module specification

This module introduces a selected range of Operational Research techniques that are commonly used for solving a variety of small to medium size problems, through the medium of spreadsheet and other suitable software. It also enables the student to investigate real-life problems of business and industrial problems of varied complexity.

Preliminary Topics in Linear Programming and sensitivity analyses, Critical Path Analysis, Cost analysis, Resource allocation Project evaluation and review techniques. LO1,LO2
Features of selected spreadsheets and suitable software. LO3

Teaching methods will include a range of the following: tutor led seminar discussions, student led discussions, small group discussions and exercises, individual exercises, lectures given by tutor. The teaching methods will support the main aim of encouraging independent lifelong learning. Tutorials will be student centred using carefully graduated exercises to build up student's confidence and self-esteem and will also provide the opportunity for students to reinforce learning and demonstrate their skills and receive individual advice from their tutor.
Materials for learning are provided through an integrated learning environment (currently WebLearn).
Blended learning is incorporated by using on line resources as a medium for communication (both peer and tutor-led) and will also provide additional materials to stimulate the student interest and broaden their horizons.
Students are expected to spend a substantial proportion of their study time on the group The tutorial sessions and workshops will provide an ideal setting for students to meet up with their group members on regular basis and carry out their discussions and investigations.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1 Understand the detailed technical nature of Critical Path Analysis
LO2       Construct the constraints and the objective function for a linear programming problem, Solve
               linear programming models using Excel’s Solver; understand the information provided in a
               sensitivity analysis
LO3 Be able to prepare appropriate input data for software-based models, obtain numerical
               solutions, perform sensitivity analyses and interpret the outputs in the context of specific
               Problems. 
LO4 Be able to work effectively within a small group on a problem solving activity and communicate
               the results in such a manner that a wider non-technical audience can understand.

The assessment consists of two elements interim reports (LO1,LO4) and a group coursework
In the group coursework (LO1-LO4) students are expected to work in small group on a real-life-related problem taken from the literature. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the following activities.
- Preliminary investigation concerning the problem in hand.
- Selecting a suitable method for solving the problem.
- Appreciating the limitation of the techniques and the impact of any simplifying assumptions   on the validity of the solution.
- Gathering input data and using software for analyses.
- Contributing, as a team member, towards successful completion of the project and offering a critical evaluation of the work of the other team members.
- Interpreting the results and writing a comprehensive report.

Reassessment Strategy for the group coursework.
Students who have reassessment opportunity in the Group Coursework will be required to work on the first sit coursework and submit it as an individual coursework on Weblearn.

Core Text:
Spreadsheet Modelling and Applications: Essentials of Practical Management Science
by Wayne Winston (Author),‎ S. Albright (Author)South-Western College Pub; edition  2004                      
Recommended Reading:
Quantitative Techniques by Terry Lucey (Author) Publisher: Cengage Learning, 6 edition  2002