Principles and Practice of Management Science

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use problem-solving skills;
• use quantitative modelling approaches;
• use rational analytic skills.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the nature of MS, its history and the context of its contribution to management;
• the range of techniques, tools, models, methods and approaches;
• the practical use of MS approaches.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• evaluate the outcome of the MS approaches with respect to sensitivity and uncertainty.
• apply MS in practical contexts in a considered manner;
• apply a number of the core MS approaches;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use of spreadsheets to solve mathematical programming problems and to perform discrete-event simulations.

Management Science: history, context, and the management science process. Mathematical modelling: the development and formulation of a mathematical model.

Solution approaches for management problems; specifically, Linear and Integer Programming, Inventory Theory, Simulation and Queuing Theory.

The interpretation of the mathematical models and solutions in management science.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Recorded lectures (broken down into micro-lectures) that will cover the taught material and include example problems and worked solutions and online class discussion.
• Classes during which we will explore the topics in more detail to deepen understanding.
• Computer workshops where tutorial sheets will be provided on simulation and optimisation.

Learning activities include:

• Micro lectures covering all course topics.
• A variety of practice quizzes which will provide feedback straight away.
• Computer workshops on Linear Programming and Simulation Modelling.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Hillier F.S., and Lieberman G.J. (2005). Introduction to Operations Research. McGraw-Hill.

Anderson D.R., Sweeney D.J., Williams T.A., and Wisniewski, M. (2009). An Introduction to Management Science: Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making. Cengage Learning.

Albright S. C., and Winston W. L. (2007). Management Science Modelling. Thomson South-Western.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External