Module overview
Management Science for Engineers introduces the building blocks of Management Science as a discipline, which is at the heart of decision-making. The module introduces the history and the context along with the general Management Science approach to decision-making. The rest of the module is of quantitative nature and introduces a number of basic techniques such as mathematical modelling including linear and integer programming, inventory theory, simulation and queuing theory. The coverage of each technique is such that emphasis is given to practical applications on realistic problems and the interpretation of the solutions. The module also covers the use of spreadsheets as modelling tools.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use of spreadsheets to solve mathematical programming problems.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use quantitative modelling approaches;
- use rational analytic skills.
- use problem-solving skills;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate the outcome of the MS approaches with respect to sensitivity and uncertainty.
- apply a number of the core MS approaches;
- apply MS in practical contexts in a considered manner;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the nature of MS, its history and the context of its contribution to management;
- the practical use of MS approaches.
- the range of techniques, tools, models, methods and approaches;
Syllabus
- Management Science: history, context, and the management science process.
- Mathematical modelling: the development and formulation of mathematical models.
- Solution approaches for management problems, including linear and integer programming, .
- The interpretation of the mathematical models and solutions in management science.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- 22 lectures
- 8 classes including computer workshops
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 4 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 68 |
| Follow-up work | 8 |
| Revision | 16 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Hillier FS and Lieberman GJ. (2005). Introduction to Operations Research. McGraw-Hill.
Albright SC and Winston WL. (2007). Management Science Modelling. Thomson South-Western.
Anderson DR, Sweeney DJ, Williams TA and Wisniewski, M. (2009). An Introduction to Management Science: Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making. Cengage Learning.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Worksheet
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students are set worksheets each week to study independently. During small group classes the students get feedback on the worksheets and have the opportunity to ask questions. For some weeks work is taken in and marked.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External