DSC1007 / DSC1007X Business Analytics – Models and Decisions

Module Description
This course prepares students with fundamental theory and basic instruments to capture
business insights from data and thus make good managerial decisions. Quantitative
models and tools such as Decision Analysis, Simulation Modeling and Mathematical
Optimization are covered to demonstrate the use of scientific methods in business
decision making. Practical examples and cases with rich data are used to stimulate
students’ interest and understanding in Business Analytics.

Lecture Topics
1) Laws of Probability, Bayes Theorem, Covariance
2) Discrete Probability Distributions
3) Continuous Probability Distributions
4) Normal Distribution and the Central Limit Theorem
5) Decision Tree Model and Analysis
6) General Method Decision Analysis
7) Random Number Generators
8) Using the Sample Data for Analysis
9) Computer Software for Simulation Modeling
10) Formulating Management Problems
10a) Linear Optimization Model
10b) Nonlinear Optimization Model
10c) Discrete Optimization Model
11) Computer Software for Optimization Modeling

I took DSC1007x which is open to all NUS student. DSC1007 is only for Biz students. Since this is known to be a module of a quantitative nature, you can expect to find more people from Maths, Stats, Engineering than other majors.

Workload
One two-hours lecture
Lectures were taught by Prof Wang Tong. He is very experienced in teaching the topics in this module. He is also very clear and easy to understand.

Weekly one-hour tutorial
My tutorials were taught by a PhD student.

Textbook is not compulsory. I didn't buy the textbook because it is so expensive. Buy if you think u have the time to read and do the practices.

Lectures were not webcasted. But there are past year webcasts for you to view.

Assessment (AY12/13 Sem 1)
10% Class Discussion
10 % Assignment
10 % Project Report
70 % Final Exam

The assignment/tutorial is group work. Each team has to submit one entry. The first half of the tutorials are pretty easy if you have basic statistics background. It gets harder at the back when you start to do optimisation.

Project is also group work. One entry. The group has to come up with a hypothetical business problem where you have multiple choices and a decision to make.

Personal
Awaiting results

Extra notes to readers: I have lecture notes and tutorials. I will not be giving out my group project. Download them from my Dropbox.