Faculty Contact Information:
Instructor: Dr. Ken J. Kovach
100 MSS
PSC 37, Box 3414
APO AE 09459
Email: KJKovach@AOL.com
Phone: Phone (+44) 1353 -860 671
Fax: +44 1353 860 671 | |
Consultation:
| Since this is a DE class, everyone can contact the instructor directly for personal and private issues and use the course forum for class issues at any time throughout the course period. Contact information has been provided. | |
Required Texts and Readings:
TEXT
Anderson, D.R., Sweeney, D.J., & Williams, T.A. 2004. Quantitative Methods for Business, (9th ed.), with Management Scientist, 6.0. U.S.A.: Thompson Learning.
READINGS
American Psychological Association. 2001. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (5th ed.). Washington DC: Author | |
Supplementary Readings:
Each instructor has his or her preferences for supplementary reading material that may be added here. In addition, all graduate students should be prepared to utilize the UMUC online library at http://www.umuc.edu/library/. The library contains a large number of full text academic journals that are free of charge and immediately available. The library homepage also contains a number of links related to improving students' research and writing skills.
USEFUL WEBSITE: http://quant.swcollege.com
Supplemental Material-software: Anderson, D. R., Sweeney, D. J., Williams, T. A.; Joseph, D.A. (1999). The Management Scientist (5.0). St. Paul, MN: West Publishing Company.
Note: While the software is not required, it is a great opportunity to use current programs for the text problems and real-world applications.
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Recommended Journals:
| A variety of full-text, online, free-of-charge and pay-per-view academic journals are listed on the PA Webboard at http://webboard.ed.umuc.edu/~pa. Each UMUC program has specific info sources that may be used for topical issues. Review any Webliography provided and sources known. | |
Course Description:
| Prerequisites: College algebra and either undergraduate statistics or the permission of the Program Director. Acquaints students with the quantitative techniques commonly used in the decision-making process. Sample topics include concepts of decision making and decision analysis, linear programming, sensitivity analysis, transportation and assignments problems, forecasting and time series analysis, inventory concepts, PERT, and mathematical simulation. | |
Course Goals:
As a required course in the policy track of the MPA and an elective in the M.S. in Management Information Systems, this course develops analytical skills necessary to the quantitative analysis of policy proposals and executive decisions. Upon completion of this course, participants should have an understanding of:
- The reasons for applying Quantitative decision making in the Public Sector.
- Problems in modern decision systems.
- Quantitative methods for data presentation.
- Quantitative methods of data extraction.
- The mathematical basis of forecasting theory.
- Models for risk and payoff prediction.
- Methods of problem assessment and categorization.
- Alternative methods to traditional decision making systems.
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Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze management policy for decision-making purposes.
- Investigate problem identification and definition as a part of problem solving and decision making.
- Generate relevant statistical charts, graphs and models.
- Interpret relevant statistical charts, graphs and models.
- Review elements of statistical probability requisite for management science.
- Examine data for cyclical trends.
- Apply risk assessment models.
- Create a PERT chart.
- Manage inventory on a cyclical or non-cyclical basis.
- Generate Waiting Line models.
- Manage the process of product trans-shipment.
- Apply linear programming models.
- Determine utility factors relevant to policy success.
- Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant sources of decision data.
- Execute a multiple regression table, and analyze it.
- Apply multicriteria (quantitative and qualitative) methods of decision-making.
- Organize, present and explain decision systems to others more effectively.
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Grading Information:
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Grades for this course will be assigned as follows:
A = 90 -100 points
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
F = below 70
Please note that Bowie State University does not use "D" for graduate students. The grade F(a) is used to designate academic failure. F(n) is used to designate failure for non-completion. Grades of Incomplete or Withdrawal are governed by UMUC-Europe policies. For further details, please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog. Hard copies of the catalog are available in your local Education Center. | |
Course Requirements:
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Graduate school at the masters level focuses on helping students obtain the education needed for success as professionals in their chosen fields. Thus, UMUC-Europe Graduate Programs and Bowie State University share the common goals of promoting excellence in academic scholarship through thoughtful inquiry and the skillful application of knowledge and theory for the betterment of society. In order to maximize your graduate educational experience in general and this course in particular, the following are required:
Participation --- 30 points
Midterm exam ---- 35 "
Final exam ------ 35 "
Total ---------- 100 points | |
Description of Course Requirements:
Participation: Student participation includes active communication, positive attitude towards learning, completion of assigned tasks, and communication. Case study analysis will be assigned by the instructor. Software programs may be used for chapter work; however, no software will be allowed for the exams. For each week, readings, problem work, casework, and other tasks may be identified in the course schedule. Due dates for individual work are established. Participation points will be assessed based on active participation and submission of reports on time. Conference input discussions will be required as part of participation. Study groups may also be assigned. Due dates for required inputs will be noted in the discussions and indicated in the course schedule as well. Quality of responses will be assessed subjectively by the instructor, but length, depth, and presentation of all responses will always be considered. Total value = 30 points.
Examinations: A midterm examination will include course material involving Chapters 1 thru 6. The exam will be an open book exam, valued at 35 points. UMUC policies for exams will be closely followed, as applicable. Student work should be shown on the exam to account for full credit. Even though the right answer may not be given, credit for accurate work will be allowed. A final exam (Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13) will be similarly applied (35 points). The exams will consist of short essays and work problems. Some work problems may be partially answered: the student will be required to complete the answers. The midterm will be in the 7th week of the course (17-21 May 2004) and the final exam will be in the final week (19-23 July 2004).
Class Policies: The main concern is communications! It is very important that you communicate any concerns to the instructor at the earliest. During these troubled times, you may be away from the course for various periods of time. If you cannot communicate this, have a partner or friend notify the instructor or the UMUC field representative of any unexpected absences. At the least, try to keep the instructor informed. You will also be expected to read the assigned chapters, practice the problems, review the cases assigned, and complete required work at the established due dates. The instructor reserves the right to alter the planned schedule when necessary for class benefit. Notice will be given prior to any requirement. Again, communications is the bottom line! Incompletes are not automatic. Students having good reason to extend the course (personal leave, vacations, and so forth are not good reasons) may request an extension to the instructor prior to the end of the course. Incompletes will not be assigned after the course is over. Lecture material will be presented in the Course Content forum, while student assignments and activities will be required in the Conferences. Due dates will be established for required assignments, while some Conferences will remain OPEN for discussions and questions. | |
Course Schedule:
Week Session Dates Assignments
1 5-11 April
Read Introduction and review all course materials.
Review the Management Scientist program and pages 24-26 of the text. Complete all Conferences established. Review all Course content items.
2 12-18 April
Read Ch 1 (course text).
Practice the even-numbered problems and Self-Test items-answers in the back of the text.
Work Ch 1 problems 1, 3, 5, 7, 13, & 17 and submit answers to the Conference area. Do this procedure for all work problems.
Attachments may be used in the Conferences; however, place your NAME on any attachment. Always do this for attachments!
Submit answers to Assignments nlt 18 Apr. Submit inputs to all Conferences as required. Review Course Content items.
Review MGMT 585 PowerPoint files in the instructors faculty web page (http://faculty.ed.umuc.edu/~kkovach).
3 19-25 Apr
Read Chapter 2 (text).
Practice even-numbered problems and the Self-Tests.
Work Ch 2 problems 3, 5, 9, 11, & 15: due 23 Nov.
Complete Conferences and review Course Content.
Review PowerPoint presentation files.
4 26 Apr 2 May
Work Ch 3 problems 5, 7, 11, 19, & 25: due 2 May.
Complete Conferences and review Course Content.
Review PowerPoint presentation files.
5 3 9 May
Read Chapter 4
Practice even-numbered problems and Self-Tests.
Work Ch 4 problems 9, 13, 21, & 23: due 9 May.
Complete Conferences & review powerpoint files.
6 10-16 May
Read Chapter 5.
Practice even-numbered problems and Self-Tests.
Work Ch 4 problems 9, 13, 21, & 23: due 16 May.
Work Ch 5 problems 3 & 9: due 16 May.
Complete Conferences & review powerpoint files.
7 17 23 May
Read Ch 6.
Practice even-numbered problems and Self-Tests.
Work Ch 6 problems 3, 7, 15, 17, & 27: due 23 May.
Complete Conferences. Complete Midterm exam and place in Assignments folder by 23 May 2004. Note: Ch 6 material is learned while the exam is being worked: however, the exam period is quite lengthy as usually only 48 hours is taken for
exam periods. Therefore, you will be able to do Ch 6 work earlier, then complete the exam.
8 17 23 May 2004 Midterm examination!
This will be an open book examination. Material will consist of Chapters 1 through 6.
24 May 6 June 2004
BREAK STAY SAFE & HAPPY!
9 7 13 June 2004
Read Ch 7.
Practice even-numbered problems and Self-Tests.
Work Ch 7 problems 3, 15, 21, 23: due 13 June.
Complete Conferences and review ppt slides.
10 14 20 June
Read Chapter 8.
Practice even-numbered problems and Self-Tests.
Work Ch 8 problems 3 and 15: due 20 June.
Complete Conferences and review ppt slides.
11 21 27 June
Read chapter 9. Work Ch 9 problems 3, & 11: due 27 June.
Complete Conferences and review ppt slides.
12 28 June 5 July
Read Chapter 10.
Practice even-numbered problems and Self-Tests.
Work Ch 10 problems 3, 5, 7 and 15: Due 5 July.
13 6 12 July
Read chapter 12.
Work Ch 12 problems 7, 15, & 19: due 12 July.
Complete Conferences and review ppt slides.
14 13 19 July
Read Ch 13 and review practice and self-test problems.
Work problems 9 and 19: due 19 Feb.
Complete Conferences and review ppt slides.
15 20 - 24 July
Open
Review all material since midterm.
Complete Conferences and review ppt slides.
16 20 25 July 2004
Complete Final Exam: due 25 July 2004.
Complete all remaining tasks required.
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Academic Policies:
Please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog for information on the following:
Academic Integrity
Course Load
Exception to Policy
Grade Appeal Process
Make-up Examinations
Nondiscrimination
Students with Disabilities
Hard copies of the catalog are available at your local Education Center. | |
Faculty Bio:
Ken J. Kovach has been a faculty member for the University of Maryland University College since 1993 and also has taught research, statistics, and managerial courses for several other universities. Since 1981, he has taught 460+ graduate/undergrad courses in a variety of subjects. Ken previously served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, first enlisted and then commissioned, in logistics, plans, operations, transportation management, aerial delivery, command staff, and airborne command positions.
Within distance education, he has continually taught over the Internet since 1995 after developing three university programs for Embry-Riddle and one business management certificate program for the National Business Aviation Association. He has developed research guidelines for various universities and serves mainly as the chair on graduate research project committees. Ken is active in various professional associations, to include the American Counseling Association, American Statistical Association, and Transportation Administration. His recent publication was Corporate Aviation Management.
Ken's bachelor of science was from the University of Tennessee in business, Master of Arts in guidance and counseling from Wayne State University, and doctorate in higher education from Nova University. He has a British wife, Sally, and two daughters, Katie and Chris.
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