Outline

Overview

This introductory unit on decision analysis addresses the formal methods of decision making. These methods include measuring risk by subjective probabilities; growing decision trees; performing sensitivity analysis; using theoretical probability distributions; simulation of uncertain events; modelling risk attitudes; estimating the value of information; and combining quantitative and qualitative considerations. The primary goal of the unit is to demonstrate how to build models of real business situations that allow the decision maker to better understand the structure of decisions and to automate the decision process by using computer decision tools.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Business Analytics
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BUSS1020 or DATA1001 or ECMT1010 or ENVX1001 or ENVX1002 or STAT1021 or ((MATH1005 or MATH1015) and MATH1115) or 6 credit points of MATH units which must include MATH1905
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	QBUS2320 or ECMT2630 or ENGG1850 or CIVL3805
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Simon Loria, simon.loria@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Simon Loria, simon.loria@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Open book supervised pen and paper exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial Engagement Submit tutorial pre work modules and attend class.	10%	Multiple weeks	Not Applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Written assignment	10%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Sep 2024	Up to 1000 word with associated analysis
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	Mid-semester test Open book, supervised, pen and paper test	20%	Week 08 Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 09:10	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Simulation modelling and written report	15%	Week 12 Due date: 25 Oct 2024 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Nov 2024	1,500 words with numerical analysis
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutorial engagement: For at least 10 of the 13 tutorials submit the tutorial pre-work question/s to Canvas prior to coming to class AND attend class. Marks are distributed equally for both requirements.
Assignment 1: This assignment will require answering a series questions based on different business scenarios. The assignment will require students to use “Precision Tree” computer software (provided), as well as draw on theoretical material from lectures. Students will be expected to analyse the data provided, build appropriate models and demonstrate the ability to draw meaningful inferences based on the data and model output.
Assignment 2: The assignment will focus on building a simulation model for a business start-up. The model will require using the simulation software “@Risk” to apply techniques learnt in the unit to the problem at hand. Students will be expected to select the correct models and then write a report providing in-depth data analysis, a discussion of the business implications of their findings and outlining suggested courses of actions for decision makers and other stakeholders.
Mid-semester exam: This is an open book exam covering concepts from weeks 1-6 of the unit. Questions could be short answer or extended response and will require students to build decision trees and undertake numerical analysis. Students will be expected to draw out of their analysis relevant business implications for decision makers. The exam can be completed with using the course software.
Final exam: This is an open book exam and will assess all aspects of this unit from weeks 1-13. Questions could be short answer or extended response and will require students to build decision trees and other models as well as undertake numerical analysis. Students will be expected to draw out of their analysis relevant business implications for decision makers.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

All assignments submitted after the due date will be penalised at the rate of 5% per day up to 50% in total as per Business School Guidelines.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to decision analysis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Decision trees and their application	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Risk profiles and stochastic dominance	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Decision probabilities and Bayes theorem	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Value of information	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Theoretical probability models	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Mid Semester Exam	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Monte Carlo simulation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Monte Carlo simulation extension	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Utility theory and risk attitudes	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Utility Theory and decision trees	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Prospect theory, biases and heuristics	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	AHP and exam review	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

Tutorial attendance: Attendance at 80% of tutorials is expected.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Making Hard Decisions, Clemen and Reilly, South-Western, Cengage Learning (3rd Edition).

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. recognise the types of problems that decision analysis can and can’t address
LO2. develop the ability to identify the values, objectives, attributes, decisions, uncertainties, consequences, and trade-offs in a real decision problem
LO3. apply the concepts learned in this unit (expected value, value of information, risk aversion, and tradeoffs between attributes) to identify good decisions and strategies
LO4. demonstrate the ability to represent a decision problem graphically and/or mathematically
LO5. develop the skills to determine the optimal decision mathematically
LO6. cultivate the aptitude for identifying which parameters have the most impact on the results of an analysis
LO7. Develop the expertise of explaining the results of decision analysis to managers and other non-specialists.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Both exams have reverted to paper based exams as some students who took digital exams had issues with the software. Tutorial participation and attendance marks have been introduced this semester.

Additional information

Public Holiday arrangements: The W10 lecture and tutorials that fall on Monday 7 October will be rescheduled for later in the same week.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

QBUS3330: Methods of Decision Analysis

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect