COURSE NUMBER: BEM 202

COURSE TITLE: Quantitative Analysis II
PROFESSOR: Umit Akinc, Kirby 317 (x5035)

REQUIRED TEXT: Quantitative Analysis II. Pearson Custom Business Resources. It contains several chapters from:

Shannon, Fry and Smith, Business Statistics: A Decision-Making Approach, 7^th ed. Prentice Hall, 2005

Render, Stair and Balakrishnan , Managerial Decision Modeling with Microsoft Excel, 2^nd ed., Prentice Hall, 2007.

DESCRIPTION:
This course aims at achieving an in-depth understanding of quantitative tools and developing the necessary skills for their application in various decison making situations. Specific topics in statistics include chi-square methods, analysis of variance and regression; formal decison making topics include both deterministic models such as linear programming and its extensionbs as well as stochastic approaches such as statistical decision theory and digital simulation. Application of these methods for the analysis of decisions situations from various functional areas of business will be an important component of the course

OBJECTIVES:

To develop a conceptual understanding of quantitative techniques including model building, solution and interpretation of the results.
To review a variety of applications enabling you to assess the potential and limitations of these techniques in various business functions.
To achieve the requisite computer skills in the use of these techniques in the real world.

FORMAT:
The primary format of the course will be problem solving. This implies that you will have to take an active part in the learning process. It is essential that you read the material carefully ahead of the scheduled time and attend all classes both physically and mentally. There will be numerous problem sets that you will work on in groups of three people and turn in your solutions as a group. We will review some of these problems in class.

COMPUTER CONTENT:
One of the main purposes of the course will be to achieve some proficiency in commonly used computer software for performing statistical analyses and solving linear programs and related problems. In particular, we will use Excel and its extensive specialized statistical and optimization capabilities. Furthermore, we will learn CrystalBall, a simulation program that works in the Excel environment. Before the end of the semester you will have to pass a P/F test to demonstrate sufficient skills in the use of computer topics covered in the course.

GRADING:
Your semester grade will be based on two mid-term tests and a comprehensive final examination. Each mid-term test will cover approximately one-third of the total material and count 25% of your grade. The final will cover the last third of the material as well as questions from the earlier material and will count 35%. The assignments will constitute 10%; of which 3% will pertain to the evaluation of your effort by the other members of your group. Class attendance, participation and demeanor will comprise the remaining 5% of your total grade. The semester grade will be determined using a 10 point scale (90 and up A; 80 and up B; etc). The +/- grading system will divide these 10 point ranges into 3 equal intervals i.e., 89.99 to 86.7 B+; 86.69 to 83.4 B; and 83.33 to 80 B- etc.

DOS and DON'Ts

Attend all classes
Be on time
Turn off cell phones and PDAs
Do not use your computer in class unless I explicitly ask you to
The class generally will not be held past the end of the period. Please do not show impatience towards the end; wait until I finish.
Do not leave class before it is ended except in case of an emergency. Having a smoke, going to the bathroom are not emergencies.
If you know you have to leave before the end of the class for a legitimate reason let me know before we start the class
No food or drinks (except water) in class