Quantitative Business Modeling - Tapa dura

For every chapter I reviewed, the influence diagrams were excellent. These are a major strength of the text and are great learning tools for the students. The sequence of topics, as evidenced by the very detailed table of contents, is one of the strengths of this text. Integration of the statistical data analysis tools with the management science modeling and analysis topics within a problem-solving framework is quite appealing. We are currently teaching these two subjects in two different courses. I teach Business Statistics and another professor teaches MS. My opinion is that this book can be used by both classes. I would adopt this book for the following two reasons. First, I like its writing style. The materials are presented in a quite understandable way. Second, the topics in this book are those exactly what I teach in my classes. I tried to read the manuscript from two perspectives: (1) a university professor considering the book for adoption, and (2) an undergraduate taking the course. I believe this book will do well, as it emphasizes utility of the topics without overwhelming the student with soporific mathematical proofs. The examples are "real world," and are supplemented with figures which delineate the materials. A student who is taught from this textbook will have the tools to use quantitative business models for their career.

Rather than giving instruction in models and solving problems, this textbook focuses on the process of modeling and the use of models in analyzing various managerial situations. The process of modeling is highly relevant to all business disciplines and is a critical skill for all professionals. The emphasis of this text will be on the integration and development of modeling skills including problem recognition, data collection, model formulation, analysis, and communicating and implementing the results.