MG4C5      Half Unit
Computer Modelling: Applied Statistics and Simulation (formerly OR426)

This information is for the 2015/16 session.

Teacher responsible

Mr David Jarrett and Dr Alicia Mejia-Salazar

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Management Science (Decision Sciences) and MSc in Management Science (Operational Research). This course is available on the MSc in Applicable Mathematics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Students must have a knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics to the level of MA107 (Quantitative Methods - Mathematics) and ST102 (Elementary Statistical Theory).

Course content

An introduction to stochastic modelling and applied statistics.

Applied Statistics (MG4C5.1): Revision of Descriptive stats, EDA, outliers, transformations; confidence intervals and hypothesis tests for continuous and discrete data; simple and multiple linear regression; binary logistic regression.

Applied Stochastic Modelling (MG4C5.2): This course is about how to build models of systems which are characterised by uncertainty and random variability. The focus is on simulation (i.e. computer-based) models and aims to develop simulation modelling skills, understanding of the theoretic basis which underpins the simulation methodology, and an appreciation of practical issues in managing a simulation modelling project.

Teaching

22 hours of lectures and 19 hours of seminars in the MT.

A reading week will take place in W6. There will be no teaching during this week.

Formative coursework

MG4C5.1 - Exercises are set weekly and discussed in the following week's classes, which alternate between hands-on computer sessions and problem classes. Students will have the opportunity to submit a mock project for marking and comment several weeks before the final assessed project is due.

MG4C5.2 - Students will have the opportunity to submit a mock project for marking and comment several weeks before the final assessed project is due.

Indicative reading

Recommended for MG4C5.1 are: T H Wonnacott & R J Wonnacott, Introductory Statistics for Business and Economics, Wiley; F L Ramsey & D W Schafer, The Statistical Sleuth: A Course in Data Analysis, Duxbury; J A Rice, Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, Brooks/Cole; B F Ryan & B L Joiner, MINITAB Handbook; E Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press; D R Cox & C A Donnelly, Principles of Applied Statistics, Cambridge University Press.

 

Recommended for MG4C5.2 are: A M Law & W D Kelton, Simulation Modelling and Analysis; M Pidd, Computer Simulation in Management Science, S Ross, Simulation , Academic Press.

Assessment

Project (50%) and project (50%) in the LT.

This course is examined entirely by course work and projects, as follows:

50% for a final project for Applied Statistics, and 50% to a management report covering the results of a computer simulation project. Written work is marked on presentation as well as on content.

Key facts

Department: Management

Total students 2014/15: Unavailable

Average class size 2014/15: Unavailable

Controlled access 2014/15: No

Lecture capture used 2014/15: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Application of numeracy skills

Course survey results

(2011/12 - 2013/14 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 78%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

2.2

Materials (Q2.3)

1.9

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

2

Lectures (Q2.5)

2

Integration (Q2.6)

1.8

Contact (Q2.7)

2

Feedback (Q2.8)

2.1

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

58%

Maybe

37%

No

5%