Syllabus

Instructor

Joshua E. Marineau

This is a graduate level (MBA) survey course for managers and students of management in the area of mathematical decision modeling with spreadsheets. The class also covers basic practical aspects of managerial decision making. The class is comprised into two main areas. In the first area, the student is introduced to various mathematical models for decision making. The student will learn to develop and formulate basic mathematical models using Excel in conjunction with add-ins on the CD bundled with the text. Students will also analyze these models for limitations and assumptions. The second area of the class will provide context and insight into the realities of decision making at the executive level, emphasizing readings and discussions in many areas of decision making. These two areas will usually coincide, and will sometimes be discussed separately.

The student should understand the quantitative tools available for decision making and have a general proficiency in constructing models for decision making. The student will also develop a personal decision making methodology incorporating the many facets and contexts of executive decision making and analysis. Overall, the student will develop proficient decision making skills for the "real world" and incorporate a mature understanding of decision making in multiple managerial contexts.

Graduate Standing.

The course will be taught through lecture, class discussion, student presentations, mixed media and the occasional guest speaker, and really, any other effective method that helps the learning process! I will try to keep lectures to a minimum. Unfortunately, they are impossible to eliminate completely given the nature of the subject. As a partial antidote there will be an emphasis on discussion in class through analyzing assignment results as well as in-depth analysis of the many facets of decision making for managers. It is critical that you prepare for class by reading the text and select articles as well as by practicing problems from the text as assigned. Most of the topics covered in the course will have one or more assignments for grading. Other assignments will include individual or group projects and papers as well as presentations on select topics or readings.

For most assignments, you may work in small groups (no more than three to a group) or you can work alone. If you choose to work in a small group, a single assignment should be submitted with names of all members of the group. Each member will receive the same grade. If there are problems, such as a lack of cooperation or participation within the group, you can change groups or dissolve the group completely. It is your responsibility as an individual to insure your group performs to your standards. The class will require you to make decisions...

There will be two examinations: a mid-term and a final. The nature of these will be discussed in class during the semester. Generally, they will consist of a basic question answer format, but there could be multiple choice or essays as well.

There will be assignments given in class. Some assignments will be from the text, others will be provided. These assignments will also be posted on blackboard with necessary data and instructions. The assignments will be worth 15 points each. I will drop the lowest score. These assignments are generally designed to provide increased familiarity with the concepts and practice of creating and analyzing decision models. The assignments should be typed in MS Word, or in Excel format or both, depending on the nature of the assignment. Be sure to clearly label all diagrams and exhibits. Additional details will be provided in class.

Each student will be required to present a discussion of a short analysis of a decision article. These will be assigned during class. The analysis presentation should provide insights gleaned from reading the article, reflection on the conclusions of the article and discussion questions for the class. For the presentation, you will need to provide a 2-3 page handout for each student (about 25) that will also be part of your grade. The presentation should last 10 minutes, with a discussion at the end. I will allow these presentations to be done in groups of two, but I expect a more in-depth handout and more thorough presentation. Ideally, you should not simply recapitulate the article; rather, bring your slant(s), opinion(s) and conclusion (s) to the discussion. These articles are for critique and exploration, not to regurgitate the author’s main points.

The readings will be posted on blackboard with links when possible. Most of these will come later in the semester. Some readings, because of copyright, will be assigned and listed on blackboard which you are responsible to find and read. These are primarily articles from Harvard Business Review; HBR disallows directky posting links or the documents unless you pay a lot of money—considering the number of articles we will use from HBR, it is imperative you know how to access them through the Consortium Library. However, all the readings can be found on the library website by searching in Business Source Premiere with the title of the article and/or author(s). If you do not know how to access articles from the library home page (www.lib.uaa.alaska.edu) please contact the Consortium Library directly or go here: http://lib.uaa.alaska.edu/articles/connect.php?school=uaa

Grades will be determined based on the level of participation in class, the midterm exam, final, and the completion of assignments.

Participation: Attendance is very important, but not a guarantee of good participation. Good participation is being involved in class discussion by adding to the dialog with insight from personal experience, asking interesting questions and challenging others assumptions. It is ok to question! Just do so with respect and courtesy to those around you. Demonstrate your unique experiences in discussion and presentations, participate fully by giving your best to help your fellow students learn from you.

Completion of Assignments: Complete all assignments thoroughly being careful to fulfill the objectives of the assignment to the fullest. Don’t skimp on assignments. I expect professionalism in your presentations, whether it is a written assignment or leading a discussion.

Midterm Exam: This will consist of answering questions related to class discussion and topics covered in the text. Arrangements for make-up tests will have to be made in advance. Please inform me well ahead of time (at least 1 week) if you will miss any of the exams.

Avoid a zero! Complete all assignments. Late assignments will not be accepted. I will, however, drop the lowest assignment score.

Grading:

100%-90% = A) Outstanding. All requirements are satisfied and work is of the highest quality showing originality, thought and insight. Work could be used as an example for others to follow.

89-80 = B) Satisfactory. All requirements are satisfied. Work shows attention to detail and clear understanding of key concepts.

79-70 = C) Low-satisfactory. Not all requirements are satisfied. Work shows a lack of clear understanding of the assignment and lack of attention to detail.

>70: Below the grade of "C" is unsatisfactory for graduate work. Avoid it.

Please keep absences from class to a minimum and inform me by e-mail whenever you cannot make a class meeting. Excessive absences can directly affect your participation grade and indirectly affect your performance on each of the other components of your course grade.

This syllabus is subject to change. I will give as much advance notice as possible for all changes to assignments and readings etc. As we explore various aspects of managerial decision making and quantitative decision models, there is a high likelihood that the timeline or assignments for the class will change. Please be flexible and understanding. I have set this course up to be flexible and adaptable to your interests as a class in order to spend time on topics you are interested in. My hope this class is both challenging and rewarding.