STAT 346 - Syllabus Related Information


Syllabus File (PDF)


Additional Policies and Information


Attendance Policy

Class attendance is not required, but is strongly encouraged whether in person or any synchoronous online meetings. Active participation with any class session or material will aid you in learning the material that we are covering, and is therefore encouraged. In addition, you should come to class prepared with any material you have been told to bring along and have completed any assigned readings or practice and watched any suggested videos. This may include having physical or electronic access to handouts, tables, calculators, etc. Late graded material will only be accepted with a medical excuse. You should also be aware that an announcement made in Canvas will be considered sufficient warning about any changes to the course including deadlines and assignments. It is your responsibility to check email and Canvas regularly to be aware of any changes that have been made. I will not reteach material during my office hours that has already been covered in another venue, but will gladly halp you apply the material.

Proviso

The instructor reserves the right to penalize a student if excessive absences from in person classes or synchronous class meetings are noted. If such a situation should arise, the student will receive one warning via email or Canvas message, after which continued absences may result in a lowering of the overall course average by up to one percent per occurence of unexcused absences. It is expected that this proviso will rarely be invoked.


Office Hours

My office hours will be by appointment only. You may feel free to come and ask any questions about course material or anything else you may need help with. There is no limit to how many times you may use my office hours, but I ask that you sign up for one slot at a time. I would rather you use these times frequently and ask questions, than not use this resource and therefore do poorly in the class. Please email with some time for me to see and reply as well as several options that work for you since I may have other commitments that affect my availability. Please do not email requesting a meeting in just a few minutes as I may not be able to be that flexible. Check Canvas for more information about my expected availability and links to sign up for times (regular semester only).

Before Coming

Before coming to my office hours, whether in person on virtually, please take the time to adaquately prepare. You should organize your specific questions for me. Also, make sure that your notes, text, handouts, or any provided resources (videos, Canvas posts, etc.) do not already answer your question(s). This implies that you should already have read the sections of the text that correspond to the topics about which you have questions when you come to my office. I will assume that you have done this already. Your work with the text should include reading through the examples in the text, and possibly even working some of the problems from the section/chapter.


Course Objectives

To gain an understanding of the breadth of Operations Research applications.
We will spend some time at the beginning of the semester introducing the area and discussing the variety of applications which fit under the general area called Operations Research or Management Science.
 
To learn how to solve one of the most common applications, systems of linear equations.
We will discuss the types of applications which may be solved by this method, and look at a powerful tool for finding optimal solutions, called the Simplex Method.
 
To look at larger scale problems using the idea of networks and PERT/CPM.
We will consider resource allocation and scheduling applications where networks and the PERT/CPM method(s) may be used to find the "best" way to divide limited resources among competing projects to be able to complete a task.
 
To look at how to deal with problems that resemble linear programming applications, but violate some assumptions.
We will look at dynamic programming and Integer Programming.
 
To understand the reason that the methods we use work.
Students will be encouraged to understand the "why" as much as the "how" of the methods we consider.
 
To see how a computer package allows for the solution of larger problems.
We will see how the statistical package SAS may be used to solve the types of problems we consider in this class.
 
To gain some experience working as part of a project team.
Since Operations Research is generally a team project, students will work as part of a team on some of their homework projects.
 

Course Content

Chapter 1:0-3
Chapter 3:0-5 & 7-8
Chapter 4:0-1
Chapter 5:0-1
Chapter 4:2-8 & 10
Chapter 5:4 (plus some on Simplex and matrices)
Chapter 22:0-4 & 7-8
Chapter 10:0-5
Chapter 11:0, 5, & 10
Chapter 17:0-4, 6(part), & 11


Homework

As we move through the semester, you will be assigned several homework sets to complete. These sets will be due at the beginning of class on the date specified when they are distributed. Late homework will not be accepted. Each of these homework assignments will be given with instructions for their completion. You may feel free to discuss your work with friends in the class, unless otherwise indicated. Occasionally you may be required to work in small teams to complete an assignment. Unless this is the case, each of you will turn in your own solution, even if you worked with friends to accomplish the task. It is vital that you be sure that you understand all the steps to arriving at the conclusion, since exams will be done without the aid of others. Homework will be worth 40% of your final grade.


SAS

From time to time we will have homework assignments which will require the use of a statistical package. For this class we will be using SAS. In class introduction to SAS will be given, and additional comments will be made as topics are covered in the course.


Exams

Two midterm exams will be given, and then there will be a final at the end of the semester (not inherently comprehensive). Each exam will be given in class, and no makeup exams will be given. For each exam we will spend some time in review and you will be clearly informed as to the material for which you are responsible. Also, you will be allowed to prepare a note sheet on one side of an 8.5x11 sheet of paper. This sheet may contain formulae, definitions, and anything else you deem helpful. Since the final is not comprehensive, you will still be allowed just one one-sided sheet. You are responsible for the accuracy of your sheet. Please be sure to double check and make sure you have correctly copied the information onto your sheet. You may even wish to ask a classmate to check your sheet for errors. I will not be checking your sheet, either before or during an exam, for errors. Each exam will be 20% of your final grade.


Grading

Graded material will fall into the categories of quizzes, computer projects, and exams. The total points earned will be divided by the total number of points available during the semester. This will be converted to a percentage, using the usual convention of rounding .5 and above up. The percentage will then be compared to the usual table (seen below) to find the appropriate letter grade.

  • 93 - 100 = A
  • 90 - 92 = A-
  • 87 - 89 = B+
  • 83 - 86 = B
  • 80 - 82 = B-
  • 77 - 79 = C+
  • 73 - 76 = C
  • 70 - 72 = C-
  • 67 - 69 = D+
  • 60 - 66 = D
  • 0 - 59 = F

ADA Statement

Americans with Disabilities Act: Any student whose disability falls within ADA guidelines should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester of any special accommodations or equipment needs necessary to complete the requirements for this course. Students must register documentation with the Office of Disability Services (Murray Library, Suite 115). If you have questions, call extension 7258. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester. The instructor will work with any student who needs accomodations as long as they are documented by the Office of Disability Services, and the instructor is informed at the beginning of the semester.

Harassment and Violence Statement

Messiah College prohibits all forms of discrimination and violence, including harassment, stalking, interpersonal violence, and sexual assault. If I learn of any potential violation of our harassment, stalking, sexual assault, and/or interpersonal violence policy by any means, I am required to notice the College. Students may request confidentiality from the institution, which I will communicate to the appropriate office or the Title IX Coordinator (Amanda Coffey). Confidential resources are available on or off campus:
Engle Center Counseling Services (x5357)
Engle Center Health Services (x6035)
Don Opitz, College Pastor (x6520)
YWCA Carlisle (1.888.727.2877)
YWCA Harrisburg (1.800.654.1211)
Confidential resources can walk students through all of their reporting options, including making a formal report to the Title IX Coordinator if and when they are ready. They can also provide students with information and assistance in accessing academic, medical, and other support services they may need. (© 2015, adapted from Victim Rights Law Center)


Academic Integrity

It is expected that you are familiar with the Academic Integrity policy of the College, found in the Student Handbook. In particular, you should be aware that any use or provision of unauthorized aids on exams or other graded material will not be tolerated. This means that it is not only a violation of the policy to obtain unauthorized aid, providing such aid to another student is also a violation of this policy. If an offense is suspected, the instructor will notify the student(s) involved by email. Students will have one week from the sending of this email to provide defense of their actions. If no defense is given, or it is found to be insufficient to the instructor, then penalties will be assessed. On the first offense, no credit will be granted for the assignment. Any further offense will result in a failing grade for the course. There will be no make-up work given to compensate for either penalty. In addition, the instructor may choose to decline signing a drop or withdrawal request if a student has violated this policy. Students should carefully read all assignments to determine what is allowed, and what is prohibited.