QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BUSINESS

MATHEMATICS 2310 - SECTION 1

Course Format: Lecture 4.0 h
Credits: 3

Transfer Credit: For information, visit bctransferguide.ca

Course Description,

Applications of basic mathematics, calculus, and linear algebra to business

administration. Includes linear programming, sensitivity analysis, transportation
problems, decision analysis, simulation, network applications. Required of all
students in the first year UBC Commerce program.

Topics include;
Using problems and case analysis and application of quantitative decision models, basic methods and
techniques for managing operations are presented. Topics include; Break-Even-Analysis; Linear
Programming optimization models and their applications in various business settings such as marketing,
finance, transportation, services, and production; Project Scheduling with a review of PERT and CPM;
Inventory Models; Simulation; Decision Analysis; and optional topics such as Forecasting and Waiting
Line Models.
The course embodies techniques and mathematical models designed to manage operational systems,
both in manufacturing and service. Studying and reviewing these topics from the business perspective,
students will apply concepts from other quantitative and business courses in the curriculum as well as
methods introduced in this course to the analysis of case situations
Prerequisites, and Corequisites:

Mathematics 1171, 1173, 1174, or 1153 with a C- grade or higher. (May be taken
concurrently with the permission of the department)
ENTRY COMPETENCIES:
Students entering this course are expected to:
Apply basic algebra and calculus concepts, statistical methods, and management science models in case
analyses of quantitative systems and management situations. Backgrounds in Economics, Accounting,
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and General Management are very helpful. Students are also expected to have a reasonable knowledge
of the Microsoft Excel spread sheet program

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the challenges and issues confronting the operations manager
through class discussion, case analysis, and using appropriate computer software programs to
facilitate quantitative analysis.
2. Discuss the process required to develop a business quantitative model, including the
identification of individual activities, data criteria, and application of selected models for
effective management decision making.
3. Analyze problem situations: formulating models, solving them with calculator and/or computer
decision support systems programs, and interpreting quantitative solutions to develop
implementing managerial solutions using quantitative methods.
4. Analyze individual steps required to implement the techniques and methods presented in this
course.
Instructor(s): ROSTAM (Ros) SHAHROKH
Office: B154k

OFFICE HOURS

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Phone: (604) 323-5793

Email: rshahrokh@langara.bc.ca

Textbook and Course Materials:

QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BUSINESS (New paperback 2011 or 13th 2010 editions or 14th ed
2015, by; Anderson, Sweeney, Williams, Camm, and Martin) or AN INTRODUCTION TO
MANAGEMENT SCIENCE; QUANTITATIVE APPROACH TO DECISION MAKING,

ADDITIONAL HELP
Office Hours:
Please refer to the advertised office hours on page 2. For an appointment at any other time check with
your instructor. Additional hours are available by appointment only

The Math Activity Centre (MAC): (Known as the Gold Room); C Building Room C209
Students can receive in person faculty assistance at the Math Activity Centre during advertised
hours. The room is located on the second floor of the Book Store (C) building. It is a place for students
to obtain assistance with problems in Mathematics and Statistics - as a supplement to the time available
from their instructors during office hours. There is a schedule posted outside the centre and your
classroom, which outlines the times that help is available and for which courses it is available. In
addition you will also find a couple of computers running instructional software from or in support of
your course, and a video player where you can view tapes either from the library or from the Math
department collection. Use the service!

Assessments and Weighting:

The evaluation of students performance will be based on the achievement of the course objectives
demonstrated in the:
CRITERIA
1. Class Participation

MARKS
5%

2. Interim Examination

30%

3. Quizzes and Assignments

10%

4. Simulation Exercise

5%

5. Case Paper

10%

6. Final Examination

40%

TOTAL
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100%

Students who miss examinations, tests, quizzes, and assignment due dates, will receive no
mark for that part. Make up examinations may only be arranged if the student has missed the
exam in accordance to college policies. A telephone message will not constitute an automatic
permission. Students may submit their assignments and project papers via web, by using O:
drive, however their work must be in any of the MS Word, Excel, or pdf. format for a PC.

EXPLANATION OF THE GRADING SYSTEM:

EXPLANATION OF THE GRADING SYSTEM:
CLASS PARTICIPATION: This mark is obtained on the basis of constructive contribution to class activities
and discussions. Make sure that your cell phone/ pager is off; violators will be disciplined for disturbing
the class or an examination. Student will lose a participation mark for each class missed up to a
maximum of five marks.
EXAMINATIONS: One midterm examination covering the assigned chapters and material discussed in
class during the semester and a comprehensive final examination including the entire material covered
in the course will be given. The date, and place of the final will be announced and advertised later in the
semester. Students are required to observe the dates stipulated in the calendar for the final
examination and not to commit themselves to engagements that might exclude them from the final
examination. Strict college policy applies to all cases. No make-up examination is allowed and the
weight of a missed exam will proportionately be allocated to the remaining ones.
TESTS/ QUIZZES: There will be objective tests covering the material reviewed in class. No make-up test/
quiz will be given.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students are required to do assignments on ad hoc basis from the textbook and
external sources for the sessions they are scheduled. There are penalties for late submission of the
assigned work which will be 25% of the residual mark for each class session late.
CASE PROJECT PAPER: With selected topics /chapters, two case project papers are assigned. Students
will be answering the questions in the case and support their analysis and work with computer printout
using the Excel spreadsheet for each response to each part of a question. Group paper is allowed and a
maximum of two students can work in one group. Members of a group will share the mark equally.
Group membership is allowed to change for each paper. There are penalties for late submission of the
assigned work which will be 25% of the residual mark for each class session late.
SIMULATION EXERCISE: We will have a simulation exercise in which peer groups will compete against
each other and will earn grades based on their accuracy and success.

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ACTIVITIES TO MEET OBJECTIVES

This course will be delivered with a balanced combination of lectures, discussions, class exercises,
problem solving, computer workshops, and case analysis. The course outline and the calendar schedule
is intended to inform you in advance of major activities and assignments that have been determined for
each session. However based on the progress in the class, changes and modifications may be made.
The major activities are:
1- LECTURES AND CLASS DISCUSSIONS: Students are expected to study the assigned chapter/s prior to
each class session in order to be able to participate actively in class discussions and make positive
contribution to the learning process. Discussion of appropriate practical experience and work related
issues are strongly encouraged.
2- HOMEWORK; Students are expected to read assignments and prepare text problems prior to the class
session for which they are assigned. Peer study groups for studying and discussion are advised and the
usage of the provided computer software to solve the more complex problems is strongly
recommended.
3. EXAMINATIONS: One in-term and one final examinations assigned to measure the understanding of
the course contents identified in the Exit Competencies will be done.
4. CASES, QUIZZES AND ASSIGNMENTS; Students are expected to study assigned cases and answer the
questions and solve the problems and be prepared for the quizzes. Problems and cases will be discussed
in class where active and informed participation is required. There are end of chapter cases for
discussion and assignment.
5- SIMULATION EXERCISE: In the conduct of the course program, simulation of concepts will be
arranged and students will actively participate in the models while studies and analysis of the exercise
and its findings by peer groups will be made. Short reports may be requested for submission.
6- COMPUTER MODELS: The class will be provided with software (where applicable) literature and
programs for use on computers for developing skill in formulating problems and solving them. Students
are encouraged to use the computer lab facilities.

Final grades will be determined by the College and Departments policy

In most math/stat courses at Langara College, the student's final grade is determined from a blend of a
term mark, based on assignments and tests, and a final mark, based on a common examination. College
policy is that term work accounts for 50% to 80% of the grade, and in most of our courses it counts for
60% with the final exam counting for 40%. Students should be aware, however, that the term mark is
not finalized until after the final exam has been written, and that the term marks for all students in any
section may be tempered by the results on the final exam. The Department feels that because of the
cumulative nature of the subject (and the need to quickly recall and apply material from any part of an
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earlier course), a grade of C- or better should be awarded only to those students who can "put it all
together", and this sort of overall competence is best tested for and demonstrated on the final exam.
For this reason, we also require that in order to pass a course it is necessary to pass the final exam, and
that in general, though term work can pull a mark up, it can not do so by more than one letter grade
level.
Students are advised, therefore, that it is never safe to coast on the term mark and neglect the final.
The Langara grading system includes grades of A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N, or W; as defined in
the Calendar. The following excerpt includes also a column of approximate percentage ranges which ar
intended as a guideline only; students should refer to their course outlines for specifics concerning their
course:
Letter
Grade

Grade Point
Equivalency

A+

4.3

A-

3.7

B+

3.3

B-

2.7

C+
C
C-

2.3
2
1.7

Interpretation
Distinguished Achievement (for consistently demonstrated excellence in all
aspects of the course)
Distinguished Achievement (for consistently demonstrated excellence in all
aspects of the course)
Distinguished Achievement (for consistently demonstrated excellence in all
aspects of the course)
Above Average Achievement (for consistently demonstrated above average
proficiency in all aspects of the course)
Above Average Achievement (for consistently demonstrated above average
proficiency in all aspects of the course)
Above Average Achievement (for consistently demonstrated above average
proficiency in all aspects of the course)
Satisfactory Achievement (for competent achievement in the course)
Satisfactory Achievement (for competent achievement in the course)
Satisfactory Achievement (for competent achievement in the course)
Marginal Performance (credit granted but insufficient mastery to proceed to the
next level)

Approx %
Range
96-100
85-95
80-84
77-79
73-76
68-72
63-67
58-62
53-57
48-52

The percentage ranges added here are approximate guidelines only - to give you an idea of what letter
grade to expect on the basis of mid-term marks. We do try to be consistent and adjust test difficulty and
marking styles so the actual cut offs in any particular course or section may vary slightly from these, and
it is your instructor's judgment of your performance relative to the "interpretation" column that
provides the real determination and meaning of the grades.
Note:A grade of C- or better is required in order to use a course as a prerequisite for a subsequent
course, except where another prerequisite is explicitly stated.

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As a student at Langara, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself and complying with the
following policies:

College Policies:

E1003 - Student Code of Conduct

F1004 - Code of Academic Conduct
E2008 - Academic Standing - Academic Probation and Academic Suspension
E2006 - Appeal of Final Grade
F1002 - Concerns about Instruction
E2011 - Withdrawal from Courses

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