIDELINES:

1. Each student will complete several homework assignments out side class. The details of each of these assignments will be explained when the homework is assigned during class. There will be a minimum of one week allowed for completion of each of these assignments. The assignments may differ in point value according to the amount of time required and level of difficulty involved.

 
2. The homework is due in class at the BEGINNING of the class period.

 
3. Any assignment turned in must be professional:
1. organized;
2. arranged;
3. stapled;
4. answer questions;
5. the computer perforations must be removed;
4. Each turned in assignment must have a word processed title page (example provided with handouts). The best idea is to make photocopies of this example and use them.

 
5. Taking and giving help:

--- All assignments are to be done independently;

--- If, on a rare occasion, you decide to seek help,

it must be for a general difficulty and not for a specific solution to a problem or task or homework;

--- Similarly, if a student approaches you for help

you may explain general ideas but you may not tell him/ her the solution to the problem/task/homework.

PENALTY FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS
1. Each home assignment will have a due date. For each working day that you are late in turning in your assignment you will lose 20% of the maximum possible in that assignment.

 
2. Under exceptional circumstances (e.g. emergencies), the penalty may be reduced at the discretion of the instructor if an appropriate request is made in writing by the student. Any documentary evidence supporting the request must also be included.
QUIZZES:
1. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.

 
2. If you can convince me about your reasons for not taking a quiz along with the rest of the class, you may make up a maximum of two quizzes. If you want to make up a missed quiz, you must first submit a written request for making up the quiz. This request must be submitted at the earliest opportunity possible. This request must explain in details why you missed the quiz. Any supporting documentation must also be provided. The instructor would let you know of his decision about whether the quiz may be made up and discuss the procedure for making up the quiz.

 
3. The instructor would usually not permit a student to make up a quiz that has been graded and returned to the class.

 
4. Quizzes are not dropped.
TESTS [MIDTERM/ FINAL/ QUIZZES]
1. The best way to prepare for the tests is to come to class. During lectures over text material, the more important ideas will be presented and discussed. Problems will be solved on a regular basis. Students will be allowed opportunity to clarify their difficulties during the lecture. Almost invariably, the form in which a test question might appear from a specific part of the lecture material will also be discussed from time to time. The form in which answers are to be provided will also be discussed. Hence it would be in your interest to come regularly to class and take good notes.

 
2. Your responsibility on a test would include:
1. material presented and discussed in class (text + non-text)
2. All homework problems
3. All practice problems

 
3. Most of the test would be problem solving. There may be some questions related to material covered in class.

 
4. The "final" exam will be non-comprehensive.

 
5. Make-up policy for tests:

--> To be fair to all, the tests (midterm or final) must be taken at the scheduled time and place along with other students.

--> If, under extra-ordinary circumstances, you need to schedule a make-up test, you must first convince the instructor why you deserve an exemption from the policy of taking the tests along with other students.

--> If the instructor agrees to give you a make up test, you must then submit (i) a written request detailing circumstances why the make-up is needed and (ii) attach relevant, necessary and adequate documentation that helps to substantiate your case.

RISK PENALTY

In order to be fair to all students, exams (tests or quizzes) are expected to be taken along with the class. If exams are taken at times other than the scheduled time for the class, a 'risk' penalty may be assessed. If the exam is taken later, there is a risk that the student has come to know what was on the exam. If the exam is taken earlier, there is a risk that the exam will leak out. The actual risk penalty assessed will be at the discretion of the instructor and will depend on the circumstances of each case. For quizzes, the risk penalty is expected to be up to 50% of the maximum points for that quiz. For tests (midterm and final), the risk penalty is expected to be up to 30% of the maximum points for that test.

 

CHAPTER/ TOPICS TO BE COVERED

1. Introduction: Problem Solving and Decision Making
2. Linear Programming: the Graphical Method
3. Linear Programming: Computer Solution; Sensitivity Analysis; Simultaneous Change
4. Linear Programming Applications: Marketing/ Finance/ Purchasing
7. Transportation, Assignment, and Transshipment problems
8. Integer Linear Programming: Capital Budgeting/ Location/ Set Covering application
11. Inventory Models
NOTE: If time permits, other chapters may also be covered.


SPECIAL NEEDS
Students with special needs must inform the instructor within the first week of the course term of any personal circumstances that may require special consideration in meeting course requirements or adhering to course policies. Students with special needs who require specific examination-related or other course-related accommodations should contact The Director of Student Disability Resource Center, SDRC@uwf.edu, (850) 474-2387. Student Disability Resource Center will provide the student with a letter for the instructor that will specify any recommended accommodations.

 

EXPECTATIONS FOR ACADEMIC CONDUCT/ PLAGIARISM POLICY
As members of the University of West Florida, we commit ourselves to honesty. As we strive for excellence in performance, integrity – both personal and institutional – is our most precious asset. Honesty in our academic work is vital, and we will not knowingly act in ways to erode that integrity. Accordingly, we pledge not to cheat, nor to tolerate cheating, nor to plagiarize the work of others. We pledge to share community resources in ways that are responsible and that comply with established policies of fairness. Cooperation and competition are means to high achievement and are encouraged. Indeed, cooperation is expected unless our directive is to individual performance. We will compete constructively and professionally for the purpose of stimulating high performance standards. Finally, we accept adherence to this set of expectations for academic conduct as a condition of membership in the UWF academic community.