Data & Decision AnalysisISOM201 : Data & Decision AnalysisISOM201 Dr. Martin Schedlbauer
Office: S640
Office Hours: Mo/We 1:00 – 1:30pm and by appt.
E-Mail: mschedlbauer@suffolk.edu
Introduction to Quantitative Analysis : Chapter 1 To accompanyQuantitative Analysis for Management, Tenth Edition, by Render, Stair, and Hanna
Power Point slides created by Jeff Heyl Introduction to Quantitative Analysis © 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Learning Objectives : Learning Objectives Describe the quantitative analysis approach
Understand the application of quantitative analysis in a real situation
Describe the use of modeling in quantitative analysis
Use computers and spreadsheet models to perform quantitative analysis
Discuss possible problems in using quantitative analysis
Perform a break-even analysis After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
Chapter Outline : Chapter Outline 1.1 Introduction
1.2 What Is Quantitative Analysis?
1.3 The Quantitative Analysis Approach
1.4 How to Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model
1.5 The Role of Computers and Spreadsheet Models in the Quantitative Analysis Approach
1.6 Possible Problems in the Quantitative Analysis Approach
1.7 Implementation — Not Just the Final Step
Introduction : Introduction Modeling is critical in figuring out if something works as planned
Many disciplines use modeling:
architecture
civil engineering
military
There are different types of models:
scale models
schematic models (diagrams)
quantitative models (mathematical formulae)
most appropriate for business and finance
Introduction : Introduction Mathematical tools have been used for thousands of years
Quantitative analysis can be applied to a wide variety of problems
It’s not enough to just know the mathematics of a technique
One must understand the specific applicability of the technique, its limitations, and its assumptions
Examples of Quantitative Analyses : Examples of Quantitative Analyses Taco Bell saved over $150 million using forecasting and scheduling quantitative analysis models
NBC television increased revenues by over $200 million by using quantitative analysis to develop better sales plans
Continental Airlines saved over $40 million using quantitative analysis models to quickly recover from weather delays and other disruptions
What is Quantitative Analysis? : Quantitative analysis is a scientific approach to managerial decision making whereby raw data are processed and manipulated resulting in meaningful information What is Quantitative Analysis?
What is Quantitative Analysis? : Quantitative factors might be different investment alternatives, interest rates, inventory levels, demand, or labor cost
Qualitative factors such as the weather, state and federal legislation, and technology breakthroughs should also be considered
Information may be difficult to quantify but can affect the decision-making process What is Quantitative Analysis?
The Quantitative Analysis Approach : The Quantitative Analysis Approach Figure 1.1
Defining the Problem : Defining the Problem Need to develop a clear and concise statement that gives direction and meaning to the following steps
This may be the most important and difficult step
It is essential to go beyond symptoms and identify true causes
May be necessary to concentrate on only a few of the problems – selecting the right problems is very important
Specific and measurable objectives may have to be developed
Developing a Model : Developing a Model Quantitative analysis models are realistic, solvable, and understandable mathematical representations of a situation Other types of models can be useful too
Developing a Model : Developing a Model Models generally contain variables (controllable and uncontrollable) and parameters
Controllable variables are generally the decision variables and are generally unknown
Parameters are known quantities that are a part of the problem
Acquiring Input Data : Acquiring Input Data Input data must be accurate – GIGO rule Data may come from a variety of sources such as company reports, company documents, interviews, on-site direct measurement, or statistical sampling
How To Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model : How To Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model An important part of the quantitative analysis approach
Let’s look at a simple mathematical model of profit Profit = Revenue – Expenses
How To Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model : How To Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model Expenses can be represented as the sum of fixed and variable costs and variable costs are the product of unit costs times the number of units Profit = Revenue – (Fixed cost + Variable cost)
Profit = (Selling price per unit)(number of units sold) – [Fixed cost + (Variable costs per unit)(Number of units sold)]
Profit = sX – [f + vX]
Profit = sX – f – vX where
s = selling price per unit v = variable cost per unit
f = fixed cost X = number of units sold
How To Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model : How To Develop a Quantitative Analysis Model Expenses can be represented as the sum of fixed and variable costs and variable costs are the product of unit costs times the number of units Profit = Revenue – (Fixed cost + Variable cost)
Profit = (Selling price per unit)(number of units sold) – [Fixed cost + (Variable costs per unit)(Number of units sold)]
Profit = sX – [f + vX]
Profit = sX – f – vX where
s = selling price per unit v = variable cost per unit
f = fixed cost X = number of units sold
Pritchett’s Precious Time Pieces : Pritchett’s Precious Time Pieces Profits = sX – f – vX The company buys, sells, and repairs old clocks. Rebuilt springs sell for $10 per unit. Fixed cost of equipment to build springs is $1,000. Variable cost for spring material is $5 per unit. s = 10 f = 1,000 v = 5
Number of spring sets sold = X If sales = 0, profits = –$1,000
If sales = 1,000, profits = [(10)(1,000) – 1,000 – (5)(1,000)]
= $4,000
Pritchett’s Precious Time Pieces : Pritchett’s Precious Time Pieces 0 = sX – f – vX, or 0 = (s – v)X – f Companies are often interested in their break-even point (BEP). The BEP is the number of units sold that will result in $0 profit. Solving for X, we have
f = (s – v)X
Pritchett’s Precious Time Pieces : Pritchett’s Precious Time Pieces 0 = sX – f – vX, or 0 = (s – v)X – f Companies are often interested in their break-even point (BEP). The BEP is the number of units sold that will result in $0 profit. Solving for X, we have
f = (s – v)X
Models Categorized by Risk : Models Categorized by Risk Mathematical models that do not involve risk are called deterministic models
We know all the values used in the model with complete certainty
Mathematical models that involve risk, chance, or uncertainty are called probabilistic models
Values used in the model are estimates based on probabilities
Computers and Spreadsheet Models : Computers and Spreadsheet Models Using Goal Seek in the Break-Even Problem Program 1.4
Possible Problems in the Quantitative Analysis Approach : Possible Problems in the Quantitative Analysis Approach Defining the problem
Problems are not easily identified
Conflicting viewpoints
Impact on other departments
Beginning assumptions
Solution outdated
Developing a model
Fitting the textbook models
Understanding the model
Possible Problems in the Quantitative Analysis Approach : Possible Problems in the Quantitative Analysis Approach Acquiring input data
Using accounting data
Validity of data
Developing a solution
Hard-to-understand mathematics
Only one answer is limiting
Testing the solution
Analyzing the results
Summary : Summary Quantitative analysis is a scientific approach to decision making
The approach includes
Defining the problem
Acquiring input data
Developing a solution
Testing the solution
Analyzing the results
Implementing the results