SIMULATION AND OPTIMISATION - 2023/4

Module code: MAN2187

Module Overview

Prescriptive analytics area such as optimisations and simulations will be introduced for decision making in a business environment. Several typical business scenarios will be analysed using Discrete Event Simulations. Optimisations will be used in a business context.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

GIRALEAS Dimitris (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 117

Lecture Hours: 11

Laboratory Hours: 11

Captured Content: 11

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

The module content will focus on simulation and optimisation. Please find below an indicative set of topics.

Introduction to Systems and Systems Modelling
Optimisations using Linear and Integer Programming
Network Flow Optimisations
Optimal Transportation Models
Discrete Event Simulation (DES)
DES software
Applied DES
System Dynamics
Agent Based Simulation
Hybrid Simulation

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) Simulation group coursework 60
Examination Online Optimisation 2-hour online exam 40

Alternative Assessment

An alternative to the group project is a defined individual project using a business problem with a specific description (750 words for the individual).

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they:

· appreciate methods that underpin Operational Research;
· use simulations to gain business insights;
· demonstrate abilities of finding optimal solutions for business opportunities.
The summative assessment for this module consists of

· Simulation group coursework (60%). Group coursework to assess Simulation elements.
Formative assessment and feedback

· Simulation and optimisation online exam (40%)
2-hour online examination.

Students will be given the opportunity to receive formative assessment and feedback relevant to the assignments.
Formative assessment relevant to the closed book exam may be provided on SurreyLearn discussion forums.

 

FeedbackThe exam and assignments will contain information of what topic areas the student knows well and not so well, and how
the student can further improve her/his performance.
The assignment feedback will be automated and provided via SurreyLearn on submission. The student is encouraged to
seek further feedback during the lab sessions or during feedback and consultation hours.

Module aims

  • Introduce students to key theories in modelling and simulation;
  • Explore the main methods in Prescriptive Analytics with a focus on optimisations;
  • Explore the use of simulations and optimisations in decision making.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 To design and formulate optimisation challenges solution KCP
002 To compare and evaluate relevant analytical methods to improve business productivity KCPT
003 To design and implement simulation models and explain their results KCP
004 To effectively communicate and present results to stakeholders and decision makers PT
005 To apply academic and business skills for writing professional reports. KCPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to encourage critical understanding of the role played by analytics for
business decision making. Learning will be directed, supported and reinforced through a combination of lectures,
computer laboratory sessions, and online discussion groups, plus directed and self-directed study. The course may
include research-led elements and offers a mix of theoretical insights and case study material that will be delivered both
online and offline where appropriate.
Assessment Strategy

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN2187

Other information

N/A

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
International Business Management (Dual degree with SII-DUFE) BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Business Management (Business Analytics) BSc (Hons) 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
International Business Management BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Business Management BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A pass as determined by the relevant criteria is required to pass the module
Business Economics BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.