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OPIM101: introduction to the Computer as an Analysis Tool

Overview

OPIM101 is the introductory OPIM course for undergraduates. Prof. Clemons and I teach the Fall edition of the course. The current topics are:

  • Operations (process and project management, operational simulation)
  • Management Science (linear programming and applications)
  • Decision Processes (decision trees and game theory)
  • Information Strategy (optimal pricing, competitive simulation)

The course will also cover some basic tools such as:

  • Excel (largely self-study)
  • Simulation programming languages (using the Goldsim hybrid simulation system)
  • Excel Solver (linear and non-linear programming)

The main readings for the course are the custom textbook which is comprised of readings from:

  • Hillier and Hillier, Introduction to Management Science:  A Modeling and Case Study Approach, Third Edition (Chapters 1-9 and 16)
  • Cachon and Terwiesch, Matching Supply with Demand:  An Intro to Operations Management (Chapters 3,4,6,9)

In addition there will be other sources of readings:

  • Dixit and Nalebuff, Thinking Strategically:  The Competitive Edge in Business, Politics and Everyday Life (now optional)
  • Supplemental readings that will be distributed through Webcafe

A few optional things you might want to look at:

  • We have transitioned all the Excel material into self-study with no exams (yeah!). Nonetheless, we do suggest you obtain or verify basic excel proficiency so it does not become an issue later in the class.  We will provide materials to help you learn Excel, but if you need something else you might look at an introductory book on Excel (I personally like the "Excel 2007 Bible"  but this covers much more stuff than you will need for us;  there are many more basic excel books that would be sufficient). 
  • Goldratt, The Goal (This is basic operations conveyed in the form of a novel)

The custom coursebook is similar to last year, but the Hillier and Hillier book underwent a revision to reflect Excel 2010, so the exact content will be different. So... older versions might be OK, but they will be different in subtle and difficult to detect ways.