Addis Ababa University

College: Business and Economics

Department: Management
Program: MBA (Master of Business and Economics)
Course Title: Operations Research
Year: I, Semester: II
Instructor:
 Name: Habtamu E. (Ph.D)
 Contact Information ___________________
 Office hours: _________________________

No Section Contents Remarks

1 Module to which the Supportive

course belongs:

4.1. Module Title Supportive

4.2. Type of Module Supportive

2 Core competencies Students can demonstrate the following: What are

1. Technical Proficiency: Mastery of advanced
the core
spreadsheet functions, formulas, and tools competenci
2. Analytical Thinking: Ability to break down es students
complex problems and analyze data to derive should
meaningful insights. Ability to identify key demonstrate
variables using sensitivity analysis, linear
programming models and deterministic models.
at the end
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to design and of the
implement effective solutions using spreadsheet course?
models.
4. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and
reliability in data handling and model
development.
5. Communication Skills: Proficiency in presenting
complex models, data and findings clearly and
effectively through visualizations and reports to
diverse audiences, including stakeholders and
decision-makers
6. Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work
 collaboratively on projects, sharing knowledge
and skills to achieve common goals.

3 Course Type Class lecture and exercise, lab, practical

optimization modeling using spreadsheet and
other tools

4 Course Identifiers

4.1. Course Code MGMT 6241

4.2. Credit Hrs/ECTS/ 7

5 Prerequisite None

6 Course Description This course provides an in-depth exploration of

optimization models using advanced spreadsheet
modeling techniques for complex data analysis
and decision-making. Students will learn
optimization model development and harness the
full power of spreadsheet software MS Office
Add in “Solver” Or/and Lingo to create from
simple to sophisticated models for management
Science, operations management,
logistics/supply chain management, marketing,
financial analysis, environmental management,
strategic planning and such. The course covers
advanced functions, data visualization, and what
if analysis among others, emphasizing practical
applications and real-world problem-solving.

7 Learning Outcomes Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

include the following:

By the end of the course the students will be able

to design a spreadsheet reflecting assumptions,
decision variables, and outcomes, create a basic
cashflow model, evaluate a small business
opportunity, conduct what-if analysis, identify
key variables using sensitivity analysis, and
linear programming models and deterministic
models. More specifically they will be able to

1. Use Mathematical Functions: Understand

and apply Mathematical functions
2. Apply Optimization concepts and
 algorisms: Understand and work with linear
programming, integer programming and
mixed integer programming problems
3. Develop Complex Models: Mastering the art
of model design according to best practice
design principles and standards. Build simple
to complex business models step-by-step that
uses the functions learnt in the course
4. Utilize Advanced Functions and
Formulas: Create and apply formulas and
functions in model building and data analysis
in order to create robust and dynamic models
and reports
5. Conduct Scenario and Sensitivity
Analysis: Design and execute scenario and
sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of
different variables on model outcomes and
know model robustness
6. Evaluate the accuracy and reliability:
Assess and validate the accuracy and
reliability of spreadsheet models through
debugging, error-checking, and sensitivity
testing.
7. Use Optimization Software: Solve business
optimization models Solver and Lingo
8. Collaborate effectively; when working on
spreadsheet projects, demonstrate clear
communication and teamwork skills.

8 Course Contents 1. Introduction to Modeling

2. Introduction to Spreadsheet Modeling
3. Introduction to Optimization Modeling
4. Linear Programming Models
5. Network Models
6. Goal Programing
7. Optimization Models with Integer Variables
8. Simulation
9 Teaching and learning In this course several teaching-learning
techniques approaches will be applied, among others:

1. Short Lectures and discussions

2. Individual and group Practical
Exercise
3. Individual and group projects and
presentation
4. Lab session for simulation exercises
10 Assessments On the bases of learning
outcomes/competencies, a combination of
the following assessment approached will be
followed:

1. Assignments and Exercises: 40%

2. Test and quizzes: 20%
3. Final Exam: 30%

11 Course Policy 1. Students must attend a minimum of 85%

(AAU Senate Legislation)
2. Failure to miss any of the assessment
elements will result in an Incomplete
grade
3. A student will not be allowed to report
later than 5 minutes on more than 2
incidences.
4. Cellphones will not be allowed during
examinations.

12 Learning Resources

12.1. Textbooks 1. Practical Management Science, Winston and

Albright, 4th Ed
2. Introduction to Management Science, Hiller and
Liberman, 7th Edition

12.2. References 1. Powell, G.S., 2000, "Teaching Modeling in

Management Science," INFORMS Transactions
on Education, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 62-67.
2. Leong, T-Y, and Cheong, M.L.F., 2008,
"Teaching Business Modeling Using
Spreadsheets," INFORMS Transactions on
Education, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 20-34.
3. Kyle Maclean, Lauren E. Cipriano, Gregory S.
Zaric, 2016 “Good Modelling Practices in
Microsoft Excel” Harvard Business Publishing
4. Adam Diamant, 2024, “Introducing Prescriptive
and Predictive Analytics to MBA Students with
Microsoft Excel” Vol. 24, No. 2

12.3. Lab Materials and Computer Labs for spreadsheet modeling

Equipment practical exercises