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Monash University

FIT2033 Computer models for business decisions - Semester 2, 2010

Chief Examiner:

Dr Dengsheng Zhang
Senior Lecturer
Phone: +61 3 990 26772
Fax: +61 3 9902 6879

Lecturer(s) / Leader(s):

Gippsland

Dr Dengsheng Zhang
Senior Lecturer
Phone: +61 3 990 26772
Fax: +61 3 9902 6879

South Africa

Mr Neil Manson
Lecturer
Phone: +27 11 950 4035
Fax: +27 11 950 4033

Malaysia

Elsa Phung

Additional communication information:

Dr Dengsheng Zhang
Room 4N-234
Gippsland School of Info Tech
Monash University
Churchill, Victoria  3842
Australia

Tel: 61-03-9902 6772
Fax: 61-03-9902 6879
email: dengsheng.zhang@infotech.monash.edu.au

Introduction

Welcome to FIT2033 and FIT4022 Computer Models for Business Decisions for semester 2, 2010. This 6 point unit is a core unit for Business Systems major of Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems offered by the Faculty of IT. Built upon the foundation units offered in the first year, this unit provides advanced concept and techniques for information processing, particularly useful for business environment.

Specifically, the unit introduces a number of common math models used by business managers in making business decisions. It explores many aspects of decision making process with emphasis on the relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application using cases and real examples. Computer solutions or simulations are provided to implement the theoretic and practical concepts.

Unit synopsis

This unit examines the principles and practice of modelling and analysis of business systems as a support for the decision making activities. At the completion of the subject the student should understand some of the more commonly used computer modelling techniques used in business and industry and be familiar with the applications of these techniques to business related problems. Topics will include various aspects of decision making, waiting lines systems and simulation, project management and control, financial modelling, forecasting techniques, inventory control.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will have -
A knowledge and understanding of:
  • principles and application of computer based business and decision support systems;
  • cost analysis using breakeven technique;
  • main approaches to deal with decision making problems in business;
  • business decisions with multiple criteria;
  • widely used linear programming tools;
  • carrying out sensitivity analysis using relevant computer software on a series of problems;
  • queuing theory and simulation techniques;
  • concepts of different types of forecasting;
  • common optimisation methods for business applications;
  • methodology to solve typical network problems using network flow models.
Developed attitudes that enable them to:
  • recognise the potential for efficiency and productivity gains through the use of technologies;
  • develop strong interests in formalising real world problems and solve them by computer models.
Developed the skills in:
  • the application of spreadsheets such as EXCEL in solving common business problems;
  • use of dedicated software such as Excel QM, TreePlan, CrystalBall program;
  • sensitivity analysis by use of computer models
Demonstrated the communication skills necessary to:
  • Meet other students and professionals with variety of business expertise;
  • Participate in group discussion and team work solutions to business problems.

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 2 hrs laboratories/wk

Workload

For on campus students, workload commitments are:

  • two-hour lecture and
  • two-hour tutorial (lab based, advance preparation is required)
  • a minimum of 2 hours of personal study per one hour of contact time in order to satisfy the reading and assignment expectations.
  • You will need to allocate up to 5 hours per week, for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.

Off-campus students generally do not attend lecture and tutorial sessions, however, you MUST spend equivalent time working through the relevant resources and participating in discussion groups each week.

Unit relationships

Prerequisites

MAT1097 or ETW1102 or equivalent

Prohibitions

FIT2017, ETC2480, GCO2802

Teaching and learning method

Teaching approach

The approach to teaching and learning include a weekly two-hour lecture and a two-hour tutorial. Additionally, each student should spend a minimum of 8 hours for personal study every week and should allocate up to 5 hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroup access and discussion.

Timetable information

For information on timetabling for on-campus classes please refer to MUTTS, http://mutts.monash.edu.au/MUTTS/

Tutorial allocation

On-campus students should register for tutorials/laboratories using the Allocate+ system: http://allocate.its.monash.edu.au/

Unit Schedule

Week Date* Topic Study guide References/Readings Key dates
1 19/07/10 Introduction and Breakeven Analysis SG1 Chapter 1 of text book  
2 26/07/10 Linear Programming SG2 Chapter 2 of text book  
3 02/08/10 Linear Programming: Computer Solution and Sensitivity Analysis SG3 Chapter 3&4 of text book  
4 09/08/10 Integer Programming SG4 Chapter 5 of text book  
5 16/08/10 Transportation and Assignment Problems SG5 Chapter 6 of text book  
6 23/08/10 Shortest Path and Minimal Spanning Tree Problems SG6 Chapter 7 of text book Assignment 1 Due
7 30/08/10 Multicriteria Decision Making SG7 Chapter 9 of text book  
8 06/09/10 Decision Making Theory SG8 Chapter 11, 12 of text book.  
9 13/09/10 Decision Tree SG9 Chapter 11, 12 of text book.  
10 20/09/10 Queuing Analysis SG10 Chapter 13 of text book.  
Mid semester break
11 04/10/10 Monte Carlo Simulation SG11 Chapter 14 of text book. Assignment 2 Due
12 11/10/10 Forecasting SG12 Chapter 15 of text book.  
13 18/10/10 Exam Preparation SG1-12 All related chapters of the text book  

*Please note that these dates may only apply to Australian campuses of Monash University. Off-shore students need to check the dates with their unit leader.

Improvements to this unit

A new unit book consisting of 12 study guides has been created, it replaces the previous version of 7 study guides.

Unit Resources

Prescribed text(s) and readings

Taylor, B.W. III, Introduction to Management Science, 10th edition, Prentice Hall, 2010, ISBN-10: 013-245757-1 or ISBN-13: 978-0-13-245757-6.

Monash Bookshop

Recommended text(s) and readings

  1. D. R. Anderson, D. J. Sweeney and T. A. Williams, An Introduction to Management Science, Thomson Leaning, 2005.
  2. W.  L. Winston, S. C. Albright and M. Broadie, Practical Management Science, 2nd edition, Dusbury, 2001.
  3. J. A. Lawrence Jr. and B. A. Pasternack, Applied Management Science, John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1998.

Required software and/or hardware

The three Excel based software packages: Excel QM, Crystal Ball and TreePlan are included in the prescribed text book.

Equipment and consumables required or provided

On-campus students, and those studying at supported study locations may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to 5 hours per week in some weeks for use of a computer, including time for newsgroup access and discussion groups.

Students studying off-campus are required to have the minimum system configuration specified by the Faculty as a condition of accepting admission, and regular Internet access.

Study resources

Study resources we will provide for your study are:

  • A online Unit Book containing 12 Study Guides
  • This Unit Guide outlining the administrative information for the unit
  • The FIT2033/4022 web site on Moodle, where lecture slides, weekly tutorial requirements, assignment specifications and sample solutions will be posted
  • Newsgroups that can be linked to from the Unit web site
  • Access to past exam papers

Assessment

Overview

Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%

Faculty assessment policy

To pass a unit which includes an examination as part of the assessment a student must obtain:

  • 40% or more in the unit's examination, and
  • 40% or more in the unit's total non-examination assessment, and
  • an overall unit mark of 50% or more.

If a student does not achieve 40% or more in the unit examination or the unit non-examination total assessment, and the total mark for the unit is greater than 50% then a mark of no greater than 49-N will be recorded for the unit.

The final grade will be calculated as the weighted average of all the assessment components.

Assignment tasks

Assignment coversheets

Assignment coversheets are available via "Student Forms" on the Faculty website: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/
You MUST submit a completed coversheet with all assignments, ensuring that the plagiarism declaration section is signed.

Assignment submission and return procedures, and assessment criteria will be specified with each assignment.

Assignment submission and preparation requirements will be detailed in each assignment specification. Submission must be made by the due date otherwise penalties will be enforced. You must negotiate any extensions formally with your campus unit leader via the in-semester special consideration process: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html.

  • Assignment task 1
    Title:
    Assignment 1
    Description:
    Assessment of SG1-6. FIT4022 students do case studies instead.
    Weighting:
    20%
    Criteria for assessment:
    Score a minimum of 50% on solving the nominated business problems.
    Due date:
    Week 6
  • Assignment task 2
    Title:
    Assignment 2
    Description:
    Assessment of SG7-12. FIT4022 students do case studies instead.
    Weighting:
    20%
    Criteria for assessment:
    Score a minimum of 50% on solving the nominated business problems.
    Due date:
    Week11

Examination

  • Weighting:
    60%
    Length:
    3 hours
    Type (open/closed book):
    Closed book
    Electronic devices allowed in the exam:
    None
See Appendix for End of semester special consideration / deferred exams process.

Due dates and extensions

Please make every effort to submit work by the due dates. It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are not regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. Students are advised to NOT assume that granting of an extension is a matter of course.

Students requesting an extension for any assessment during semester (eg. Assignments, tests or presentations) are required to submit a Special Consideration application form (in-semester exam/assessment task), along with original copies of supporting documentation, directly to their lecturer within two working days before the assessment submission deadline. Lecturers will provide specific outcomes directly to students via email within 2 working days. The lecturer reserves the right to refuse late applications.

A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.

Refer to the Faculty Special consideration webpage or further details and to access application forms: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/equity/special-consideration.html

Late assignment

Assignments received after the due date will be subjected to a penalty of 5% per per day up to one week late. Assignments received later than one week after the due date will not be accepted.

Return dates

Students can expect assignments to be returned within two weeks of the submission date or after receipt, whichever is later.

Appendix

Please visit the following URL: http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/appendix.html for further information about:

  • Continuous improvement
  • Unit evaluations
  • Communication, participation and feedback
  • Library access
  • Monash University Studies Online (MUSO)
  • Plagiarism, cheating and collusion
  • Register of counselling about plagiarism
  • Non-discriminatory language
  • Students with disability
  • End of semester special consideration / deferred exams
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