Syllabus for DSI-625

RISK SIMULATION AND QUEUING


COURSE DESCRIPTION

Risk Simulation and Queuing covers three important modeling techniques. Students will learn how to construct and implement simulation models to model (1) the uncertainty in decision input variables (e.g., price, demand) so that the overall estimate of interest from a model can be supplemented by a risk interval of possible other outcomes (risk simulation), and (2) the variability in arrivals over time (customers, cars at a toll plaza, data packets, etc.) and ensuing queues (queuing theory). Students will also learn how to employ decision trees to incorporate information derived from models to make optimal decisions. Students will use spreadsheet-based software to specify and implement models.

COURSE TOPICS

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, you should be able to:

CO 1        Use simulation to describe and measure the impact of uncertainty on decision problems.

CO 2        Use optimization techniques with simulation to mitigate and manage risk.

CO 3        Study queuing models used to describe and manage the behavior of waiting lines.

CO 4        Use payoff tables, decision trees, multi-criteria scoring models, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze decisions problems.

COURSE MATERIALS

You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.

Required Textbook

ISBN-13: 978-1305947412

COURSE STRUCTURE

Risk Simulation and Queuing is a three-credit, online course consisting of six modules. Modules include an overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete written assignments, and complete a final project. See below for details.

Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.

Promoting Originality

One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in SafeAssign.

Discussion Forums

In addition to an ungraded Introductions Forum, you are required to participate in four graded online class discussions.

Communication with your mentor and among fellow students is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online class discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a discussion question and at least two subsequent comments on classmates' responses.

All of these responses must be substantial. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate or your mentor, state and support your position.

You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation, including your use of relevant course information to support your point of view, and your awareness of and responses to the postings of your classmates. Remember, these are discussions: responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, mature, and respectful.

Written Assignments

You are required to complete four assignments. The written assignments are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules.

Final Project

You are required to complete a final project that incorporates concepts and skills from throughout the course. There will be several weeks leading up to the submission of the final project where you are expected to work on the project and receive feedback from your mentor.

Part 1: Assemble Data and Strategy

Assemble the data needed to work on the project, formulate a strategy for completing the project, make sure you understand the questions, and address questions to your mentor. The last point is essential—even if you think you understand exactly how you are to proceed, you need to outline your strategy with your mentor.   

Part 2: Initial Draft

Prepare an initial submission with your analysis that is substantially complete. You may raise additional questions with your mentor at this point to seek guidance. You must in any case share your work with your mentor.

Part 3: Final Submission

Incorporate guidance and complete final submission. Taking the guidance from your mentor into account, prepare and submit your final submission.  

GRADING AND EVALUATION

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:

A

=

93–100

B

=

83–87

A–

=

90–92

C

=

73–82

B+

=

88–89

F

=

Below 73

To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or higher on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., assignments, discussion postings, projects). Graduate students must maintain a B average overall to remain in good academic standing.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

First Steps to Success

To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:

Study Tips

Consider the following study tips for success:

ACADEMIC POLICIES

To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.

For more, see:

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