This course covers the techniques of problem solving, optimization and business modeling using the concepts of statistics and management science in a spreadsheet environment. The course focuses on that practical application of quantitative analytical techniques. Prerequisites: FINP 5008 and QNTP 5002 or equivalents.

( GMPF 5002 OR QNTP 5002 OR BUSS 4610 OR QNT 4610 OR MATH 3020 )
AND ( FINP 5008 OR GMPF 5008 OR FIN 3010 OR FINC 3010 )

Entrance Competencies

It is assumed that those students entering this course:

1. Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
2. Know basic concepts of statistics such as probability, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions and the central limit theorem. It is strongly suggested to have completed the prerequisite course QNTP5002 (or equivalent) within the past five years. By your registration and continuation in this course you have certified that you have met the prerequisites.
3. Have access to and be familiar with the use of Microsoft Excel 2007 and Microsoft Word 2007 on an IBM compatible personal computer along with familiarity with computers and software consistent with the Huizenga School admission criteria. Ideally, students should have a laptop computer (PC not Apple) for use in class.

Exit Competencies

Through this course and upon its completion, students will:

1. Apply decision trees and influence diagrams to model and solve problems.
2. Apply Monte Carlo simulation to develop business models and facilitate decision making.
3. Apply correlation and regression to model business problems.
4. Apply forecasting techniques to predict the future values of key decision variables.
5. Apply linear optimization techniques such as linear and integer programming to model decision situations.
6. Utilize Microsoft Excel 2007 and add-ins such as DecisionTools Suite, Data Analysis Toolpack and Solver to build business models and solve problems.

1. Required Materials


1. Textbooks

Spreadsheet Modeling for Business Decisions w/Student CD, @ RISK & Crystal Ball - 2008
Kros, John F.
McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 9780077212797

Notes: Purchasing a used book may not allow you access to the vital software that is included with the book.

Case Book / Coursepack (please see Notes section below for purchasing information)
Pearson

Notes: The case book is being updated for the WINTER TERM. Please check back for online purchasing information.

The Decision Tools Suite Professional Student Version by Palisade
(publisher: Not Applicable)

Notes: This software can be downloaded from http://wwww.palisade.com/academic/students.asp at a cost of $60.


APA Manual
Effective October 1^st 2009, the 6th edition of the APA Manual is required for all courses.

NSU Bookstore
Textbooks and Case Studies may be purchased from the NSU Bookstore (located in the University Park Plaza) by calling 1-800-509-2665 or online at http://www.nsubooks.bkstore.com.



2. Recommended Materials

Textbook Website

Microsoft® Excel

During this course, extensive use will be made of Excel 2007. Those who are less experienced Excel users might consider the following texts:

Manzo, J. M. (2008). Microsoft® Office Excel 2007 Comprehensive. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education Inc.

Nelson, S. L. (2007). Excel 2007 Data Analysis for Dummies. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing Inc.
Winston, W. L. (2007). Microsoft® Office Excel 2007: Data Analysis and Business Modeling. Redmond: Microsoft Press.

The following text is recommended for students who are inexperienced at handling case studies:

Ellet, W. (2007). The Case Study Handbook: How to Read, Discuss, and Write Persuasively About Cases. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

The NSU libraries comprise the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, East Campus Branch Library, Health Professions Division Library, Law Library and Technology Center, North Miami Beach Branch Library, University School Library Media Centers, and the William S. Richardson Ocean Science Library. Students are strongly encouraged to visit one of the physical locations and/or take advantage of the vast electronic library available for research. For more information, please visit http://www.nova.edu/library.

Please note that all required and recommended materials should be referenced in APA style.