(Vision for the Future)

College of Commerce and Business Administration

Course Syllabus
MNGT 403: Operations Research
Fall 2017-2018

(A) University Vision, Mission and Values

Vision
Dhofar University aspires to occupy a recognized position among the institutions of quality higher education.
Mission
Dhofar University strives to achieve excellence in teaching, research and community service in an open learning environment
conducive to creativity and innovation and to the acquisition of cutting-edge professional knowledge.
Core Values Academic excellence, (2) Individual responsibility, (3) Continuous improvement, (4) Active citizenship and
(5) Life-long learning

(B) Course/Instructor Information

Course Code : MNGT 403

Course Title : Operations Research
Credit Hours : 03
Pre-requisite : BUSS 306, MNGT 215
Co-requisite : ------
Delivery Mode : Lecture & Assignment
Office Hours : SUN & TUE : 11:00 - 12:00 noon. Wed : 12:30 - 13:30

Sec Instructor Room Day Time Office No. Email Extn.

1 Dr. Khaleequzzaman Khan COMC 007A Sun, Tue, Thu 15:00 – 15:50 CCBA109 A k2_khan@du.edu.om 7436

(C) Course Description

Operations Research (OR) refers to the science of decision making. This course provides a survey of
fundamental methods of Operations Research and their applications at an introductory level. The emphasis
is on applications rather than the details of methodology. By the end of the course, students will be exposed
to a wide variety of applications and problems that can be addressed using Operations Research techniques.
Topics include in this course are linear programming (two and more than two decision variables),
transportation and assignment problems, decision theory, game theory, inventory models, queuing models.
Pre-requisite: MNGT 215

(D) Course Learning Outcomes

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 Knowledge Assessment methods
1 Understand the nature, charecterstics and application of Class discussions
Operations Research.
2 Understand the meaning of Linear Programming and constructing a Test 1 and final exam
solution for LP problems.
3 Understand the various methods to solve the problem of Linear Test 2 and final exam
programming. Use of graphical method and MS SOLVER for more
than two decision variables.
4 Understand the concept of transportaion problems and to get Test 3 and final exam
optimal solutions of the problems.
5 Understand Assignment Method and Assignment Algorithmn Test 3 and final exam
(Hungarian Methods)
6 Understand the concept of Game Theory, and various method for Final exam
calculating saddle point and value of game
7 Understand the concept Queuing theory and Queuing models. Final exam
8 Understand the decision making under certainty and uncertainty Final exam
Cognitive Skills
1 Demonstrate an ability to make decisions under conditions of Tests & final exam
certainty and uncertainty by using various OR methods.
2 Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate tools and software in Tests & final exam
solving various business problems.
General Competencies
1 Learn overall application of Operation Research in Business. Tests & final exam
2 Learn to analyze the various business situations which require Tests & final exam
quantitative solutions and computer applications.

(E) Program Learning Outcomes

1 Have the knowledge and skills specifically in their area of specialization necessary to understand
and succeed in business, government, and/or graduate school.
2 Are globally-oriented and who recognize the influence of globalization on country’s economy.

3 Are equipped to think creatively and critically and play leadership roles in society.

4 Have the research-oriented spirit so that they challenge the status quo situations to move to
better ones.
5 Have the team work spirit.

6 Are equipped with interpersonal communication skills.

7 Are capable to professionally use the latest technologies that relate to their major in business.

Program Learning Outcomes covered in the course: 1, 3, 4, & 7

(F) Graduate Attributes

1) Master theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the student’s chosen discipline commensurate with
program level and objectives

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2) Demonstrate capacity for effective communication, critical thinking, creativity and innovation
3) Exhibit honesty, discipline and accountability
4) Practice tolerance, humility, respect for differences and commitment to service
5) Practice life-long learning

Graduate attributes covered in the course: 1, 3, & 5

(G) Reading Materials, References and Resources

Textbook : 1. Operations Research by P. Rama Murthy, 2nd edition, New Age International
The book is reserved in DU Library for this courses.
: 2. Opoerations Research by Anand Sharma. Himalaya Pub. House.
Note : These books are available free on line at : https://books.google.com.om/books?id=T-
707YzDBSYC&pg=PR9&lpg=PR9&dq=quantitative+techniques+in+management+free+download&source=bl
&ots=384duzVHBe&sig=yRgV5Dbpb8viIOT3Z_FD7h8TSKE&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=fals
e
Reference Books 3. Operations Research - Quantitative Techniques for Management (9th
Edition), by Kapoor V.K.: Sultan chand and Sons, 2014 , ISBN : 978-93-5161-
011-3, File Type (findpdf.net/.../operational-research-v-k-kapoor-pdf-)

Useful
http://www.or.org/
Websites/Software
https://www.fraserhealth.ca/media/Introduction-to-Statistics-and-Quantitative-
Research-Methods.pdf
MS-Excel,

(H) Learning/ Teaching Strategies

The course is completely a practical module. The lecture would include class lectures, tutorials; homework;
assignments; in-class participation; and short quizzes. Students need to refer the textbooks and/or internet
sites together with the handouts to update their knowledge and cope up with the assignments and other
assessments. Regular class attendance is important and will be monitored. Students are expected to develop
their skills for at least 6 hours a week in their self paced learning sessions.

(I) Research Teaching Nexus

The contribution of operations research to the society : ( http://openthoughtsmarter.blogs.uoc.edu/the-

contribution-of-operations-research-to-the-society/ )
Moodle Link http://moodle.du.edu.om/login/index.php

(J) Weekly Course Outlines

Week no. Topics/Activities to be Covered

1&2 Unit1: Introduction to Operations Research: Introduction and meaning of

Operations Research (OR); Features of OR; Scope of OR; Limitations of OR
3,4, 5 Unit2: Linear Programming : Meaning and Nature of LP, formulation of LP problems,
assumptions underlying LP, Solutions to LP problems: graphical method.

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 6 Revision and Test 1 (15 Marks)

7
Unit2: Linear Programming : Solution by simplex method using MS Solver in
(in comp
lab) computer lab.

8 Test 2 (In computer lab.) (10 Marks)

8,9 Unit3: Transportation problem: Concept of Transportation problem, Finding Initial basic
Solution of the problem and optimal solution.
10,11 Unit4: Assignment Problem : Meaning and concept of Assignment Problem ,
Assignment Algorithmn and Hungarian Assignment Method.
Revision for the test 3
12 Test 3 (15 Marks)
12,13 Unit5: Games Theory: Concept of Games, Two Person Zero Sum Games, Maximin and
Minimax Principles. Pure strategy, Mixed strategy, Saddle point, Value of game.

14 Unit6: Queuing Theory: Concepts of Queueing, Structure of Queueing System, Single

Channel Model, Characteristics of M/M/1 : ( FCFS / ∞ ) model.

15 Unit 7 : Decision theory

16 READING PERIOD

16-17 FINAL EXAM

(K) Assessment Dates & Evaluation

Assessment Grade Proportion Week/Dates

Test 1 15% 6th. week

Test 2 Practical test in Comp Lab 10% 8th. week

Test 3 15% 12th. week

Class participation 10% Ongoing in class

Final exam 50% End of Semester

Total 100%

(L) Important Information for Students

1) University Academic Integrity Policy (Cheating, Collusion and Plagiarism)

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Cheating is defined as “employing or seeking to employ any unfair means in the examination or in any other
form of work submitted for assessment as part of any university course”. It is a deliberate attempt to gain
academic credit dishonestly or to help others to do this.
Collusion is defined as ‘Unauthorized collaboration on assessable work with another person or persons’. It
is a form of cheating which occurs when students work together in a deceitful way to produce work for an
assessment which is restricted to individual effort.
Plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized use of the work of another person as one’s own, whether or not
such work has been published. It is considered as academic theft.
A student at Dhofar University shall not engage cheating, collusion or plagiarism during examinations or
continuous assessment. Any person accused of cheating, collusion or plagiarism shall be referred to the
College (FP) Academic Council in which the violation occurred for appropriate action.
2) Class Attendance and Absence Rules
Attendance of all classes and course-related activities is obligatory. A student is not allowed to miss more than
25 percent of the course’s sessions within the first 14 weeks of the semester (five weeks in the case of the
summer session). A student is given first warning after missing 5% of classes and a second warning after missing
15% of classes. Any student who misses 25 percent of a course’s contact hours (45 hours) would be withdrawn
and given a grade of ‘WA’. No petitions are allowed requesting reinstatement to the course.
3) Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from courses after the Drop/Add period until Thursday, 21 Dec. 2017 subject to the
following conditions:
 Students who are withdrawn for excessive absences will receive a grade of “WA.”
 Student who withdraws from a course will receive a grade of “W” for the withdrawn course.
 A student cannot withdraw from a course after the announced deadline unless approved by the College
Academic Council.
 Students cannot withdraw or be forced to withdraw from a course if it results in the student being
registered for less than 12 credits without the approval of the College Academic Council.
 A student can withdraw from only one required course per semester. Students who wish to withdraw
from more than one required course must petition and seek the permission of the College Academic
Council to do so.

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