Honor Code
Student members of the George Mason
University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters
related to academic work.
Instructor: Chun-Hung Chen
Email: cchen9@gmu.edu
Office: Engineering Building, Room 2213
Phone: 703-993-3572
Fax: 703-993-1521
Office Hours: Friday 11:30AM - 12:30PM, or by appointment
Course Description:
A survey of probabilistic methods for solving decision problems under uncertainty. Probability review, decision theory, queuing theory, inventory models, reliability, decision theory, and simulation are covered. Emphasis is on modeling and problem solving.
Prerequisites: STAT 346, or MATH 351, or equivalent.
Grading: Homework 10%; Term Project 10%, Two exams 80% (higher one 45%, lower one 35%).
Required Text: W. L. Winston, "Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms" 4rd edition, 2004. Two copies of the text books have been placed on reserve at the Johnson Center Library. It may be borrowed for 2 hours at a time. To borrow the book, you will need the call number: T57.6.W645 2004.
Examinations:
There will be two take-home exams. The exam runs from 10:30am of the day to
11:50pm of the next day. Make up exam questions will be MUCH HARDER than
regular exam questions.
Term Project:
Further details will be given during the semester.
Class Format:
The class will be all online, but will be run in a
hybrid format: synchronous and asynchronous. We will have a one-hour on-line
lecture each week (10:30-11:30am, Friday, via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra).
Before the lecture, students are required to watch some lecture recordings from
previous year. During the online lecture, we will quickly review those
materials in the recordings students have watched, and
preview the new materials in the recordings student will watch in the coming
week. It is important that student watch the required recordings before lecture. Specific details will be given at each
lecture.
Recordings of New Lectures:
All of our new lectures have been recorded. If you miss a class, you should go
to watch those recordings to catch up the teaching materials and the announcements
made in classes.
To access the new recordings, after you log into your blackboard and get into our class, please choose "tool" and click "Blackboard Collaborate Ultra". After you enter Collaborate, click the menu on the upper left corner of the Collaborate window and then choose "Recordings".
Blackboard (via myMason):
1. You
can download ppt files and written notes of lectures at "Course
Content" section.
2. Homework assignments and term project are
available at "Assignment" section.
3. Solutions to homework will be posted at "Assignment" section after submission deadline.
4. Sample exam questions and their solutions can
be downloaded at "Assignment" section.
General Rules:
Course Outline
& Reading Assignment:
|
|
Topics |
Time (week) |
Reading Assignment |
|
A |
Introduction |
0.5 |
|
|
B |
Probability review |
1.5 |
Chapter 12 |
|
C |
Inventory Models |
3 |
Chapters 15 & 16 |
|
D |
Markov chains |
2 |
Chapter 17 |
|
E |
Queueing theory |
2 |
Chapter 20 |
|
F |
Forecasting |
1 |
Chapter 24 |
|
G |
Simulation |
2 |
Skim Chapters 21, 22, 23 |
Tentative
Schedule and Required Watching of Recordings (from 2nd class):
|
Date |
Plan |
|
1/29 |
First class & introduction |
|
2/5 |
Probability 1 and Probability 2 |
|
2/12 |
Probability 3 and Inventory 1 |
|
2/19 |
Inventory 2 and Inventory 3 |
|
2/26 |
Inventory 4 and Inventory 5 |
|
3/5 |
Inventory 6 and Markov Chains 1 |
|
3/12 |
Do Sample Exam 1 |
|
3/19 |
Exam 1 |
|
3/26 |
Markov Chains 2 and Markov Chains 3 |
|
4/2 |
Queueing Theory 1 and Queueing Theory 2 |
|
4/9 |
Forecasting & Simulation |
|
4/16 |
Do Sample Exam 2 and Term Project |
|
4/23 |
Exam 2 |
|
4/30 |
Review of Exam 2 and Term Project |
*** The recordings are located at BB: Course
Content -> "Recordings from Previous Years"
About the topic of simulation
in this course:
This is a survey course. Each topic is covered up to the level that students learn how to apply the fundamental theories, except simulation. It is safe to say that simulation is one of the most useful tools for decision making under uncertainty. However, only demonstration and very basic ideas of simulation will be given in this course, because of the limit of time. For details about the simulation courses offered by the department, please visit
Go to Professor Chun-Hung Chen's Page
Important Statements from University
Academic
Integrity
GMU
is an Honor Code university; please see the Office for Academic Integrity for a
full description of the code and the honor committee process. The principle of
academic integrity is taken very seriously and
violations are treated gravely. What does academic integrity mean in this
course? Essentially this: when you are responsible for a task, you will perform
that task. When you rely on someone else's work in an aspect of the performance
of that task, you will give full credit in the proper, accepted form. Another
aspect of academic integrity is the free play of ideas. Vigorous discussion and
debate are encouraged in this course, with the firm expectation that all
aspects of the class will be conducted with civility and respect for differing
ideas, perspectives, and traditions. When in doubt (of any kind) please ask for
guidance and clarification.
Disabilities
Statement
If
you have a documented learning disability or other condition that may affect
academic performance you should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file
with Office of Disability Services (SUB I, Rm. 4205; 993-2474;http://ods.gmu.edu)
to determine the accommodations you need; and 2) talk with me to discuss your
accommodation needs.
Mason
Diversity Statement
George Mason University promotes a living and
learning environment for outstanding growth and productivity among its students,
faculty and staff. Through its curriculum, programs,
policies, procedures, services and resources, Mason strives to maintain a
quality environment for work, study and personal
growth.
An emphasis upon diversity and inclusion
throughout the campus community is essential to achieve these goals. Diversity
is broadly defined to include such characteristics as, but not limited to,
race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation.
Diversity also entails different viewpoints, philosophies, and perspectives.
Attention to these aspects of diversity will help promote a culture of
inclusion and belonging, and an environment where diverse opinions, backgrounds
and practices have the opportunity to be voiced, heard
and respected.
The reflection of Mason's commitment to diversity and inclusion goes beyond
policies and procedures to focus on behavior at the individual, group and
organizational level. The implementation of this commitment to diversity and
inclusion is found in all settings, including individual work units and groups,
student organizations and groups, and classroom settings; it is also found with
the delivery of services and activities, including, but not limited to,
curriculum, teaching, events, advising, research, service, and community
outreach.
Acknowledging that the attainment of
diversity and inclusion are dynamic and continuous processes, and that the
larger societal setting has an evolving socio-cultural understanding of
diversity and inclusion, Mason seeks to continuously improve its environment.
To this end, the University promotes continuous monitoring and self-assessment
regarding diversity. The aim is to incorporate diversity and inclusion within
the philosophies and actions of the individual, group and organization, and to
make improvements as needed.
Student
Support Resources on Campus
Resources that you may find helpful may be
found at:
http://ctfe.gmu.edu/teaching/student-support-resources-on-campus/