MS3552: BUSINESS MODELLING (2014-2015)

Course Aims The purpose of this course is to develop students? abilities to use computer tools and management science models to assist in decision-making in a management context. In particular students should develop skills in:

Formulating a management problem (building a model).

Representing a model using a computer package.

Choosing appropriate tools to solve quantitative management problems.

Using computer packages to obtain reasonable solutions to problems.

Presenting solutions in a way that makes sense to others.

Main Learning Outcomes On completion of this cours students should be able to do the following:

Use a spreadsheet package to represent and solve a range of management problems.

Use a computer simulation package to represent and solve a range of management problems.

Choose an appropriate (computer) tool for a given management problem.

Represent the problem using the computer package.

Find a reasonable solution and present it effectively to others in the form of a report.

Content This course provides students with an overview of some of the more commonly applied areas of management science. The course will show students how to use two computer applications, spreadsheets and a computer simulation package to build simple, practical business models to help management decision making. Topics covered include: design and presentation of spreadsheets; applications to operations management, forecasting; introduction to visual interactive simulation models; applications to queueing systems; problem formulation and problem solving.

This course is a Management Studies elective but is also available as a curriculum breadth course for Business School students and may be available as an enhanced study course to suitably qualified honours students who are in year 3 or 4 study.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View MS3552 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 one-hour written examination (25%); 1 two-hour computer-based examination (25%); one practical in-course project (50%) in which students build business models and produce spreadsheets and simulation models and a written report of about 1,835 words.

Resit: Students may retake a failed examination or failed in-course project. The original grade for elements passed at first attempt will be counted with the grade for resit elements.

One 1-hour written examination (25%); one 3-hour computer-based examination (25%); one practical in-course project (50%) in which students build business models and produce spreadsheets and simulation models and a written report of about 1833 words.

Feedback is given on the assignment. Oral feedback is given in the practical classes. The course will also use MyAberdeen facilities and email to give feedback as students develop coursework and assignments. Assignments are submitted through MyAberdeen and are available to the external examiner.

None.