QMETH 551: Winter 2005
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Schedule |
Mon., January 3 |
Modeling with Spreadsheets In this session we will discuss the role of models in managerial decision making, including the use of spreadsheets, and provide an overview of the models and techniques to be covered in this quarter. We discuss good and poor spreadsheet modeling, and how proper layout and formatting can produce models that are easier to build, debug, read, and modify. | |
Wed., January 5 |
Review: Session #2-4 from the core, Text Ch. 2-4. Optional Readings: Mudra Communications |
Applications of Linear Programming with Spreadsheets We discuss applications of linear programming with spreadsheets to problems in finance, marketing, and operations. |
Mon., January 10 |
Read: Text, Ch. 6 Due: Problem Set #1 (Linear Programming) |
Transportation and Assignment Problems In this session we will discuss the use of spreadsheet models to handle transportation, distribution, and assignment problems. |
Wed., January 12 |
Read: Text, Sections 7.1-7.4 Optional Reading: |
Network Optimization Problems Transportation, electrical, and communication networks pervade our daily lives. In this session, we discuss applications of network optimization. We then discover that most network optimization problems are really special types of linear programming problems. We discuss minimum-cost flow, maximum flow, and shortest path problems. |
| Mon., January 17 | Martin Luther King Day No class. | |
Wed., January 19 |
Review: Session #6 from the core, and Text Ch. 9 Due: Problem Set #2 (Transportation, Assignment & Network) |
Applications of Integer Programming In this session we address problems where some or all of the decision variables are required to assume integer values and discuss the application of binary variables. We discuss applications in finance, marketing, and operations. |
| Mon., January 24 Session #6 |
Read: Municipal Bond Underwriting Case Study (back of packet) Prepare: Municipal Bond Underwriting Case for class discussion |
Municipal Bond Underwiting Case In this session we discuss the application of binary integer models to a municipal bond underwriting case. We also discuss other advanced applications of integer programming. |
Wed., January 26 |
Read: Text, Sections 10.1-10.3 | Nonlinear and Separable Programming Here we discuss spreadsheet models with a nonlinear objective function and/or nonlinear constraints. What are the ramifications on solvability? We also will discuss the use of separable programming to approximate a nonlinear model with a linear one. |
Mon., January 31 |
Read: Text, Section 10.4-10.5 | Evolutionary Solver We introduce genetic algorithms and the Evolutionary Solver to address problems that can not be solved using the standard Solver. |
Wed., February 2 |
Read: Text, Ch. 11 Due: Problem Set #3 (Integer & Nonlinear) |
Goal Programming In this session we look at problems that have more than one objective. Techniques for addressing all of the objectives are discussed. |
Mon., February 7 |
Applications of Optimization In this session we combine various optimization techniques to develop advanced optimization models addressing problems in project management and pricing. | |
Wed., February 9 |
Due: Problem Set #4 (Goal Programming) | Macros, VBA, and Premium Solver Platform In this session we will discuss the use of macros and VBA, how they can aid in modeling, and how they can be used to create a decision support system. Next, the Premium Solver Platform will be demonstrated. |
| Mon., February 14 Session #12 |
TBA | |
Wed., February 16 Spreadsheets: Portfolio 1, Sales Data, Vision Research, Portfolio 2 |
Review: Session #10 from core. Read: Text, Sections 16.1-16.8 Take-Home Midterm Exam is due |
Applications of Simulation In this session we discuss the use of the Crystal Ball Excel add-in for performing Monte-Carlo simulation, and applications in finance, marketing, and operations. |
| Mon., February 21 | President's Day No class. |
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Wed., February 23 Spreadsheets: Bidding, Overbooking, New Car, Cash Flow |
Applications of Simulation In this session we continue discussion of Monte-Carlo simulation and the Crystal Ball Excel add-in to applications in finance, marketing, and operations. | |
| Mon., February 28 Session #15 |
Read: Mountain Realty Case Study (back of packet) Prepare: Mountain Realty Case Study for class discussion Original Spreadsheet |
Mountain Realty Case Study (Simulation) In this session we will use Crystal Ball to explore a business decision faced by Mountain Realty. |
Wed., March 2 Spreadsheets: Bidding, Overbooking, Project Selection |
Read: Text, Section 16.9 Optional Reading: The OptQuest Approach to Simulation with Crystal Ball |
Optimizing with Simulation In this session we discuss how optimization can be performed with a simulation spreadsheet model. The OptQuest add-in for Crystal Ball will be demonstrated. |
Mon., March 7 |
Read: Text, Sections 14.1-14.7 Due: Problem Set #5 (Simulation with Crystal Ball) |
Models for Queueing Analysis In this session we review analytical models and introduce corresponding spreadsheet templates for predicting the effects of congestion in waiting line systems. Single and multiple-server queues, priority queues, and systems with finite queue capacity will all be discussed. |
Wed., March 9 |
Read: Text, Sections 14.8-14.11 | Application of Queueing Analysis In this session, we utilize the queueng spreadsheet templates to make the following kinds of decisions: How many servers should we use? How much space needs to be made available for the waiting line? How many phone lines and representatives should a call center utilize? When should a priority scheme be utilized? |
| Mon., March 14 | Take-Home Final Exam is due | Exam passed out on Monday, March 7 (in class) |