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Decision & Information Analysis - MAN00018H

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Luisa Huatuco
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

The module starts with an introduction into decision analysis, covering basic concepts and some simple non-compensatory heuristic decision-making ideas. We then move on to more sophisticated compensatory, although deterministic, methods, and consider multiple decision makers and the beginnings of sensitivity analysis.

Uncertainty is introduced, and the idea of risk-averse or risk-seeking behaviour, as encoded in the concept of utility. Bayes’ theorem appears to allow us to evaluate the value of imperfect and perfect information, before we move on to some simple data-mining techniques including classification trees and clustering.

Later, the module covers linear programming. We investigate what problems are suitable, and look at how to solve them, both by hand and on computer. Finally, we look at what linear programming can tell us about the context of the problem we’ve investigated.

Module learning outcomes

A student completing this module should:

1. have a multi-disciplinary understanding of behavioural and normative theories of decision making, the value to individuals and organisations of decision support systems and be aware of current practice in the use of decision support systems.

2. have a knowledge of information and decision analytic techniques and be able to solve simple decision problems.

3. have a knowledge of various advanced decision support approaches,

4. be able to work effectively as a member of a group to evaluate decision support systems and also to analyse decision problems more generally.

Module content

Overview of different types of decision making: strategic, tactical and operational. Multi-criteria decision making. Introduction to data analytics. OR modelling systems and simulation, decision analytic systems onto activities within an organisation. Application of these techniques in solving complex decision making problem.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 80
Groupwork
Group Presentaion and Report		 N/A 20

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Decision & Information Analysis Essay		 N/A 80
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 20

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

  • Goodwin, P. and Wright, G. (2014). Decision Analysis for Management Judgment. 5th Edition. Chichester: Wiley.

Provost, F. and Fawcett, T. (2013). Data science for business. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly.

Ragsdale, C. T. (2015). Spreadsheet Modeling & Decision Analysis: A Practical Introduction to Business Analytics. Cengage Learning


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.