MGMT524

Management Science
Online Course Syllabus
Credit Hours: 3
Delivery Method: Online (Internet / Blackboard)
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Required Course Materials:

Render, B., Stair, R. M., & Hanna, M. E. (2012). Quantitative

analysis for management (11th ed.). Pearson/Prentice Hall.
ISBN: 9780132149112

Course Description:
In this course, students have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the application of
management science processes and models used in decision making in management. Techniques
include decision theory, queuing theory, forecasting models, inventory theory, linear and integer
programming, and network models including project management calculations (time and cost) using
PERT and CPM. Computer techniques are used to solve problems and to communicate the results in a
clear and understandable fashion. Emphasis is placed on using quantitatively bases analytical
methodologies, interpreting quantitative results, and communicating conclusions.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Business Foundation Course MGMT 503D or permission of
the Graduate Program Chair.
Course Goals:
This course provides the student with an opportunity to enhance his/her understanding of problemsolving, the Scientific Method, and Quantitative Analysis (QA); improve the individual's ability and skills
to systematically analyze management problems, apply quantitative methods, and learn to use
Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) to manage the
information resources necessary for resolving the problems and/or issues at hand.
Emphasis is on Quantitative Analysis (QA), the Scientific Method, and the skills and techniques for
determining the nature and identification of a problem and analyzing alternatives using quantitative
methods with particular interest and focus on current QA concepts, practices, and applications; its very
important role in the support of management decisions; and its support, in turn, by DSS and

This syllabus was developed for online learning by Dr. Wayne Harsha
MGMT_524_Online_Syllabus_0513

computerized MIS, particularly via software applications on the typical desktop personal/business
computers (PCs) of today.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful course completion, given a set of industry data or a case study scenario, students will
be able to:
1. Apply Quantitative Analysis and Management Science Techniques to model a variety of
Business problems and solve the resulting models using computer software. (MSM Program
Outcome 1, 3, & 7) (MBAA Program Outcome 3) (MSLSCM PO 3)
2. Utilize probability theory to solve quantitative analysis problems. (MSM Program Outcome 1, 3,
& 7) (MBAA Program Outcome 3) (MSLSCM PO 2, 3, 4)
3. Use Decision Theory to construct mathematical models useful in optimizing managerial
decisions. (MSM Program Outcome 1 3, & 7) (MBAA Program Outcome 1) (MSLSCM PO 3, 4)
4. Utilize moving averages, weighted moving averages, exponential smoothing and regression
analysis to develop appropriate forecasting models applying moving averages, exponential
smoothing, and time series models. (MSM Program Outcome 1, 3, & 7) (MBAA Program
Outcome 3) (MSLSCM PO 2, 3, 4)
5. Apply inventory planning and control models (e.g., EOQ, ABC Analysis, MRP, and JIT & ERP)
to maintain adequate inventory levels with an organization. (MSM Program Outcome 1, 3, & 7)
(MBAA Program Outcome 3) (MSLSCM PO 1, 3, 4)
6. Apply linear programming techniques to model, analyze, and solve a variety of managerial
Business and Aviation decision making problems. (MSM Program Outcome 1, 3, & 7) (MBAA
Program Outcome 3) (MSLSCM PO 3, 4)11
7. Apply the concepts of Project Management, including PERT/CPM, Transportation Models, and
Network Models, to calculate the probability of successful completion of a project. (MSM
Program Outcome 1, 3, 4, & 7) (MBAA Program Outcomes 2 & 4) (MSLSCM PO 3, 4)
8. Solve queuing theory problems from real world industry applications to evaluate cost and
effectiveness of service systems. (MSM Program Outcome 1, 3, & 7) (MBAA Program Outcome
3) (MSLSCM PO 3, 4)
9. Determine the most appropriate management science model and apply that model to reach
optimized results and make a recommendation based on those computations. (MSM Program
Outcome 1, 3, 4, & 7) (MBAA Program Outcome 1) (MSLSCM PO 3, 4)

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Grading
These are the major assignments in the course and will be the basis for evaluation according to the
grading scale shown in the table below. Rubrics identifying the criteria by which your work will graded
are available in the Resources/Course Specific Resources area in your online course.
Course Grade Scale

Evaluation Items & Weights

90 100%

Chapter Problems

20%

80 89%

Case Studies

20%

70 79%

Discussions

30%

50 69%

Capstone Case Study

15%

Individual Research Project

15%
100%

Total

Chapter Problems:
In Modules 1-8, you will solve specific questions from the end of the chapters. The purpose of this is to
allow you time to practice some of the key concepts in the chapters and to prepare you for the
Capstone Case Study. There is no time limit to complete these, but you are required to turn in your
answers by the end of each module week.
While many of the problems given in this course can be solved by the use of Microsoft Excel, all of the
problems assigned can be solved using the POM-QM program. In this course, POM-QM will be used as
the default decision support software. This software is available as a free download from the textbook
publishers companion website. Chapter problems constitute 20% of your final course grade.
Case Studies:
You will work on case studies throughout the course. Some case studies are assigned for individual
work and some are assigned for group work.
The purpose of the group case studies is to build your collaboration skills and to provide you with the
support and feedback from your peers in learning to solve case studies using the concepts and tools
covered in the course. At the conclusion of each group activity, you will evaluate yourself and your
group members using an assigned evaluation form. Case studies constitute 20% of your final course
grade.
Discussions:
Class discussion at the graduate level is an important component of the educational experience.
Superior participation grades will be given to active students who exchange ideas in a thoughtful
manner that reflect preparation as well as personal opinion, while exercising the courtesies due others.
It is intended that you will help one another by discussing your ideas and honing your skill sets through
collegial debate in the forums. In addition to traditional discussion topics, feedback in the discussion
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forums will provide important peer support in the development of your individual research project. For
instance, in Module 2, you will describe your proposed problem, and through dialog with your peers and
instructor, you may modify your idea. At the end of the module, you will have selected your specific
research issue.
In Module 5, you will propose the methodology of your study, and how you intend on collecting your
data. Again, through peer critique, you will have made decisions about your project by the end of the
week. During Module 6, you will collect your data. In the discussion forum that week, you will explain
how you are organizing your data as they come in, and supply a sample of your raw data. In Module 7,
you will provide your raw data set in the discussion forum and provide the rationale for your data
analysis, as well as the quantitative tools you plan to use. You will evaluate the methodology outlined in
Module 5 and incorporate feedback from your peers regarding possible modifications to your data
analysis. Discussions constitute 30% of your final course grade.
Capstone Case Study:
For the final capstone assessment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the learning outcomes for this
course by solving and interpreting the objective solutions in the Capstone Case Study, posted in the
Exams area. This is an individual assignment and must represent original work developed only by you!
This assessment constitutes 15% of your final course grade.
Individual Research Project:
In this course, you will examine a problem or issue through the lens of Quantitative Analysis. This
means that you must choose a project that is very specific, focused, and one on which you have a
grasp of the inputs, process, and outputs. It would be beneficial if you could work with a specific issue
in your workplace, as it moves the theory to practice, and you can improve your work life by applying
the lessons from this course.
You will work on the project throughout this course, help one another by discussing your ideas in the
discussion forums, and hone your skill sets through collegial debate. Your paper will be approximately
10-20 pages in length, formatted in current APA format, include tables and/or figures, and have the
following headings:

Introduction: A brief section that describes the symptom that you noticed, and provides readers
with an understanding of the process.
Description of Problem: Developed through the Module 2 discussion forum.
Methodology: Developed through the Module 5 discussion forum.
Data collection: Developed through the Module 6 discussion forum.
Data Analysis: Developed through the Module 7 discussion forum.
Recommendations: Your interpretation of the analysis; provides readers with your ideas of your
next logical steps. This could be a formal presentation to your boss, or perhaps a team meeting
to highlight the issue, or so forth.

This paper should be much like the case studies at the end of the textbook chapters. The introduction is
the part of the case that is printed in the textbook. The remainder of the paper contains the details of
how you collected the data and did the analysis. It will then end with the findings and recommendation.
A writing template and writing resource videos are available in the online course. This assessment
constitutes 15% of your final course grade.

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Note: When you submit your research project, it will automatically be submitted through an antiplagiarism service of Blackboard called SafeAssign.
SafeAssign checks all submitted papers against the following databases:
Internet - comprehensive index of documents available for public access on the Internet
ProQuest ABI/Inform database with over 1,100 publication titles and about 2.6 million articles
from '90s to present time, updated weekly (exclusive access)
Institutional document archives containing all papers submitted to SafeAssign by users in their
respective institutions
Global Reference Database containing papers that were volunteered by students from
Blackboard client institutions to help prevent cross-institutional plagiarism.
Read more about SafeAssign at the Blackboard Help website.
Additional Information
APA Format
Go to http://www.apastyle.org/manual/index.aspx for the American Psychological Association
Publication Manual.
Library
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has one of the most complete library collections of aviationrelated resources in the world.

ERAU Libraries: http://library.erau.edu/

Hunt Library Worldwide: Information, Services, Help
o Worldwide Library: Basic Training
o Worldwide Library: Ask-a-Librarian
o Reference: Research Request

Contact Information

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Telephone: 1-800-678-9428 or 386-226-6947
Email: library@erau.edu

RefWorks
RefWorks is an online database tool that can manage references and citations from almost any source.
It provides specific guidance in how to collect and use references, create bibliographies, and write
research papers.
You may access it through this ERAU organizational login link when signed in to ERNIE or directly
from the RefWorks website (http://www.refworks.com). A different link must be used for off-campus
access (see these instructions). RefWorks requires users to create a RefWorks-specific username
and password. Please contact the Hunt Library if you have any questions.
Course Policies
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Academic Integrity
Embry-Riddle is committed to maintaining and upholding intellectual integrity. All students, faculty, and
staff have obligations to prevent violations of academic integrity and take corrective action when they
occur. The adjudication process will involve imposing sanctions which may include, but are not limited
to, a failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade in a course, suspension or dismissal from the
University, upon students who commit the following academic violations:
1. Plagiarism: Presenting the ideas, words, or products of another as ones own. Plagiarism
includes use of any source to complete academic assignments without proper acknowledgement
of the source. Reuse or resubmission of a students own coursework if previously used or
submitted in another course, is considered self-plagiarism, and is also not allowed under
University policy.
2. Cheating: A broad term that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during examinations.
b. The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or following
administration of the examination.
c. Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be, or presented as, individual
work.
d. Fraud and deceit, that include knowingly furnishing false or misleading information or failing
to furnish appropriate information when requested, such as when applying for admission to
the University.
Note: The Instructor reserves the right to use any form of digital method for checking plagiarism.
Several electronic systems are available and other methods may be used at the Instructors discretion.
Online Learning
This course is offered through ERAU Worldwide Online (Blackboard) and runs nine (9) weeks. The first
week begins the first day of the term and ends at midnight EDT/EST (as applicable) seven days later.
Success in this course requires in-depth study of each module as assigned, timely completion of
assignments, and regular participation in forum discussions.
Late work should be the exception and not the rule and may be downgraded at the discretion of the
Instructor, if accepted at all. Unless all work is submitted, the student could receive a failing grade for
the course. Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the Instructor
and only for the length of time the Instructor deems appropriate. The most important element of
success in an online course is to communicate with your Instructor throughout the term.
Conventions of online etiquette, which include courtesy to all users, will be observed. Students should
use the Send Email function in Blackboard for private messages to the Instructor and other students.
The class Discussion Board forums are for public messages.
It is highly recommended that students keep electronic copies of all materials submitted as
assignments, discussion board posts and emails, until after the end of the term and a final grade is
received. When posting responses in a discussion forum, please confirm that the responses have
actually been posted after you submit them.

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Course Schedule
Modules

Titles / Topics

Quantitative Analysis
and Probabilities

Activities
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

Decision Theory

Forecasting Using
Time and Regression
or Causal Models

Inventory Models

Linear Programming I

2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6

Assignment: Course Orientation

Discussion: Introductions
Lecture: Quantitative Analysis and Probabilities
Readings: Chapters 1 and 2
Review: Executive Guide to Operations Research
Self-Assessment: Chapters 1 and 2
Videos: Solutions to Example Chapter Problems
Problems: Chapters 1 and 2
Individual Case Study: Food and Beverages at
Southwestern University Football Games
Lecture: Decision Analysis
Readings: Chapter 3
Self-Assessment: Chapter 3
Discussion: Decision Making
Videos: Decision Trees, Decision Tables, and Example
Solutions
Problems: Chapter 3
Group Case Study: Starting Right (Chapter 3)
Group Evaluation: Starting Right Case Study
Discussion: Individual Research Topic Proposal
Lecture: Forecasting
Readings: Chapters 4 & 5
Self-Assessment: Chapters 4 & 5
Videos: Linear Regression, Non-linear Regression, and
Example Solutions
Case Study and Problems: Chapters 4 & 5
Group Case Study: Forecasting Monthly Sales
Group Evaluation: Forecasting Monthly Sales Case Study
Lecture: Inventory Control
Reading: Chapter 6
Self-Assessment: Chapter 6
Videos: Solutions to Example Chapter Problems
Problems: Chapter 6
Case Study: Martin-Pullin Bicycle Corporation
Lecture: Linear Programming
Readings: Chapter 7
Self-Assessment: Chapter 7
Videos: Introduction to Linear Programming, Path of
Primal Simplex Method, and Example Solutions
Problems: Chapter 7
Discussion: Research Methodology

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Linear Programming
II

Project Management

Queuing and
Networks

End of Course
Assessment

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.1
9.2
9.3
9,4

Lecture: Linear Programming - Special Cases

Readings: Chapters 8 & 9
Self-Assessment: Chapters 8 & 9
Discussion: Individual Research Data Collection
Videos: Transportation and Assignment Problems,
Simplex Method, and Example Solutions
Problems: Chapters 8 & 9
Group Case Study: Old Oregon Wood Stove
Group Evaluation: Ole Oregon Case Study
Lecture: Project Management
7.2 - Readings: Chapter 12
Self-Assessment: Chapter 12
Discussion: Individual Research Project Data Analysis
Videos: Example Solutions to Chapter Problems
Problems: Chapter 12
Lecture: Networks
Readings: Chapters 11 & 13
Self-Assessment: Chapters 11 & 13
Discussion: Research Project Peer Review
Videos: Example Solutions to Chapter Problems
Problems: Chapters 11 & 13
Group Project: Winter Park Hotel Case Study
Evaluation: Group Member Participation and
Collaboration
Evaluation: End of Course
Review: Chapter Problems and Self-Help Questions
Exam: Capstone Case Study
Final Check: Individual Research Project
Submit Individual Research Project

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