Undergraduate courses in Management Science and Engineering

Practical knowledge about personal finance and money management including budgeting, pay checks, credit cards, banking, insurance, taxes, and saving. Class especially appropriate for those soon to be self-supporting. Limited enrollment.

1 unit, Win (Morrison, M), Spr (Morrison, M)

MS&E 92Q. International Environmental Policy

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. Science, economics, and politics of international environmental policy. Current negotiations on global climate change, including actors and potential solutions. Sources include briefing materials used in international negotiations and the U.S. Congress.

4 units, Win (Weyant, J)

MS&E 93Q. Nuclear Weapons, Terrorism, and Energy

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. What are nuclear weapons and what do they do? Why do some nations want them? What are the risks of nuclear terrorism? What is radioactivity? What role does nuclear power play? Can it help with global warming? Emphasis is on policy options in the light of changes in the world. Recommended: a course in international relations, engineering, or physical science. GER:DB-EngrAppSci, DB-EngrAppSci

3 units, Spr (Hecker, S)

MS&E 101. Undergraduate Directed Study

Subject of mutual interest to student and faculty member. Prerequisite: faculty sponsor.

1-15 units, Aut (Staff), Win (Staff), Spr (Staff), Sum (Staff)

MS&E 107. Interactive Management Science

(Same as MS&E 207.) Analytical techniques such as linear and integer programming, Monte Carlo simulation, forecasting, decision analysis, and Markov chains in the environment of the spreadsheet. Probability management. Materials include spreadsheet add-ins for implementing these and other techniques. Emphasis is on building intuition through interactive modeling, and extending the applicability of this type of analysis through integration with existing business data structures. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

3 units, Aut (Savage, S)

MS&E 108. Senior Project

Restricted to MS&E majors in their senior year. Students carry out a major project in groups of four, applying techniques and concepts learned in the major. Project work includes problem identification and definition, data collection and synthesis, modeling, development of feasible solutions, and presentation of results.

5 units, Win (Bailey, D; Chiu, S; Hausman, W; Katila, R; Shachter, R)

MS&E 111. Introduction to Optimization

(Same as ENGR 62.) Formulation and analysis of linear optimization problems. Solution using Excel solver. Polyhedral geometry and duality theory. Applications to contingent claims analysis, production scheduling, pattern recognition, two-player zero-sum games, and network flows. Prerequisite: MATH 51. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

4 units, Aut (Goel, A), Spr (Van Roy, B)

MS&E 112. Mathematical Programming and Combinatorial Optimization

(Same as MS&E 212.) Combinatorial and mathematical programming (integer and non-linear) techniques for optimization. Topics: linear program duality and LP solvers; integer programming; combinatorial optimization problems on networks including minimum spanning trees, shortest paths, and network flows; matching and assignment problems; dynamic programming; linear approximations to convex programs; NP-completeness. Hands-on exercises. Prerequisites: CS 106A or X; ENGR 62 or MATH 103. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

3 units, Win (Saberi, A)

MS&E 120. Probabilistic Analysis

Concepts and tools for the analysis of problems under uncertainty, focusing on model building and communication: structuring, processing, and presentation of probabilistic information. Examples from legal, social, medical, and physical problems. Spreadsheets illustrate and solve problems as a complement to analytical closed-form solutions. Topics: axioms of probability, probability trees, random variables, distributions, conditioning, expectation, change of variables, and limit theorems. Prerequisite: MATH 51. Recommended: knowledge of spreadsheets. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

5 units, Aut (Shachter, R)

MS&E 121. Introduction to Stochastic Modeling

Stochastic processes and models in operations research. Discrete and continuous time parameter Markov chains. Queuing theory, inventory theory, simulation. Prerequisite: 120 or Statistics 116. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

4 units, Win (Glynn, P)

MS&E 130. Information Systems and Networks

Technical, social, and economic issues in modern information networks. Introduction to Internet architectures and search technologies. Network economics and the pricing of digital goods. Advertising and marketing models for the Internet. Social interaction in the networked society emphasizing how information systems have altered work and the workplace. Recommendation systems, reputation systems, and information markets. Prequisite: CS 106B or X. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

3 units, Spr (DiPalantino, D)

MS&E 134. Organizations and Information Systems

(Same as MS&E 234.) How information systems impact organizations and how organizations take control of information technology (IT) to gain a competitive edge. Topics include: IT components, architecture, and transformation; the effect of IT on competition; real-time enterprise; leadership; and outsourcing. Student teams perform field studies based on situations in which information technology is creating a significant management problem or business opportunity. Enrollment limited. Prerequisites: CS 106A, 180, or equivalents.

4 units, Win (Tabrizi, B)

MS&E 140. Accounting for Managers and Entrepreneurs

(Same as MS&E 240.) Non-majors and minors who have taken or are taking elementary accounting should not enroll. Introduction to accounting concepts and the operating characteristics of accounting systems. The principles of financial and cost accounting, design of accounting systems, techniques of analysis, and cost control. Interpretation and use of accounting information for decision making. Designed for the user of accounting information and not as an introduction to a professional accounting career.

3-4 units, Win (Stanton, F), Spr (Stanton, F), Sum (Stanton, F)

MS&E 142. Investment Science

(Undergraduates register for 142.) Theory and application of modern quantitative investment analysis from an engineering perspective. How investment concepts are used to evaluate and manage opportunities, portfolios, and investment products including stocks, bonds, mortgages, and annuities. Topics: deterministic cash flows (term structure of interest rates, bond portfolio immunization, project optimization); mean-variance theory (Markowitz model, capital asset pricing); and arbitrage pricing theory. Group project. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: 120, ENGR 60, MATH 51, or equivalents. Recommended: 140, ENGR 62, knowledge of spreadsheets.

3 units, Aut (Primbs, J)

MS&E 152. Introduction to Decision Analysis

(Same as MS&E 152W.) How to make good decisions in a complex, dynamic, and uncertain world. People often make decisions that on close examination they regard as wrong. Decision analysis uses a structured conversation based on actional thought to obtain clarity of action in a wide variety of domains. Topics: distinctions, possibilities and probabilities, relevance, value of information and experimentation, relevance and decision diagrams, risk attitude. Students seeking to fulfill the Writing in the Major requirement should register for MS&E 152W. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

3-4 units, Spr (Shachter, R)

MS&E 152W. Introduction to Decision Analysis

(Same as MS&E 152.) How to make good decisions in a complex, dynamic, and uncertain world. People often make decisions that on close examination they regard as wrong. Decision analysis uses a structured conversation based on actional thought to obtain clarity of action in a wide variety of domains. Topics: distinctions, possibilities and probabilities, relevance, value of information and experimentation, relevance and decision diagrams, risk attitude. Students seeking to fulfill the Writing in the Major requirement should register for MS&E 152W. GER:DB-EngrAppSci, WIM

3-4 units, Spr (Shachter, R)

MS&E 153. Introduction to Decision Making in Organizations

Experienced management consultants share lessons and war stories. Case studies, disguised examples from real engagements, and movie clips illustrate theories and concepts of decision analysis. Student teams critique decisions made in actual organizations. Topics include what makes a good decision, how decisions can be made better, framing and structuring techniques, modeling and analysis tools, biases and probability assessment, evaluation and appraisal methods, decision psychology, creativity and organizational leadership, and effective presentation styles. Not intended for MS&E majors. GER:DB-EngrAppSci

3 units, Sum (Holtzman, S; Robinson, B)

MS&E 154. Business Strategy and Public Policy Decision Making

Comparative study of how decision makers should formulate, evaluate, and implement strategy or policy in organizations of all sizes. Student teams apply qualitative and quantitative methods to private sector strategies, such as Internet company growth, entrepreneurial start-up, or corporate R&D portfolio, and public sector policies, such as nuclear nonproliferation, flu pandemic mitigation, and terrorist attack prevention. Topics: right people doing the right thing in the right way; framing key issues and challenges; crafting doable strategies and policies; capturing uncertainties; resolving value dilemmas; analyzing consequences; testing sensitivities; gathering additional information; and committing to action. Not intended for MS&E majors. Recommended: algebra and probability.

3 units, Sum (Robinson, B)

MS&E 175. Innovation, Creativity, and Change

Problem solving in organizations; creativity and innovation skills; thinking tools; creative organizations, teams, individuals, and communities. (Katila)

3-4 units, Win (Katila, R)

MS&E 180. Organizations: Theory and Management

For undergraduates only; preference to MS&E majors. Classical and contemporary organization theory; the behavior of individuals, groups, and organizations. Limited enrollment. Students must attend first session.

4 units, Aut (Eisenhardt, K), Spr (Siino, R)

MS&E 181. Issues in Technology and Work for a Postindustrial Economy

How changes in technology and organization are altering work and lives. Approaches to studying and designing work. How understanding work and work practices can assist engineers in designing better technologies and organizations. Topics include job design, distributed and virtual organizations, the blurring of boundaries between work and family life, computer supported cooperative work, trends in skill requirements and occupational structures, monitoring and surveillance in the workplace, downsizing and its effects on work systems, project work and project-based lifestyles, the growth of contingent employment, telecommuting, electronic commerce, and the changing nature of labor relations.

3 units, Aut (Companys, Y)

MS&E 184. Technology and Work

Interplay between technology and work, emphasizing technological change and its impact on workers at all levels. Technologies include the assembly line, computer and information systems, cardiac surgery techniques, and advanced computational software. Motivations for and consequences of change, including rationalization, deskilling, reskilling, offshoring, and increasing abstraction of work.

3 units, Spr (Bailey, D)

MS&E 185. Global Work

Issues, challenges, and opportunities facing workers, teams, and organizations working across national boundaries. Topics include geographic distance, time zones, language and cultural differences, technologies to support distant collaboration, team dynamics, and corporate strategy.

4 units, Spr (Hinds, P)

MS&E 190. Methods and Models for Policy and Strategy Analysis

Guest lectures by departmental practitioners. Emphasis is on links among theory, application, and observation. Environmental, national security, and health policy; marketing, new technology, and new business strategy analyses. Comparisons between domains and methods.

3 units, Spr (Hutton, D)

MS&E 193. Technology and National Security

(Same as MS&E 193W, MS&E 293.) The interaction of technology and national security policy from the perspective of history to implications for the new security imperative, homeland defense. Key technologies in nuclear and biological weapons, military platforms, and intelligence gathering. Policy issues from the point of view of U.S. and other nations. The impact of terrorist threat. Guest lecturers include key participants in the development of technology and/or policy. Students seeking to fulfill the WIM requirement should register for 193W.

3 units, Aut (Perry, W; Hecker, S)

MS&E 193W. Technology and National Security

(Same as MS&E 193, MS&E 293.) The interaction of technology and national security policy from the perspective of history to implications for the new security imperative, homeland defense. Key technologies in nuclear and biological weapons, military platforms, and intelligence gathering. Policy issues from the point of view of U.S. and other nations. The impact of terrorist threat. Guest lecturers include key participants in the development of technology and/or policy. Students seeking to fulfill the WIM requirement should register for 193W. WIM

3 units, Aut (Perry, W; Hecker, S)

MS&E 197. Ethics and Public Policy

(Same as PUBLPOL 103B, STS 110.) Ethical issues in science- and technology-related public policy conflicts. Focus is on complex, value-laden policy disputes. Topics: the nature of ethics and morality; rationales for liberty, justice, and human rights; and the use and abuse of these concepts in policy disputes. Case studies from biomedicine, environmental affairs, technical professions, communications, and international relations. GER:DB-Hum, EC-EthicReas, WIM

5 units, Win (McGinn, R)

MS&E 198. Applied Modeling of Energy and Environmental Markets

Economic principles in models of energy and environmental markets. Spreadsheet examples for developing insights and communicating with decision makers. Market-clearing conditions, controlling emissions through fees, diffusion of new technologies, resource depletion, cartel behavior, and model evaluation. Prerequisites: ECON 50 and spreadsheets, or consent of instructor.

1 unit, Aut (Huntington, H)

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Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09

Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09

Alphabetical Index

Bulletin Archive

Undergraduate courses in Management Science and Engineering