Operations Research

Overview: An introduction to operations research (management science), a
quantitative approach to problem solving and decision making. Emphasis is on
linear programming and its application to solving cost, profit and volume
problems; distribution and network problems; and inventory problems.

General Goals:
• To teach the art of management decision making
• To provide students with mathematical tools for quantitative decision making

Specific Outcomes: To be able to:

• properly pose a problem by articulating a clear problem statement, identifying
decision criteria, and identifying constraints.
• solve two-variable linear programming models by graphing the feasibility
region, identifying extreme points, and identifying a variable pair
corresponding to the optimal value of a decision objective.
• demonstrate mastery of the simplex method by manually solving two-variable
linear programming models.
• apply linear programming solvers to the solution of multi -variable financial,
distribution and network , and inventory problems
• produce and interpret sensitivity analyses for the above kinds of problems.
• demonstrate understanding of project scheduling fundamentals by developing
project models and crashing activity times .

Laptop Computers:

My policy is no open laptop computers in class unless otherwise directed.

Evaluation:

• Based on tests and final exam, homework, attendance and class
participation.
• Components: homework (30%), two tests (20% each), final exam (30%).
• Evaluation per the catalog: A(>94), A-(>89), B+(>86), B(>82), B-(>79),
C+(>76), C(>72), C-(>69), D+(>66), D(>62), D-(>59)
• You will never receive a grade lower than what you earn strictly by the
numbers. I won’t take off for poor overall attendance or lack of participation.
• However, outstanding attendance and class participation are necessary in
order for me to consider extending grace when I determine your final course
grade. ( Unlike our Lord ’s grace, mine isn’t free!) But it is my privilege to
award a higher grade than what you earn strictly by the numbers . (See Matt
20: 1-15.)