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MN50750: Optimisation & spreadsheet modelling

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: School of Management
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWRI 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework 1 (CWRI 50%)
  • Coursework 2 (CWRI 50%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes:
* Recognise the components of an optimisation problem within a given managerial problem [CILO:K1]
* Model and solve real life managerial problems as optimisation problems [CILO:I2, I3]
* Use advanced functions of Excel to provide business decision support [CILO:P1]
* Design spreadsheets and VBA code to solve business problems [CILO:P4, I5]
* Prepare business reports to present the results of an optimisation model to a non-technical audience [CILO:I6, P5].


Aims: This unit will introduce you to the concept of making the best possible decisions through the use of mathematics and computers. In addition, the unit covers the advanced functions of Excel the programming language (VBA) embedded within.

Skills: See LO Section.

Content: Topics covered:
Optimised decision making, what-if analysis, modeling multiple objective problems.
Spreadsheet Modelling: Basic and advanced spreadsheet functions, VBA programming, and implementing optimisation algorithms in VBA.

Course availability:

MN50750 is Compulsory on the following courses:

School of Management

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
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