MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
Problem-solving is one of the most sought-after skills in today’s workplace. This course will help students build analysis skills to become better decision-makers and managers.
During the semester, we will survey various management science methods not covered in your IEM course that are useful to managers and analysts. The emphasis will be on:
(a) Formulating mathematical models of messy problems found in the public/non-profit sectors
(b) Solving the formulations using Excel
(c) Presenting the results in a way decision-makers can understand.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the semester, students will have a firm understanding of the…
- Structure underlying a wide variety of mathematical models, including the assumptions and limitations of each model
- Importance of judgment in building, analyzing, and interpreting the results of mathematical models
- “Ins and outs” of Excel
By the end of the semester, students should be able to…
- Interpret the results of mathematical models used in public policy research done by others
- Use appropriate mathematical models in their own work
- Present the results of mathematical models effectively
Together, these learning outcomes will build your critical thinking and problem-solving muscles. For students who never wish to be hands-on building models in their career, this class will grow your decision-making confidence in policy settings – especially how to ask the right questions.
The instructor for this course is a practitioner who has used data to drive policy insights in the public and private sectors. This course was her favorite class at the LBJ School and she credits it for making her a better analytical thinker. If you don’t consider yourself a “quant person,” but still want to build some data and excel skills - this is a great course for you.
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