Faculty Contact Information:
J. Riggs
PSC 9 Box 3018
APO AE 09123
email: smartguy53@yahoo.com | |
Consultation:
| One-Half Hour before class, and by appoointment | |
Required Texts and Readings:
American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington D.C.: Author.
Anderson, D.R., Sweeney, D.J., & Williams, T.A. (2001). Quantitative methods for business (8th ed.). with Management Scientists 3.0. U.S.A.: Thompson Learning. | |
Supplementary Readings:
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Recommended Journals:
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Course Description:
| Prerequisites: College algebra and either undergraduate statistics or the permission of the Program Director. Acquaints students with the qualitative techniques commonly used in the decision-making process. Sample topics include concepts of decision making and decision analysis, linear programming, sensitivity analysis, transportation and assignments, problem forecasting and time series analysis, inventory concepts, PERT, and mathematical simulation. | |
Course Goals:
As a required course in the policy track of the MPA and an elective in the M.S. in Management Information Systems, this course develops analytical skills necessary to the quantitative analysis of policy proposals and executive decisions. Upon completion of this course, participants should have an understanding of:
Reasons for applying quantitative decision making in the public sector.
Problems in modern decision systems.
Quantitative methods for data presentation.
Quantitative methods of data extraction.
The mathematical basis of forecasting theory.
Models for risk and payoff prediction.
Methods of problem assessment and categorization.
Alternative methods to traditional decision making systems. | |
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants should have the ability to:
Analyze management policy for decision-making purposes.
Identify potential new problem areas.
Generate relevant statistical charts, graphs and models.
Interpret relevant statistical charts, graphs and models.
Examine data for cyclical trends.
Apply risk assessment models.
Create a PERT chart.
Manage inventory on a cyclical or non-cyclical basis.
Generate Waiting Line models.
Manage the process of product trans-shipment.
Apply linear programming models.
Determine utility factors relevant to policy success.
Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant sources of decision data.
Execute a multiple regression table, and analyze it.
Apply multicriteria (quantitative and qualitative) methods of decision-making.
Organize, present and explain decision systems to others more effectively. | |
Grading Information:
Grades for the course will be assigned as follows:
A = 90% +
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
F = Below 70% [F(a)]; or regular non-attendance [F(n)].
Grades of “Incomplete” or “Withdrawal” are governed by Maryland in Europe policies. Please refer to UMUC Maryland in Europe Graduate Catalog, available in your local Education Center, or online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/visit/pubs/catalog/grad_02-03.pdf, for further details. | |
Course Requirements:
Mid-Term Examination
Final Examination
In-Class problems. | |
Description of Course Requirements:
There will be a mid-term and a final examination, as well as extensive in-class problem assignments. The mid-term exam will fall on Sunday Afternoon of Weekend Two, and will consist of all readings and lectures to date. The final exam will fall on The last class session of Weekend Four and will consist of all readings and lectures from the mid-term examination.
In addition, each student will be given in-class problems to solve, and will be expected to participate actively in these sessions. | |
Course Schedule:
Weekend One:
Day 1,Sess 1. Complexity and Decision Making NoReadings.
Day 2,Sess 2. Problem Formulation Chapter 4.
Day 2,Sess 3. Decision Making with
Probabilities Chapter 4.
Day 2,Sess 4. Application of Utility Chapter 5.
Weekend Two:
Day 1,Sess 5. Utility vs. Value Approach Chapter 5.
Day 1,Sess 6. Forecasting Chapter 6.
Day 2,Sess 7. Linear Programming Chapter 7
Day 2,Sess 8. MID–TERM EXAM Chapter 7.
Weekend Three
Day 1,Sess 9. Same Topic Chapter 8.
Day 1,Sess 10. Transportation/Transshipment
Problems Chapter 10.
Day 2,Sess 11. PERT/CPM Models. Chapter 12.
Day 2,Sess 12. Inventory Management:
Ind.Demand Chapter 13.
Weekend Four
Day 1,Sess 13. Inventory Management:
Dep. Demand Chapter 14.
Day 1,Sess 14. Waiting Line Models. Chapter 15.
Day 2,Sess 15. The Future 0f Decision
Making. No Readings.Day 2,Sess 16. FINAL EXAM. | |
Academic Policies:
Please refer to the UMUC Maryland in Europe Graduate Catalog, Available online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/visit/pubs/catalog/grad_02-03.pdf or from your local Education Center, for information on the following:
Academic Integrity.
Course load.
Exceptions to policy.
Grade Appeal Process.
Make-up Exams.
Non-Discrimination Policy.Students with disabilities. | |
Faculty Bio:
| John Edwin Douglas Riggs is Collegiate Professor of Public Administration with the Maryland in Europe Program. He has taught with the university since 1993, and has lived in Europe for nearly twenty years. | |