Spring Semester, 2013

Mari Yetimyan

Department of Marketing and Decision Sciences

College of Business, San Jose State University

Course Number and Title: 

Bus 190, Quantitative Business Analysis

Section, Code, Class Days and Time, Classroom:

03, 20177, MW 0900-1015, BBC 022

04, 20178, MW 1030-1145, BBC 022

08, 23974, TTh 0900-1015, BBC 105

09, 20180, TTh 1030-1145, BBC 105

Office Location and Office Hours:

BT 756, MTWTh 1330-1430

Office Phone:

(408) 924-3444

E-mail:

Mari.Yetimyan@sjsu.edu

Web Page:

www.cob.sjsu.edu/yetimy_m

Preferred Contact:

Email (with telephone number included to be used if needed)

I contact you, if needed, through phone/email/MYSJSU messaging system.  Please make sure that your contact information is current.

Course Description

Quantitative models and optimization systems used in problem-solving.  Studies of decision criteria, statistical decision making, linear programming, inventory control, Queuing Theory, PERT/CPM, simulation, and other techniques used in management.  Three units.

Prerequisites:  Math 71 (or 70)/ Bus 90

Required text and software

Text:  Anderson, Sweeney, Williams, Camm, Cochran, Fry, Ohlmann:  Quantitative Methods for Business, Custom Version for SJSU.  South-Western Cengage Learning, 2013.

This custom version is based on the 12th Edition of the text, and the 12th Edition is also acceptable. 

Software:  Microsoft Excel—also available on CoB lab terminals on the third floor.

Course Outline

Chapter 1.  Introduction

Chapter 2.  Introduction to Probability

Chapter 3.  Probability Distributions

Chapter 4.  Decision Analysis

Chapter 7.  Introduction to Linear Programming

Chapter 8.  Linear Programming:  Sensitivity Analysis and Interpretation of Solution

Chapter 9.  Linear Programming Applications in Marketing, Finance, and Operations Management

Chapter 10. Distribution and Network Models-Transportation Problem

Chapter 13.  Project Scheduling:  PERT/CPM

Chapter 14.  Inventory Models

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

The course will emphasize basic principles of mathematical modeling, computational algorithms and spreadsheet computer solutions of optimization, decision analysis, simulation and network based methods applied to business problems.

I.  Students will learn how to solve Decision Analysis problems by hand

  • Payoff Table analysis for the Basic Decision Problem
  • Expected Value Criteria and the Expected Value of Perfect Information
  • Decision Tree analysis for the Basic Decision with sampling option
  • Bayesian Inversion and the Expected Value of Sample Information

II.  Students will learn various aspects of Linear Programming

  • How to formulate word problems algebraically
  • How to obtain Graphical Solutions to problems with two variables
  • How to set up Linear Programming problems in the spreadsheet
  • How to use the Excel Solver to solve LP problems in the spreadsheet
  • How to read and interpret the Answer and Sensitivity reports from the Solver
  • Transportation Problem

III.  Students will learn various aspects of CPM/PERT analysis

  • Critical Path Method (based on estimated time durations, one per activity)
  • PERT Probability Calculations (based on normal distribution for CP duration)
  • Project Crashing (for time-cost trade-off analysis)

IV.  Students will also learn various Inventory Models (as time permits)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Formulate linear programming models
  • Create, read and interpret Excel SOLVER solutions for linear programming problems
  • Solve two dimensional linear programming problems graphically
  • Perform payoff table and decision tree analysis for decisions under risk
  • Perform CPM/PERT analyses of projects with uncertain activity times

Course requirements

This course needs continuous effort on your part.

A course calendar and a list of homework problems will be provided once the semester starts.

a. Exams

There will be two exams and a comprehensive final exam.  The exams are closed-book, closed-notes exams, and reflect the class examples, handouts, text examples and homework problems.  

b. Homework and Quizzes

Homework is assigned for each chapter, and with the exception of Excel related work, homework will not be turned in for grading.  Some/all of the Excel homework will be graded.  Excel material can be studied together, but each student should turn in his/her own work.  The date and the time of the work should be visible on Excel printout.  Some problems may be reviewed in class; others may be discussed during office hours.  It is essential that you keep up with the work as we cover the material.  Quizzes reflecting the current material will be given in class.  They should be viewed as checkpoint for your timely completion of homework problems and learning the material.  There will be approximately six closed-book, closed-notes quizzes.  The lowest quiz score will be dropped from the evaluation. 

Phones and tablets are not allowed during exams and quizzes.

c. Penalty for late or missed work

Only one make-up exam will be allowed for a serious reason and with prior notification.  And, you must have appropriate documentation.  Ten points will be deducted from the make-up exam score.  No make-up quizzes will be allowed.  If you miss a quiz, that will count as your lowest-score quiz. 

Grading

Two exams-100 points each

200 points

Final exam

125 points

Quizzes (10 points each), Excel work (17 points), and

in-class exercises (2 points each)

  75 points

Total

400 points

Grading Percentage Breakdown

Percentage

Grade

94% and above

A

90% - 93%

A-

87% - 89%

B+

83% - 86%

B

80% - 82%

B-

77% - 79%

C+

65% - 76%

C

60% - 64%

C-

57% - 59%

D+

53% - 56%

D

50% - 52%

D-

below 50%

F

College of Business Program Goals: 
(Not all program learning goals are covered in every course)

I. Business Knowledge

·         To understand the fundamental principles of essential business functions and the relationship of business to individuals, government, society, and other organizations

·         To obtain specialized knowledge of a single business discipline or functional area

IIa.  Business Skills - Communication, Leadership and Ethics

·         To express ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively in oral and written communication

·         To comprehend the challenges and opportunities of working effectively with other people in a diverse environment

·         To demonstrate awareness of how ethical issues and responsibilities affect decisions and actions

IIb.  Business Skills - Critical Thinking and Analysis

·         To comprehend and critically evaluate information presented in written and numeric form

·         To analyze complex, unstructured qualitative and quantitative problems, using appropriate tools and technology

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, grade forgiveness, etc. Information on add/drops are available at 
http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/faq/index.htm#add
Information about late drop is available at

http://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/. Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.

University Policies, College Policies, and Classroom Protocol

a) University Policies

Academic integrity

Students should know the University’s Academic Integrity Policy that is available at
http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/download/judicial_affairs/Academic_Integrity_Policy_S07-2.pdf
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The website for Student Conduct and Ethical Development is available at 
http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors.

Campus policy in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.

b) College of Business Policies:

To ensure that every student, current and future, who takes courses in the Boccardo Business Center, has the opportunity to experience an environment that is safe, attractive, and otherwise conducive to learning, the College of Business at San José State has established the following policies:

Academic Honesty:

Faculty will make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct in their courses.  They will secure examinations and their answers so that students cannot have prior access to them and proctor examinations to prevent students from copying or exchanging information.  They will be on the alert for plagiarism.  Faculty will provide additional information, ideally on the green sheet, about other unacceptable procedures in class work and examinations.  Students who are caught cheating will be reported to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University, as prescribed by Academic Senate Policy S04-

Eating:

Eating and drinking (except water) are prohibited in the Boccardo Business Center.  Students with food will be asked to leave the building.  Students who disrupt the course by eating and do not leave the building will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University.

Cell Phones:

Students will turn their cell phones off or put them on vibrate mode while in class.  They will not answer their phones in class.  Students whose phones disrupt the course and do not stop when requested by the instructor will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University.

Computer Use:

In the classroom, faculty allow students to use computers only for class-related activities.  These include activities such as taking notes on the lecture underway, following the lecture on Web-based PowerPoint slides that the instructor has posted, and finding Web sites to which the instructor directs students at the time of the lecture.  Students who use their computers for other activities or who abuse the equipment in any way, at a minimum, will be asked to leave the class and will lose participation points for the day, and, at a maximum, will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University for disrupting the course.  (Such referral can lead to suspension from the University.)  Students are urged to report to their instructors computer use that they regard as inappropriate (i.e., used for activities that are not class related).

c) Classroom Protocol:

Leaving the Classroom during Class:

Restrooms should be used before coming to class.  Leaving the classroom is allowed only for medical/health reasons.

Carrying on Conversation in Class:

Carrying on conversation with your neighbors-even if the class material is discussed- should not be disturbing your classmates.  Also, listen to the questions raised by your classmates so that the same question does not come up again.

Learning Resources

Student Technology Resources

Computer labs for student use are available on the third floor of the BBC classroom building and in the Academic Success Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library.

Business Tutorial Center

The Tutorial Center has 2 sites that provide tutoring to business majors.  Site #1 is located in BBC 8, directly across from the Advisement Center (BSAC) and site #2 is BT 53.  The hours for both sites are Monday-Thursday 9:00am-6:00pm and Friday, 9:00-1:00pm.  Hard copy schedules for tutors are available at each site and an online schedule can be viewed by visiting the following Schedule link: http://www.sjsu.edu/cob/Students/schedule/Spring2013/index.html

Learning Assistance Resource Center

The Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) is located in Room 600 in the Student Services Center. It is designed to assist students in the development of their full academic potential and to motivate them to become self-directed learners. The center provides support services, such as skills assessment, individual or group tutorials, subject advising, learning assistance, summer academic preparation and basic skills development. The LARC website is located at http:/www.sjsu.edu/larc/

SJSU Writing Center

The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall.  It is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. The Writing Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/

Peer Mentor Center

The Peer Mentor Center is located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall in the Academic Success Center. The Peer Mentor Center is staffed with Peer Mentors who excel in helping students manage university life, tackling problems that range from academic challenges to interpersonal struggles. On the road to graduation, Peer Mentors are navigators, offering “roadside assistance” to peers who feel a bit lost or simply need help mapping out the locations of campus resources. Peer Mentor services are free and available on a drop –in basis, no reservation required. The Peer Mentor Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/muse/peermentor/ .