BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND MODELLING
BUA5BAM
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject aims to provide you with a strong foundation in quantitative skills for effective managerial decision-making. Throughout the subject, the emphasis will be continually on two main areas: learning conceptual knowledge through modelling and problem-solving (using manual and computer application software) and critical thinking through application of these models in case analysis and discussion. Quantitative techniques and concepts have had a dramatic impact on managerial decision-making in finance, marketing and operations by assisting the manager in the process of making scientific, informed and rational decisions. It is common for decision makers in the modern business world to be overwhelmed by the vast amounts of data that accumulate on customers, products, markets and internal operations. It is therefore important that you familiarize yourself and become comfortable and competent in data analysis and modelling tools.
School: La Trobe Business School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Geraldine Kennett
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in LMMBA or HZMBHA or LMMBAH or LMMBAA or LZFABA to do this subject.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: BUO5BAM
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Quantitative Methods for Business | Prescribed | Anderson, Sweeney, Camm, Cochran, Fry & Ohlmann | 12TH EDN, Cengage Learning |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Students will demonstrate communication skills in quantitative methods.
- Activities:
- Case study analysis and problem identification to communicate effectively results and solutions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Writing(Writing)
02. Students will demonstrate creative problem solving skills using strategies and tactics in operations management.
- Activities:
- Learn techniques of modelling to apply, compute and interpret models / identify management problems that can be solved through models.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills for problem solving of quantitative decision issues.
- Activities:
- Think structurally and scientifically about decision problems.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
04. Students will demonstrate inquiry and quantitative research skills and techniques.
- Activities:
- Identify, collate and source relevant data that will aid decision making/ Acquire knowledge and power of management science models.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
05. Students will demonstrate quantitative skills for solving business problems.
- Activities:
- Readings, problem solving and case study analysis to connect quantitative methods with other functional fields in an organisation.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
06. Students will gain knowledge and demonstrate literacy in the operations management field.
- Activities:
- Collective problem solving through thought and knowledge sharing.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Information Literacy(Information Literacy)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
City Campus, 2018, Semester 1, Night
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Geraldine Kennett
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours seminar per week on any day including weekend at night from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Please refer to MBA Student Information LMS Page for days and times."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study reports (2500 words) | 45 | 01, 02, 03, 05 | |
| Class Activities (500 words equivalent) | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Model Development individual assignment (2500 words) | 45 | 01, 02, 03, 05 |
City Campus, 2018, Week 43-49, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Geraldine Kennett
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 45 - 48
Six 8.0 hours seminar per study period on weekends during the day from week 45 to week 48 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Please refer to MBA Student Information LMS Page for dates and times."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study reports (2500 words) | 45 | 01, 02, 03, 05 | |
| Class Activities (500 words equivalent) | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Model Development individual assignment (2500 words) | 45 | 01, 02, 03, 05 |