Operation Research
Business Studies Department Mission Statement
Aligning with the Lakewood University mission, our innovative business programs will prepare learners to work as valuable managers and leaders in their respective workplaces, facilitating change for the benefit of the organization, its stakeholders, and society.
Disclaimer Statement
The final examination in this course will be remotely proctored. Please be sure you have your computer's camera on so you can display your photo identification so the proctoring system can verify your identity. If you run into any issues please reach out to your Success Coach.
You can also prepare for your examination by reading this helpful guide: https://www.talview.com/en/test-taker-guide
OPRS300 — Operation Research, 3.0 hours
This course introduces students to the principles and applications of Operations Research (OR) and operational management. Students will learn how organizations use analytical methods, quantitative techniques, and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency, productivity, and organizational performance. Topics include operational planning, forecasting, optimization, inventory management, project scheduling, quality control, and operational risk assessment.
The course consists of seven instructional lessons and a comprehensive final examination. Students will explore Operations Research fundamentals, decision-making techniques, forecasting and demand planning, linear programming, inventory and supply chain management, project scheduling methods, and quality improvement strategies. Through practical business scenarios and analytical exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to analyze operational challenges, optimize resources, evaluate risks, and recommend solutions that support organizational goals and operational effectiveness.
Professor
Arthur Lever is an educator and seasoned technology leader dedicated to advancing innovation at the intersection of business and information systems. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in technology, business, accounting, and project management, blending academic theory with practical application. With over a decade of executive leadership experience in information technology, he brings deep expertise in enterprise systems, governance, cybersecurity, and strategic vendor management. Arthur integrates real-world industry insight with academic rigor to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences that cultivate critical thinking, ethical leadership, and informed decision-making in both traditional and online environments.
Online Support (IT) and Moodle Navigation
All members of the Lakewood University community who use the University’s computing, information or communication resources must act responsibly. Support is accessible by calling 1-800-517-0857 option 2 or by emailing info@lakewood.edu
Evaluation Method
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance.
Course Requirement Summary
- Assignments - Total of 80 Points
- Weekly discussion forums - Total of 30 Points
- Final Exam - 50 Points
Grading Scale
Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given above in evaluation methods. The maximum number of points a student may earn is 160. To determine the final grade, the student's earned points are divided by 160.
Your overall course grade will be determined according to the following scale:
A = (90% -100%)
B = (80% - 89%)
C = (70% - 79%)
D = (60% - 69%)
F < (Below 60%)
Assignment and Discussion Forum Post Rubrics
Writing Assignment Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent |
Good |
Poor |
Very Poor |
No Response |
|
Original Posting ____/10 |
Writing assignment was well thought out, coherent, and thoughtfully organized with all parts of the questions addressed along with appropriate grammar and spelling |
Writing was clear and relatively well organized and responded to many/most of the key points with a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Writing was somewhat confusing and not well organized and had little or no focus on the subject matter with significant grammar and spelling errors |
Writing is confusing and hard to follow with no organization while missing the point of the assignment entirely |
No Assignment |
|
Total Points ____/10 |
Additional Comments: |
Discussion Question Grading Rubric
|
Points |
Excellent Pass |
Good Pass |
Poor Fail |
No Response Fail |
|
Original Posting PASS/FAIL |
Original post reflected good focus to the discussion with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Original post responded to the topic in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Responded with little or no focus to the discussion and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Reply to fellow student PASS/FAIL |
Response to fellow student reflected good focus to the post with well thought out ideas and appropriate grammar and spelling |
Response to fellow student in a general fashion but failed to organize them well and had a few mistakes in regard to grammar and spelling |
Little or no focus to the post and contained short, irrelevant and/or confusing commentary with significant grammar and spelling errors |
No posting |
|
Total Points PASS/FAIL |
Additional Comments: |
Academic Integrity/ Plagiarism
Cheating (dishonestly taking the knowledge of another person whether on a test or an assignment and presenting it as your work) and plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own the ideas or writing of another) are a serious issue. While it is legitimate to talk to others about your assignments and incorporate suggestions, do not let others "write" your assignments in the name of peer review or "borrow" sections or whole assignments written by others. We do get ideas from life experiences and what we read but be careful that you interpret these ideas and make them your own.
I am aware that many types of assignments are available on the internet and will check these sources when there is legitimate suspicion.
Penalty is a zero on the assignment. In cases where there is a major or continuous breach of trust, further discipline, such as an "F" in the course, may be necessary.
The major consequence of any form of cheating is damage to your character and the result of trust and respect.
Disability Accommodations
Students who have a disability and wish to request an academic accommodation should contact Jim Gepperth, the Disabilities Services Coordinator and Academic Dean. The student can request an accommodation at any time although it is encouraged to do so early in the enrollment process. The student should complete an accommodation request form which begins a conversation between the school and the student regarding the nature of their disability and an accommodation that would help the student succeed in their program. The school may request documentation regarding the disability to address the accommodation request effectively. The school will communicate to the student the type of accommodation arranged. This process typically follows a team approach, bringing together persons from the academic department (including the instructor) and personnel from other departments as necessary. Additional information on disability accommodations may be found in the Lakewood University Catalog.
Disability Services Email: disabilityservices@lakewood.edu
Supplemental Texts
You can use the following resources to assist you with proper source citation.
American Psychological Association Style Guide- https://www.mylakewoodu.com/pluginfile.php/118179/mod_resource/content/1/APA%20Style%20Guide%207th%20edition.pdf
The Purdue OWL website is also a helpful resource for students. Here is a link to the OWL website: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
Library
Mary O'Dell is the Librarian on staff at Lakewood University
She is available by appointment. You can make an appointment with her by emailing her at modell@lakewood.edu or call at 1-800-517-0857 X 730
You may also schedule a meeting at this link: https://my.setmore.com/calendar#monthly/r3a761583354923270/01032020
She can assist you with navigating LIRN, research, citations etc.
Support
Each student at Lakewood University is assigned a Success Coach. Your Success Coach exists to assist you with academic and supportive services as you navigate your program. They will reach out to you, often, to check-in. Please use the resources they offer.
Student Services is available to assist with technical questions regarding Lakewood University and all services available to you.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
info@lakewood.edu
studentservices@lakewood.edu
Career Services
Students are offered Career Services at any point as they journey their academics at Lakewood University.
1-800-517-0857 option 2
careerservices@lakewood.edu
Objectives
- Explain the role of Operations Research (OR) in organizational decision-making and operational management.
- Apply quantitative and analytical techniques to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
- Analyze business operations and workflows to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Evaluate resource allocation strategies to support organizational goals and operational effectiveness.
- Utilize forecasting and data-driven decision-making methods to support operational planning.
- Apply optimization models and problem-solving techniques to operational and managerial challenges.
- Assess operational risks, constraints, and performance metrics in business environments.
- Develop operational strategies and recommendations that improve efficiency, quality, and organizational performance.
Lessons
Introduction to Operations Research and Operational Management
Study Course Syllabus
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
Discussion Forum 1 upon completion of the lesson
Data Analysis and Decision-Making Techniques
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Review Student Assignment Guide
Complete Assignment 1
Lesson Evaluation
Assignment 1 upon completion of the lesson
Forecasting and Demand Planning
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Review Student Assignment Guide
Complete Assignment 2
Lesson Evaluation
Assignment 2 upon completion of the lesson
Linear Programming and Optimization Models
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
Discussion Forum 2 upon completion of the lesson
Inventory and Supply Chain Management
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Review Student Assignment Guide
Complete Assignment 3
Lesson Evaluation
Assignment 3 upon completion of the lesson
Project Scheduling and Operational Efficiency
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Review Student Assignment Guide
Complete Assignment 4
Lesson Evaluation
Assignment 4 upon completion of the lesson
Quality Control and Performance Measurement
Review Lecture Slides
Review Case Study
Participate in the Discussion Forum
Lesson Evaluation
Discussion Forum 3 upon completion of the lesson
Final Exam
Complete the Final Exam
Lesson Evaluation
THANKS FOR A GREAT CLASS
Final exam upon completion of the lesson