ETC9320

Principles of quantitative analysis

Associate Professor Ralph Snyder

7 points
* One 3-hour session per week
* First, second and 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; 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 Written (weekly assignment): 40%
* Examination (2.5 hours): 60%

Prescribed texts

Bonini C P, Hausman W H and Bierman H Quantitative analysis for management Irwin, 9th edn, 1997
Mendenhall W and others Statistics for management and economics 7th edn, PWS-Kent, 1993