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: In-person: Wednesday 3:30
- 4:30PM; Zoom: Thursday 6:00-7:00PM
Teaching Assistant: Miss Sahar Jolini
Email: sjolini@gmu.edu
Office: Engineering Building, Room 2216
In-person Office Hours: Thursday 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Zoom: by appointment. Please email TA to schedule a time.
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 5%; Two exams, 30% each; Term project 10%; Quiz in class 25% (four lowest ones will be dropped).
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:
The two exams will be held in class. Make up exam questions will be MUCH
HARDER than regular exam questions.
Class Format and in-class quiz:
The
instructor will come to the classroom to give lectures in person. It is
preferred that students also come to the classroom. However, students can choose to attend the class
online through Blackboard, except taking exams. After you log into your
blackboard and get into our class, please choose "tool". and click
"Blackboard Collaborate Ultra". Then you will see the link to join
the class.
Two quizzes will be given in each class: one before the middle break and another one near the end of the class. To encourage class participation, the instructor will ask several questions during the lecture. If you choose to attend the class online, you have to answer one instructor’s question before each quiz in order to be qualified to take that quiz online. To answer questions online, please unmute your microphone and speak out. Further details will be given during classes.
Recordings of New Lectures:
All of our new lectures will be 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 (to log in Bb, please click here):
1. You
can download ppt files of lectures at "Course Content" section.
2.
Lecture recordings of from previous years are
available at "Course Content" section.
3. Homework assignments and term project are
available at "Assignment" section.
4. Solutions to homework will be posted at "Assignment" section after submission deadline.
5. 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 |
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/