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2014/2015  KAN-CCMVV3050U  Applying Excel Models in Operations Management

English Title
Applying Excel Models in Operations Management

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Course period Autumn, Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Alan Pilkington - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Administrative Contact: Pernille Nielsen pen.om@cbs.dk
Main academic disciplines
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Supply Chain Management and Logistics
  • Organization
  • Statistics and mathematics
  • Methodology
Last updated on 09-01-2015
Learning objectives
The course introduces students to a variety of operations management decision areas and the processes of how to choose a course of action. The analysis of the different areas are implemented in Excel spreadsheets.
At the exam, the student should be able to identify and implement a suitable model for solving problems which are similar to the ones dealt with during the course. Specifically the student has to:
  • Display a command of the methods presented in the course by choosing the appropriate model in relation to the problem under consideration
  • Propose solutions to operations management problems
  • Evaluate possible alternative solutions
  • Discuss the merits of the options available and the implications to management
Course prerequisites
To follow the course a basic knowledge of statistics and an interest in production and operations management is necessary.
Examination
Applying Excel Models in Operations Management:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Written sit-in exam
Individual or group exam Individual
Exercises solved along the course constitute the primary base for exam preparation.
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn Term and Spring Term
Aids allowed to bring to the exam Closed Book: no aids
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
If the number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination warrants that it may most appropriately be held as an oral examination, the programme office will inform the students that the make-up examination/re-take examination will be held as an oral examination instead.
Description of the exam procedure

The exam consists of a number of exercises to be solved using Excel and a discussion of the approaches and meaning of the solutions developed. The necessary formulae will be given, but implementing the Excel model will be necessary. 

PC exam on CBS computers with e-hand in. 
It is not allowed to bring your own PC and printer. 
No access to the internet, personal S:/drive and LEARN.

Course content and structure

The course takes a practical view of operations management decision-making. Different models for various aspects of operations management are considered. The aim is to provide to students with competence in implementing solutions to operations mangement problems. Course participants will gain a practical understanding of the problem area, learn possible solutions and also improve their Excel skills. The following areas of operations management are likely to be considered: 

  • Forecasting
  • Production planning
  • Inventory management
  • Quality Control
  • Process design

Models are subsequently analyzed in order to evaluate the impact of the variation of the model's dimensions and compare different solutions for equivalent problems.

Teaching methods
The course follows a themed approach to identify pertinent operations problems culminating in implementation and execution of the model in Excel.
Teaching will include a variety of methods. Lectures comprise a short review of the operations management area under consideration and relevant spreadsheet techniques. A number of Excel-exercises are delivered with discussion of solutions.
Expected literature

Text Book: 
 

Paton, S., Clegg, B., Hsuan, J., Pilkington, A., (2011), Operations Management, McGraw-Hill.

 

Additional material will be provided along the course.

 

Last updated on 09-01-2015