DRAFT

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
The School of Public Policy
PUBP 712   Policy Systems Analysis and Managemental Science
Fall 2002

Basic Course Information

Instructor:    Wayne D. Perry
Office:         212 Finley Bldg
Telephone:   (703) 993-2276
Fax:             (703) 993-2284
Email           wperry@osf1.gmu.edu
Meeting:      Monday, 7:20 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Room:          Arlington, 250
Office Hours:  TBA

Prerequisites
PUBP 704

Required Texts
Eppen, Gary D., F.J. Gould, L. Schmidt, "Quantitative Concepts for Management: Decision Making Without Algorithms," Third Edition, Prentice Hall, 1988.

Quade, E.S., "Analysis for Public Decisions," Third Edition, revised by Grace M. Carter, Prentice Hall, 1989.

Recommended Text
Gramlich, Edward M., "A Quide to Benefit-Cost Analysis," Second Edition, Waveland Press, 1990.

Reference Text
Bronson, Richard, "Theory and Problems of Operations Research," Schuam's Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, Latest Edition.

Description and Objectives
This course introduces students to analytical models and systems analysis which can be applied to support decisions.  The primary emphasis will be to understand the techniques of public management science/ operations research for economic analysis and public decision making.  The mathematical details of the algorithms used to solve the models will not be emphasized except as they contribute to understanding the reliability and validity of these methodologies.  Through case studies, home work, and computer solutions students should gain in an appreciation of when, where and how to use the models.  Finally, students will demonstrate their understanding of these techniques by applying them to a term project on a government program or public policy system.

Requirements
The student's performance will be based on (1) class participation, homework and case assignments.  (2) mid-term examination, (3) final examination, and (4) term project paper.  Each of these four components will contribute equally, 25 percent, toward the final grade.

COURSE OUTLINE
Topic/ Readings

Introduction to Modeling and Policy Analysis  Eppen, et. al., Chapters 1-2, Quade, Chapters 1-3

Optimization Models and Economic Analysis  Eppen, et.al., Chapters 2-3, Quade, Chapters 4-5

Linear Programming (LP), Eppen, et. al., Chapters 5-4

Graphical and Algebraic Formulation, Quade, Chapters 6-8

Special LP Models: Eppen, et. al., Chapter 4, Transportation and Assignment

Mid-Term Examination

Project Proposals

LP Solutions, Eppen, et.al., Chapter 6, (Computers/Simplex Method), Appendix A

Policy Interpretations, Quade, Chapters 9-10

Sensitivity Analysis and Duality, Eppen, et. al., Chapters 6-7, Quade, Chapters 11-12

Multiple Policy Objectives and Goal Programming, Eppen, et.al., Chapter 10, Quade, Chapters 11-12

Integer Programming, Eppen, et.al., Chapter 11

Term Project Papers

Final Examination