1.    Catalog Description

Analyzes the role of simulation and modeling in decision support systems and computer-based information systems. Examines the features, types, uses, construction and simulation of models in management of decision making processes. Prerequisite: MIST 705.

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2.    Expected Outcomes

This course provides an overview of computer simulation and modeling and some of the areas that they have been used successfully. The expected outcomes are:

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To introduce the development of computer simulation and modeling systems as both an academic field and as a commercially viable software systems for use to support, and to automate business decision making.
To enable students to acquire an understanding of the basic concepts and skills associated with computer simulation and modeling , decision theory and the modeling of business decisions.
To appreciate how different forms of computer system support the operation and deployment of decision support systems within organizations, and to understand how contemporary developments in Web technology are allowing these developments to diffuse into many other applications.
To understand and appreciate how the fields of computer simulation and modeling have evolved from earlier work in decision support systems.

3.   Each student is expected to have a working campus email account. Students are highly encouraged to bring their notebook computers to class.

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4.   Expanded Description of the Course and Instructional Methods:

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This course has been developed to provide a basic treatment of the important aspects of discrete-event simulation, with particular emphasis on examples to illustrate simulation principles and applications in manufacturing, services, and computing. This course master's-level introduction to simulation, or for a second course with applications. The associated website http://www.bcnn.net is an essential companion to the text. Although the course remains independent of any particular simulation language there will be usage of Excel-based examples and simulation support tools. The course work will require the students to gain experience of a limited range of computer software tools e.g. Microsoft Excel in order to better understand the practicalities of deploying such systems in real-time decision making in business settings, and their use off-line in strategy and policy development.

Instructional methods:

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a.   Instructional methods used in this course include lectures, class discussions, and in-class demonstrations:

1.     Lectures are used to clarify and supplement text readings

2.     Class discussions are used to facilitate student understanding and provide integration of course material within the business educational domain

3.     Assignments provide hands-on experience with information technologies

b.   Students are expected to assimilate a portion of course content through self-study of the textbook and instructor-provided materials.

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5.  Textbook

Discrete-Event System Simulation, 5/E
Jerry Banks, John S. Carson, II, Barry L. Nelson, David M. Nicol

ISBN-10: 0136062121
ISBN-13:  9780136062127

Publisher:  Prentice Hall
Copyright:  2010
Format:  Paper; 640 pp
Published:  06/26/2009

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6.   Attendance and Participation

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students. In the case of absence due to emergency (illness, death in the family, accident), religious holiday, or participation in official functions, it is the student's responsibility to confer with the instructor about the absence and missed course work.

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7.  Examinations

There will be 2 examinations for this term. The examinations will be based on materials covered in class. They are all closed books and notes.  Makeup examinations will be allowed for only serious reasons and then they must be completed before the next class period.  An examination may never be taken early.  Only one makeup examination will be allowed.

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Cheating on the assignments, during examinations or quizzes will result in removal from the course with a failing grade.  This includes crib sheets and copying from other students.  If you study together, do not sit by each other during exams!  In addition, the student will be reported to the Office of Student Discipline.  There is no second chance.

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8.   Methods of evaluating outcomes