King Saud University
Deanship of Graduate Studies
College of Business Administration
Department of Quantitative Analysis
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DECISION SCIENCES PROGRAM
(Courses option)
Academic Year 1431/1432 H
2010/2011
INTRODUCTION:
Department of Quantitative Analysis has been established under the name "Department of
Finance and Mathematics," with the College of Commerce established in 1979, in order to
teach the statistical and mathematical courses and supports the other academic departments in
the college. The department was renamed as “Department of Quantitative Methods" in the
academic year 1999 in order to teach mathematical, statistical, and quantitative sciences from
application point of view. In 2006, and in order to coincide with continuous improvement, the
College has been restructured altogether with other academic departments to be “College of
Business Administration”. Hence, the department’s name has been changed to “Quantitative
Analysis Department” and its mission is to provide master's and Ph.D. degrees and also it
supports other academic departments in different Quantitative analysis disciplines.
In order to build a partnership with all institutions and companies to make sound decisions, to
study problems, and find alternative solutions and optimal decision-making, and due to lack
of qualified persons in Saudi Labor Market who can do such missions and since there are no
academic degrees in Saudi universities to prepare such persons in contrast to the American
and European universities.
Therefore, the department suggested a Master degree in decision sciences to fulfill such lack
and cope with the advanced universal standard.
The Master of Science in Decision Sciences, MSDS, provides students with knowledge of
quantitative skills and experience in analyzing problems arising in a business environment.
The program is designed to provide knowledge about applying quantitative methods to realworld problems using modern methodologies adopted from statistics, and operations research
(management science). Today companies in every conceivable industry are reaping the
benefits of using formal mathematical models to assist them in addressing complex business
problems. The MS in Decision Sciences focuses on modeling and applications which prepares
students for a career as a Decision Sciences specialist in industry or government and bridge
the gap between quantitative analysis and management.
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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DEGREE NAME:
Master of Science in Decision Sciences (MSDS)
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the program can be summarized as follows:
1) Supply the market with decision sciences specialists.
2) Prepare graduate students for research and academic work through supporting
academic research in quantitative analysis.
3) Serve community by supporting and implementing decision sciences methodologies.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
The applicant must satisfy the admission requirements of the unified regulations organizing
the graduate studies in Saudi universities and the following conditions:
1) The applicant must have a Bachelor degree in administrative science or an equivalent
degree.
2) The applicant is required to obtain 61 as a minimum score in TOFEL internet version
or 500 scores in paper based version, 5 scores in IELTS.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
The students must successful completion of 42 credit hours of graduate distributed as follows:
1) 27 credit hours from the core Courses.
2) 12 credit hours from the elective Courses to be set by a study plan approved by the
gradate adviser. 6 of them from the department (DSC) and the other 6 from outside
the department.
3) 3 credit hours from the research project
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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The General Structure of the Program
The program requires a completion of 42 credit hours of graduate courses including 3 credit
hours for research project as follows:
1. Core Courses:
Course #
Course title
QUA 501
Business Statistical Analysis
Hours
3
DSC 514
Statistical Models for Business Applications
3
DSC 522
Deterministic Decision Analysis Models
3
DSC 525
Simulation Modeling and Analysis
3
DSC 527
Quantitative Data Manipulation
3
DSC 542
Business Forecasting
3
DSC 546
Probabilistic Decision Analysis Models
3
DSC 552
Advanced Topics in Decision Sciences
3
MGT 571
Operations Management
3
DSC 599
Research Project
3
Total Hours
2. Elective Courses Inside the Dept:
Course #
Course title
DSC 562
Applied Multivariate Methods
30
Hours
3
DSC 571
Multi-Objective Decision Making
3
DSC 572
Projects Management
3
DSC 598
Game Theory Applications
3
Total Selected Hours
3. Elective Courses Outside the Dept:
Course #
Course title
ACCT 531
Seminar in Managerial Accounting
6
Hours
3
BA 541
Marketing Management
3
BA 545
Marketing Research
3
ECON 503
Managerial Economics
3
ECON 543
Financial Econometrics
3
FIN 501
Corporate Finance
3
MGT 572
Supply Chains Management
3
MIS 521
Business Intelligence
3
Total Selected Hours
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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STUDY PLAN
First Semester
SN
Course #
1
QUA 501
Course Title
Business Statistical Analysis
Credit
3
2
DSC 522
Deterministic Decision Analysis Models
3
3
DSC 527
Quantitative Data Manipulation
3
Total Units
Second Semester
SN
Course #
1
DSC 542
2
DSC 546
3
--------
Third Semester
SN
Course #
1
DSC 525
9
Course Title
Business Forecasting
Probabilistic Decision Analysis Models
Elective
Credit
3
3
3
Total Units
9
Course Title
Simulation Modeling and Analysis
Credit
3
2
DSC 514
Statistical Models for Business Applications
3
3
MGT 571
Operations Management
3
4
--------
Elective
Total Units
Forth Semester
SN
Course #
1
DSC 552
DSC 599
3
12
Course Title
Advanced Topics in Decision Sciences
Research Project
Credit
3
3
2
--------
Elective
3
3
--------
Elective
3
Total Units
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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COURSES DESCRIPTION
QUA 501 BUSINESS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
3 (3 + 0)
Basic probability theory, probability distributions of both discrete and continuous
random variables, expectations, moments, distributions of functions of random
variables, sampling distributions, estimations of population parameters, and hypothesis
testing. Nonparametric statistical techniques and their applications to business research
will also be covered in the course. Statistical computer software such as SAS or SPSS
will be used in the course for data analysis.
DSC 514 STATISTICAL MODELS FOR BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
3 (3 + 0)
This first course in linear models is designed to present the material related to classical
regression as well as relevant modern techniques. The traditional material based on
ordinary least squares is blended with the modern methods of diagnosis and combating
collinearity. In the area of selecting the optimal subset model, classical and
contemporary methodologies are presented. Influence diagnostics to detect data points
that exert a disproportionate influence on the regression model are also presented. In
addition, procedures that are used when the assumptions of standard methodology are
violated are discussed. (Prerequisite: QUA 501).
DSC 522 DETERMINISTIC DECISION ANALYSIS MODELS
3 (3 + 0)
Introduction to deterministic optimization models and algorithms and their applications
in management science. The course emphasizes on formulation and solution of linear
programming, networks flows, integer programming and nonlinear programming.
Application areas include corporate planning, finance, marketing, production and
operations management, distribution and project management.
DSC 525 SIMULATION MODELING AND ANALYSIS
3 (3 + 0)
Students learn to model and analyze complex dynamic systems using state-of-the are
software such as ARENA. Illustrative application areas include production systems,
service systems, distribution systems and health care systems. Topics include creating
reliable simulation models, analyzing the input and output from the model and
managing simulation projects. A substantial part of the course will be devoted to
projects where students define, model and analyze a significant system of their
choosing. (Prerequisite: QUA 501).
DSC 527 QUANTITATIVE DATA MANIPULATION
3 (3 + 0)
Hands-on data analysis experiences on real world data with varying topics from year to
year using major statistical software, such as SAS and SPSS. Case studies involving
data management and model fitting; model interpretation and diagnostics. Model
approaches including exploratory data analysis; linear models; generalized linear
models; classification and regression trees; kernel, splines, and additive models.
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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DSC 542 BUSINESS FORECASTING
3 (3 + 0)
Modeling of both stationary and non-stationary time series. Autoregressive (AR)
processes and moving average (MATH) processes, as well as mixed (ARMA)
processes, are discussed, along with model identification and estimation and forecasting
procedures. Computer software is used. (Prerequisite: DSC 527 & QUA 501).
DSC 546 PROBABILISTIC DECISION ANALYSIS MODELS
3 (3 + 0)
This course investigates several probability models that are important to operations
research applications. Models covered include Markov chains, birth and death
processes, queuing theory, reliability theory, scheduling and inventory theory, and
decision theory,. The course emphasizes both the theoretical development of these
models and the application of the models to management science. Application areas
include finance, marketing, facilities design, production and energy systems.
(Prerequisite: DSC 522).
DSC 552 ADVANCED TOPICS IN DECISION SCIENCES
3 (3 + 0)
In depth study of special topics in Decision Sciences which are determined by the
department council according to the recent research and studies. (Prerequisite: DSC
546 & QUA 501).
MGT 571 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
3 (3 + 0)
This course covers various functions of production and service in the manufacturing
business company: product design, facility location and layout of the facility,
purchasing and inventory control, job design, production scheduling, Optimization
issues, quality control and the welfare of the facility. It also covers concept and
development of quality management tools and technique for quality management,
quality control and quality assurance, assessment of quality management.
DSC 599 RESEARCH PROJECT
3 (3 + 0)
The candidate, in undertaking a project, is expected to demonstrate a strong ability to
apply skills and techniques acquired during the program to solve business related
problems.
DSC 562 APPLIED MULTIVARIATE METHODS
3 (3 + 0)
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the multivariate normal distribution
and related distributions, including Hotelling T2 and Wishart distribution, are
introduced and their use illustrated in statistical estimation and hypothesis testing in
multivariate normal models. Additional topics introduced and applied include
multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, canonical correlation, principal
component analysis, factor analysis, discriminate analysis, and cluster analysis.
Students prepare their own database, apply these methods, and prepare both an oral and
a written report on their findings. (Prerequisite: QUA 501).
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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DSC 571 MULTI-OBJECTIVE DECISION MAKING
3 (3 + 0)
This course emphasis on the conceptual development of major concept, models, and
algorithms in multiple-objective programming and decision-making. Important aspects
of this development include problem formulation, properties of solutions, algorithmic
solution approaches, and applications of multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM).
(Prerequisite: DSC 562).
DSC 572 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
3 (3 + 0)
Examines the organization, planning, and controlling of projects and provides practical
knowledge on managing project scope, schedule and resources. Topics include project
life cycle, work breakdown structure and Gantt charts, network diagrams, scheduling
techniques using the Critical Path Method (CPM) and the Program Evaluation and
Review Technique (PERT) and resource allocation decisions. Concepts are applied
through team projects and tutorials using project management software.
DSC 598 GAME THEORY APPLICATIONS
3 (3 + 0)
This course emphasis on Review of Probability Theory, Formal Logic, Sets. DecisionTheoretic Foundations. Elements of Basic Models. Dominance, Nash Equilibrium,
evolutionary stability, commitment, credibility Symmetry. Perfect Equilibria in
Extensive Form Games. Incomplete Information in Static and Dynamic Settings.
Repeated Games and Folk Theorems. Applied game's examples drawn from economics,
politics, and elsewhere. (Prerequisite: DSC 522 & QUA 501).
ACCT 531 SEMINAR IN MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING
3 (3 + 0)
The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth Understanding of managerial
accounting in organizations. Emphasis is on accounting information and how to use it
effectively in performing management functions. The course provides an opportunity to
review the nature of the planning, control, and decision making functions. This course
includes the following topics: Accounting information and human behaviorInformation for tactical forecasting and decision making- Information for production
and control- Information for planning and evaluation.
BA 541 MARKETING MANAGEMENT
3 (3 + 0)
This course aims to study the managerial aspects of the firm's marketing function with
emphasis on the quantitative and qualitative criteria used in evaluating and selecting
from marketing alternatives and making marketing decisions. The course includes the
following topics: environmental and competitive analysis, marketing research,
developing and managing products, promotion, cost and demand analysis, pricing, and
distribution channels. Services marketing and international marketing get special
attention in the course. This course is a prerequisite for all advanced courses in
marketing.
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BA 545 MARKETING RESEARCH
3 (3 + 0)
This course aims to explain how research methodology is used in defining and
analyzing marketing problems. This course clarifies the role of information in making
marketing decisions and their types, the design and execution of office and field
marketing research, and the problems facing researchers in conducting marketing
research.
MIS 521 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
3 (3 + 0)
The objective of this course is to provide knowledge on the interactive computer-based
systems used to support managers. It emphasizes on the study of expert systems and
artificial intelligence and the use of knowledge in making managerial decisions. The
course includes designing user interface for decision support systems, and case study
for using an expert system shell.
ECON 503 MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS
3 (3 + 0)
The emphasis in this course will be on the demand function, demand and revenue,
elasticity of demand, and demand estimation and forecasting. This course includes also,
theory of production: production functions, production costs, linear breakeven analysis,
empirical production and cost functions, polynomial functions, power functions (CobbDouglas functions), and properties of functions. Finally, the course contains output and
pricing determination in different market structures: perfect competition, monopoly,
imperfect competition, monopolistic competition, models of oligopoly, and other
pricing mechanisms.
ECON 543 FINANCIAL ECONOMETRICS
3 (3 + 0)
Topics be covered in this course include: univariate time series modeling and
forecasting in finance, multivariate models, VAR models, modeling long-run
relationships, autoregressive conditional heteroskedasity (ARCH) models, volatility
and correlation, switching models, seasonalities in financial markets.
FIN 501 Corporate Finance
3 (3 + 0)
This course serves as an Introduction to the basic concepts of corporate finance. The
topics covered by this course include financial markets and instruments, time value of
money, risk and return, financial statements and their analysis, security valuation. Other
topics that will be introduced to students in this course include project analysis, capital
budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy. (Prerequisite: ACCT 514)
MS in Decision Sciences..Dept. of Quantitative Analysis College of Business Administration 2011
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MGT 572 SUPPLY CHAINS MANAGEMENT
3 (3 + 0)
This course explores the key issues associated with the design and management of
industrial Supply Chains (SC). SC is concerned with the efficient integration of
suppliers, factories, warehouses and stores so that products are distributed to customers
in the right quantity and at the right time. One of the primary objectives of SC
management is to minimize the total supply chain cost subject to various service
requirements.
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