Module overview
The module provides an introduction to the use of spreadsheets, databases and R for modelling in Operational Research.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand how spreadsheets can be used to help solve standard problems in Operational Research, e.g. queueing theory and linear programming
- Use a standard spreadsheet package (e.g. Microsoft Excel) to carry out calculations
- Use R for data manipulation and visualisation
- Carry out a practical project using a spreadsheet
- Appreciate the value of spreadsheets for solving small-scale practical problems
- Understand the basic principles of database design
- Run basic queries to obtain information from a database
Syllabus
1. Introduction to Excel: basic file operations; entering data; using formulae.
2. Linear programming: optimisation using Goal Seek and Solver
3. LookUp tables, random sampling and queueing models
4. Importing data and Pivot Table/Chart analysis
5. Introduction to database systems: entity-relation models; practical database design
6. Working with queries: creating a query; introduction to some basic SQL
7. Introduction to R: data input, manipulation and visualisation
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will be taught using a mixture of lectures and computer workshops: 12 hours of computer
workshops; 4 hours of lectures.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 55 |
| Workshops | 16 |
| Teaching | 4 |
| Total study time | 75 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Software requirements. Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Access (or other database software)
Textbooks
Lehmann M & Zeitz P. Statistical Explorations with Microsoft® Excel. Duxbury.
Barlow JF. Excel Model for Business and Operations Management. Wiley.
Robert L. Phillips (2005). Pricing and Revenue Optimization. Stanford University Press.
Ritchie C. Relational Database Principles (Letts Educational).
Thomas T. Nagle, John F. The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing: A Guide to Growing More Profitably. Hogan and Joseph Zale.
Liengme BV. A Guide to Microsoft Excel for Business and Management. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Rolland FD. The Essence of Database. Prentice Hall.
Winston WL. Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms. Duxbury.
Weida N, Richardson R & Vazsonyi A. Operations Analysis Using Microsoft® Excel. Duxbury.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 30% |
| Coursework | 30% |
| Coursework | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External