OMGT 3223 - Summer Session II 2025, Section 602

Business Decision Modeling 
Online Section
Course Description / Grading / Attendance / About the Instructor / Course Outline / Class List / Home

Instructor: Dr. John F. Kros

Phone: 328-6364

Office: 3205 Bate Building

Email: krosj@ecu.edu

Office Hours: MTW 12 noon.-2:00 p.m. or by appt.

http://myweb.ecu.edu/krosj/ecu.html

Click below to listen to Dr. Kros discuss the syllabus - Then follow along on the web page

Click here for the Narration of the Syllabus

Text:

Spreadsheet Text Cover

Spreadsheet Modeling for Business Decisions, Kros, 5th Edition, Kendall/Hunt

Order the eBook of the text directly from KendallHunt: http://www.kendallhunt.com/kros/

or obtain from ECU Bookstore, UBE, etc.



(NOTE: Joyner Library has hard copies of an older version of the textbook available for student use on a reference and first come first served basis.) It is perfectly acceptable to buy a used hard copy of the text. However, used copies do not come with access to the Text Website & do not include all the most recent updates.

Text Website: Website for Spreadsheet Modeling for Business Decisions. Contains Excel Templates, STUDY GUIDE, interactive models, etc. You need to use the code that Kendall/Hunt sent via email to access the site.

Software:

Risk Solver Platform (RSP) - a web based version can be found here (this is the best way to access and only way Mac users can use the software) Google Sheets Risk Solver Add-on - if wanted a full term download included with text is at http://www.solver.com/risk-solver-platform

Treeplan (Excel addin for Decision Trees) - included on the Text Website or at TreePlan.com

Course Description and Goals:

Catalog Description - Managerial problem solving and decision making skills using quantitative methods and computer skills. This course covers the quantitative methods used to formulate and solve problems in business, supply chain management, economics, and the social and life sciences (Prerequisite:  MATH2283).

Think Critically
     Develop skills and judgment in becoming more effective & efficient problem solvers.  Apply the DECIDE framework to identify business problems & solutions.

Value
     Utilize EDGE perspective to evaluate "real life" problems and alternative solutions to quantitative business problems.

Communicate
     Develop skills to effectively communicate quantitative information and recommendations, and to articulate professional, quality written reports based on complex analysis.

Lead
     Demonstrate effective leadership skills to successfully structure and complete collaborative group work.

Laptop Requirement:  The College of Business requires that all students enrolled in a College of Business course acquire and have available a laptop or mobile computer for use in and out of the classroom environment. The laptop or mobile computer must be capable of running Microsoft Windows and the latest version of Microsoft Office. Faculty may also require other specialized software applications. Additional information may be found at https://business.ecu.edu/technology/

Assignments and Grading: Assignments are summarized later in this syllabus. Grading will be calculated roughly along the following guidelines and weights with student to student and student to faculty interaction via ongoing, moderated discussion board/chats (e.g. Homework):

Grading:

Homework - Including Discussion Board Posts

4 @ 7%

28%

Quizzes

4 total @ 3%

12%

Spreadsheet Tutorial Videos - contains 3 tutorials with 3 accompanying quizzes that all must be taken by 12 midnight June 30th to receive credit 9% 9%

Exam I

Exam Posted by 7/20 and due by 12 midnight 7/21

 

40%

 

40%

Final Exam - Individual Timed Assignment, Posted 7/31 and due by 12 midnight 8/1

.

11%

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ALL ASSIGNMENTS THAT ARE NOT AUTO-GRADED VIA CANVAS (E.G., FINAL EXAM OR DISCUSSION AREA POSTS) ARE EXPECTED TO BE SUBMITTED VIA CANVAS USING FILE ATTACHMENTS. PLEASE MAKE YOURSELFS FAMILIAR WITH USING PROGRAMS SUCH AS: MS Word (.doc files), Adobe Acrobat (.pdf files), and any commercial screen shot software (i.e., Snapz Pro, Screencatcher, etc.). THIS IS A MUST FOR THIS CLASS, CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS POLICY OR NEED ASSISTANCE.

FILE NAMING CONVENTION FOR SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS TO CANVAS:

PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING NAMING CONVENTION WHEN SAVING AND SUBMITTING COMPLETED ASSIGNMENT FILES:

lastnamefirstinitialassignment.suffix

For example, for myself I would name my first homework assignment file:

krosjhomework#1.doc

Be forewarned, I will either send your assignments back to you ungraded or downgrade your work if you do not follow this naming convention.

Homework will be assigned according to the tentative schedule presented. Please attempt every problem and feel free to ask me or your fellow students for assistance. However, all homework turned in must be your own work and missed assignments will receive a zero grade. Late homework will not be accepted.

Quizzes will cover material from the previous classes and the problems will be straightforward but missed quizzes can not be made up and will receive a zero grade.

The exam will cover material from the text and my lectures. The problems on the exam will be similar to the quiz and homework problems.  A missed exam will receive a zero grade. Please make prior arrangements if the exam will be missed.

Final grades will be assigned by letter and will be derived approximately from the grading percentages shown above roughly following the standard +/- scale. I will assign grades on individual assignments according to the ECU +/- scale (A = 4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B = 3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C = 2.0, C-=1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, F = 0.0).

Roughly the following grade cut-offs will be used: above 3.7 = A, above 3.3 to 3.7 = A-, above 3.0 to 3.3 = B+, above 2.8 to 3.0 = B, above 2.5 to 2.8 = B-, above 2.2 to 2.5 = C+, above 1.9 to 2.2 = C, above 1.6 to 1.9 = C-, above 1.3 to 1.6 = D+, above 1.0 to 1.3 = D, above 0.8 to 1.0 = D-, below 0.8 = F. Percentage scores will not be assigned.

Attendance: Timely attendance is the responsibility of the student.  There is no penalty for missed lectures.

COB PROCTOR POLICY
I will not be requiring proctors for this class.  However, many of the online courses you enroll in may require a proctor.  A proctor is someone who is approved to administer examinations or other course material on behalf of the course instructor.  The purpose of the proctor is to assure the integrity of the examination process.  The university academic integrity policy may be reviewed at http://www.ecu.edu/studenthandbook/III.htm.

HOWEVER, YOU ARE ON YOUR HONOR TO COMPLETE ANY EXAMS WITHOUT OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE FROM ANYONE WITHIN THE COURSE OR ANY OUTSIDE PERSON/ENTITY.  DO NOT COLLABORATE OR COLLUDE ON ANY EXAM.  PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL OR STOP BY IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS POLICY.

Attendance: Timely attendance is the responsibility of the student.  There is no penalty for missed lectures.

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Retention Requirements:  Students at East Carolina University are expected to be in Good Academic Standing. For students to be considered in Good Academic Standing, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. If a student fails to meet Good Academic Standing, he or she will be placed on academic warning, probation, or suspension as shown below.  

Consequences of Not Maintaining Good Academic Standing
Good Academic Standing
End of Semester 2
End of Semester 3
GPA = 2.0+
GPA < 2.0
GPA < 2.0
Good Standing
Probation
1 Semester Suspension

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Academic Integrity: Any academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade and appropriate university disciplinary actions taken. Please do your own work. If you do not understand the academic integrity policy of the ECU Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department please see the instructor.
 
Suggestions: To do well in this class the following hints might help.

1. Complete the homework, quizzes, and exams - correct or incorrect, I will do my best to reward effort.
 
2. Work with others - feel free to discuss problems and methodology on homeworks*.
 
3. Ask the instructor for help and PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS!!!
 
* Exams and quizzes are individual assignments and are expected to be completed without collaboration or discussion with any other student.

East Carolina University seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations based on a disability must be registered with the Department for Disability Support Services located in Mendenhall Suite 109, (252) 737-1016 (Voice/TTY).

Continuity of Instruction: In the event that face-to-face campus classes are suspended for some undetermined length of time due to a pandemic or other catastrophic event, I will strive to continue instruction for our online course through Canvas and via email soon after the event occurrence.  Students must understand that it may be necessary to make adjustments to instruction modes and/or assignments.  It is the responsibility of the student to logon each day and to comply with any needed changes.
About the Instructor: John F. Kros has a bachelors degree in business administration from The University of Texas, a master of business administration from Santa Clara University, and a Ph.D. in systems engineering from The University of Virginia. He enjoys spending his free time traveling, snow skiing, watching college football, and attempting to locate establishments that provide inexpensive food and liquid refreshment. Suggestions are always welcome!!

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TAKE NOTE: Bold Items Indicate Dates When Assignments are Posted or When they are DUE

(e.g., 7/1 is bolded as it is the due date for Homework #1)

OMGT 3223 Tentative Course Outline

Week/Day Of:

Topic

Homework

Topics:

6/26

Introduction

MS/OR Overview


.

Chapter 1

6/27

Probability and Statistics


Ch3 - Stats/Prob Video Lecture

Bayes' Rule Example

Probability Tree and Bayes' Rule Example I

Probability Tree and Bayes' Rule Example II

Chapter 3

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 1 - #2, #3, & #6

Chapter 3 - #1, #2, #3, & #4

6/30
Spreadsheet Video Tutorials Must be Completed by 12 midnight June 30th - Links are on Canvas in the assignment's folder.
. Tutorials posted on Canvas under Assignments tab.

Spreadsheet Video Tutorials Must be Completed by 12 midnight June 30th - Links are on Canvas in the assignment's folder.

7/1

Probability and Statistics

HW#1 Video Narrative & Instructions

Homework #1 -due 12 midnight

Chapter 3

7/2

Probability and Statistics

Quiz #1 - Administered via Canvas

Due 12 midnight

Bayes' Rule/Stat. Example #2 - Solutions to Selected Quiz #1 Problems

Chapters 1 and 3

7/7

Decision Analysis

Decision Analysis - Decision Criterion Excel Template (HINT: Good to use for HW#2)

Decision Analysis Lecture w/.ppt

Decision Analysis Tutorial - Building a Decision Criterion Excel Template

Chapter 2 - Attempt/follow along with any of the examples within the text of the chapter

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 2 - #1 & #2

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 4 - #1, #2, #3, & #4

7/8

Decision Analysis

 

Decision Analysis - Sensitivity Graph Tutorial

Sensitivity Analysis Example Video Tutorial

Homework #2 - due 12 midnight

Paired Problem Solution Set - Problem A & B

HOMEWORK #2 SOLUTIONS

Ibanez Produce - This is an example to assist y'all in developing Decision Trees, nothing is to be turned in.


7/9

Simulation

Video Lecture for Simulation .ppts

Chapter 5

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 5 - #1, #2, #3, & #6




7/10



Simulation
Review Stochastic Sensitivity Graphs w/regard to Dominance, Tradeoffs, and Risks



Chapter 5

7/11

Decision Analysis and Simulation

Quiz #2 - Administered via Canvas

Due 12 midnight

.

Chapter 4 and 5

7/14
Begin Optimization Models
LP Example Setup Video - EXCEL Portion

LP Example Video - Solution by Hand

Chapter 8

Transportation problems & Assignment problems

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 8- #2, #3, #4, #6, & #12

7/15
Optimization Models Optimization Tutorial Video Lecture - Shave Ice

Problem to Accompany Shave Ice LP Example Video - .pdf file

Chapter 8

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 8- #2, #3, #4, #6, & #12

Corresponding Excel Spreadsheet for Shave Ice LP Example

7/16

Optimization Models

Video Tutorial for Adding in Solver to Excel for PC's

Video Tutorial for Adding in Solver to Excel for Apple Computers

Chapter 8

Optimization problems, computer solutions, and sensitivity analysis

7/17

Optimization Models - Networks

Pirate Logistics Transportation LP Excel Template

Homework #3 - Due 12 midnight

Pirate Logistics Transportation LP - Video Tutorial on LP Setup

HW#3 Solution Set

Chapter 8

Transportation problems & Assignment problems

Peruse Chapter 8 Pirate Logistics Example to Assist in the Case Study Model Formulation

7/18

Quiz #3 - Administered via Canvas

.

Chapter 8





7/20-21

Review Sheet for Exam I

Exam I Word .pdf - Exam I Posted

Exam I Video Narrative




Video Narrative for Exam I Review Sheet




Chapter 8

Writing Guidelines

Exam I Partial Solutions - Posted After Exam I Due Date

7/21


Exam I Due 12 midnight

.
.

7/23

Begin Forecasting


Forecasting Video Lecture to Accompany the Forecasting .ppts


Chapter 7

Naive Forecasting Video Tutorial

Forecasting - Moving Average Video Tutorial

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 7 - #1, #3, #5, & #7

7/24

Forecasting-Linear Regression

Linear Regression Video I to Accompany the Regression .ppts

Chapter 6

LR Example

LR Example2

7/25

Forecasting-Linear Regression

Linear Regression Video II

Homework #4 - Due 12 midnight

Linear Regression Example Video Tutorial

Chapter 6

Peruse Study Guide Problems (these problems are only for practice & DO NOT need to be submitted):

Chapter 6- #3, #4, #5, & #6


7/28

Quiz #4 Administered via Canvas

Final Exam Review Sheet


Chapter 6 and 7

7/31-8/1

Final Exam Posted to Canvas on 7/31, Due 12 midnight on 8/1

.

Final Exam