Course Syllabus

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
SPEA-V 348 Management Science 
Sections: 3921

A downloadable link to the pdf or docx copy of the detailed course Syllabus is available  on the Home  or Modules page located in the left-sidebar navigation.

Course Description

Introduction to management science models and methods for policy analysis and public management. Methods include decision analysis, linear programming, queuing analysis, and simulation. Computer-based applications are included. Prior familiarization with computers is recommended, though not required.

Course Content and Learning Outcomes

O’Neill SPEA-V348 provides students with detailed upper introductory / intermediate perspective on modeling problems commonly found in both private and public sector, management and policy.  The course has the following objectives and outcomes.  The first objective is to understand what a model is and why it is useful in the decision making:

• Students will be able to identify, develop and set-up management science models from the verbal description of the real system.

The second objective is to learn quantitative techniques of modeling for effective decision-making. The techniques include linear programming and some of its variants (goal programming, transportation and assignment problems), network flow modelling, project scheduling, assessing the value of information, queues and decision analysis: 

• Students will be able to understand, select and apply appropriate modeling tools that are needed to solve the problems. Emphasis will be on assessing the appropriateness of various methods and interpretation of the results, rather than merely getting "the answer." 

The class uses Microsoft Excel as the modeling environment. Spreadsheets are one of the most widely used software packages. Management Science techniques can be easily demonstrated and implemented using Microsoft® Excel. MS models can be changed, resolved and played with in this modeling environment. In turn, experimentation in spreadsheet environments improves students’ intuitive understanding of MS tools.

• Students will gain extensive hands-on experience in modeling with Excel as well as other decision-making software such as SilverDecisions and Netica (prior knowledge is not required) to solve the proposed decision models (skills that employers are looking for).

Finally, the emphasis will be put on assessing the appropriateness of various methods and interpretation of the results, rather than merely getting "the answer":  

• Students will be able to develop a report describing the model, the solving technique, and communicate the analysis and results, and propose clear recommendations in language understandable to the decision-makers in both private and public fields of management and policy.

Course Meeting information

Class meets in-person on Mondays through Thursday (MTWR) at 4:30-6:10 pm in  A223 (SPEA building)

Textbook

Required textbook:  Bernard W. Taylor III.  Introduction to Management Science, 13th Edition (Pearson, 2022) --  electronic version is available via IU eTexts (Unizin Engage) located in the left-sidebar navigation (no purchase necessary). 

Additional readings will be posted via Canvas.