Module: Advanced Operational Modelling for Business

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Operational Modelling for Business
Module Code	MNA1012 (ITS: MT319)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Operational models and have become an essential tool for business with applications in every business function and process. The aim of this module is to learn how to develop reliable and effective quantitative data and operational models and to use them appropriately to support analysis and decision-making for common business problems. Students will learn how to apply major techniques of operations research / management science through spreadsheet modelling, and learn how to interpret an analyse a variety of managerial problems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define what is meant by data and operational modelling in the context of the business environment.
2. Explain the role of operational models in the analysis and decision-making processes of different functions
3. Discuss the benefits, limitations, and risks of data and operational models in the business environment.
4. Outline the steps necessary to ensure professional development of data and operational models.
5. Construct management science based spreadsheet models which can be used to support the solving of business problems.
6. Develop operational models using best practice that can be used by managers as decision support systems

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Direct lecture and class discussions
Independent Study	51	Students are expected to study the recommended textbooks and journal articles, and are encouraged to read further around the topics in each module. Such private study will include preparation for specific classes for example to discuss a case, and other study related to assignments or to consolidate the material from lectures
Assignment Completion	27	Students will be asked to prepare spreadsheet models
Directed learning	25	Study and Preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20063	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Melda Hasiloglu Ciftciler	Module Teacher	James Byrne, Paul Davis

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Develop Requirements for an Operational Model	20%	n/a
Assignment	Design, Build and Test an Operational Model	40%	n/a
Report(s)	Document and Present an Operational Model	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Introduction to data modelling, decision making, management science and business problems

Business problems
Identifying business problems and how they may be solved using a data or spreadsheet model.

Decision Support Systems
Define when DSS are used and how they can help solve business problems.

Operational modelling applications
Modelling common business problems using management science techniques

Model planning and development
Best practice in the development of spreadsheet models and tools used to aid in the development.

Advanced Operational Modelling
Advanced spreadsheet features for decision support.

Visualisation and Presentation
Charts, documentation, presentation

Tools for sensitivity analysis and scenario development
What-if, goal seek, optimisation, scenarios, simulation etc.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hillier, Frederick S; Hillier, Mark S.: 2019, Introduction to Management Science, 6th, McGraw Hill, 9781260091854
Albright & Winston: 0, Spreadsheet Modelling and Applications (Essentials of Practical Management Science), Thomson,
John F. Barlow: 0, Excel Models for Business and operations Management, 2nd Edition, Wiley,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

0: Relevant articles will be recommended during the course,