Module overview
The module provides an introduction to the use of spreadsheets, databases and R for modelling in Operational Research.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Run basic queries to obtain information from a database
- Understand the basic principles of database design
- Carry out a practical project using a spreadsheet
- Appreciate the value of spreadsheets for solving small-scale practical problems
- Understand how spreadsheets can be used to help solve standard problems in Operational Research, e.g. queueing theory and linear programming
- Use R for data manipulation and visualisation
- Use a standard spreadsheet package (e.g. Microsoft Excel) to carry out calculations
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Excel: basic file operations; entering data; using formulae.
2. Linear programming: optimisation using Goal Seek and Solver
3. LookUp tables, random sampling and queueing models
4. Importing data and Pivot Table/Chart analysis
5. Introduction to database systems: entity-relation models; practical database design
6. Working with queries: creating a query; introduction to some basic SQL
7. Introduction to R: data input, manipulation and visualisation
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be taught using a mixture of lectures and computer workshops: 12 hours of computer
workshops; 4 hours of lectures.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 4 |
| Workshops | 16 |
| Independent Study | 55 |
| Total study time | 75 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Software requirements. Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Access (or other database software)
Textbooks
Rolland FD. The Essence of Database. Prentice Hall.
Thomas T. Nagle, John F. The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing: A Guide to Growing More Profitably. Hogan and Joseph Zale.
Liengme BV. A Guide to Microsoft Excel for Business and Management. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Robert L. Phillips (2005). Pricing and Revenue Optimization. Stanford University Press.
Ritchie C. Relational Database Principles (Letts Educational).
Lehmann M & Zeitz P. Statistical Explorations with Microsoft® Excel. Duxbury.
Weida N, Richardson R & Vazsonyi A. Operations Analysis Using Microsoft® Excel. Duxbury.
Winston WL. Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms. Duxbury.
Barlow JF. Excel Model for Business and Operations Management. Wiley.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 30% |
| Coursework | 30% |
| Coursework | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External