Principles of quantitative analysis
Mr Ken Richardson
6 points * One 3-hour session per week * First, second, summer semester * Clayton
Objectives On completion of this subject students should have enhanced their comprehension of planning and control problems by their appreciation of the quantitative dimension of such problems; recognised the potential of quantitative methods to support decision making in organisations; be able to employ computing and analytical skills towards the pursuit of better management; have insights into the rationale of commonly used quantitative techniques; be able to apply quantitative techniques in other disciplines.
Synopsis This subject applies quantitative and computer-based methods to managerial decision processes. Topics covered include introduction to computing; including the consumer price index; marginal analysis; optimal operation of an organisation within its constraints; probability; statistical measures summarising the properties of data sets; decision making under uncertainty; establishment of relationships between important features (such as sales) and possible explanatory factors (which may be lagged); forecasting; project management.
Assessment Examination (2.5 hours): 60% * Ten quantitative assignments of 1-2 questions each: 40%
Prescribed texts
Shelley G B and Cashman T J Learning to use windows applications: Word 2.0 for Windows, Excel 4 for Windows, Paradox 1.0 for Windows. Boyd and Fraser, 1993