Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module BUSI4G215: Decision Making and Business Modelling

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI4G215: Decision Making and Business Modelling

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap
Tied to N1K607
Tied to N1K807
Tied to N1K507
Tied to N1K307
Tied to N1KL07

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To promote a critical awareness and understanding of decision making under uncertainty by introducing a wide range of specialised tools for business modelling, with an emphasis on the application of decision making techniques to operations management.

Content

  • Data description and information presentation;
  • Probability and probability distribution;
  • Statistical inference and market research;
  • Correlation and regression;
  • Forecasting;
  • Inventory control and quality control;
  • Risk, uncertainty and decisions;
  • Queueing analysis;
  • Linear programming.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Have a detailed knowledge of key concepts in:
  • data description;
  • probability distribution;
  • statistical inference;
  • regression analysis; and
  • forecasting models.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Be able to apply probability estimates to help in assessing risk;
  • Be able to make time-series forecasts;
  • Be able to structure problems involving the choice between alternatives under uncertainty;
  • Be able to apply quantitative models for inventory and quality control.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical work, supported by guided reading. The summative assessment will comprise a project-based report designed to test students’ knowledge of key concepts and quantitative techniques and their ability to apply those techniques in a specific business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 2 hours 18
Seminar/practical classes 4 1 hour 4
Preparation & Reading 128
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Project-based report Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project-based report requiring the application of quantitative techniques in a specific business context 2,500 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Exercise questions prepared in advance of seminars.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University