Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Areas of Interests and Expertise
- Data Privacy
- Quantitative Methods
- Operations Research
- Statistical Methods
- Simulation
- Supply Chain Management
- Census 2020
Awards and Achievements
- Distinguished Doctoral Alumni Award (Mays Business School at Texas A&M, 2006)
- Best paper award (America's Conference on Information Systems, 2005)
- Best Inter-disciplinary paper award (Decision Sciences Institute, 2002)
- Excellence in Research Award (Florida International University, 1995)
- Teaching Incentive Program Award (Florida State University System, 1994)
You can learn more about and connect with Dr. Muralidhar through his LinkedIn page, Google Page, and Google Scholar.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
This class will use Excel extensively (and is the primary software used). You are expected to already have a working knowledge of Excel operations.
Course Materials
Textbook: There is no textbook for this class. All the necessary material will be provided on Canvas.
Computer: A computer running the most recent version of Office. To get access to Office software please visit OU IT Software Download page.
Grades
Grades will be calculated based on the percentage of total points received divided by the total points possible for the course. The final grades may be curved up.
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Homework | Assess understanding of modeling concepts, computations, and explanations | 5 @ 20 pts each/ 100 points |
| Midterm Exam | In-class exam covering quality control, forecasting, and inventory models | 100 points |
| Final Exam | In-class exam covering optimization topics | 100 points |
| Total | 300 points |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Live Sessions
Our weekly Live Sessions focus on concepts, applications, and analysis using a specific analytical technique. During the Live Session, the students will be introduced to the technique, where it can be applied, how it is applied (using Excel), and the interpretation of the results of the application. While I do not offer participation points for the Live Sessions, I highly recommend that you attend to ask questions, clarify course concepts, and practice analytical techniques.
Homework Assignments
After each Live Session, students will be assigned a problem-solving homework assignment. These assignments are to be completed prior to the next Live Session. The due dates for these homework assignments are shown in the modules.
Exams
There will be two exams in this class held during the Live Sessions. The exams will be open-book, open-note tests. You will use only the provided Excel file for the exam. The exam procedure will be as follows:
You will download two documents: (1) A Word document (Exam Description) and (2) An Excel file (Exam data). You will save these files to your own computer. You will perform all your computations on the Excel file and provide all answers on the Word document.
During the exam
- You are required to be logged on to the class Zoom session and have your camera turned on during the exam.
- You can use your books, notes, Powerpoint, and Word documents.
- You are not allowed to open any Excel file, other than the Exam Data file, at any point during the test.
- All the work on this test must be your own. You are not allowed to communicate with anyone during the test. This includes verbal, electronic (including email and text messages), or any other form of communication.
- Show all your work in the relevant sheets in the Excel file. Where necessary, the data is provided in the appropriate sheet.
- Make sure to save all your work. After completing the test, upload the Word document and Excel file using the SUBMIT button on Canvas. Make sure that both files are the most recent and correct version of the file. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct files are uploaded.
- Before you leave the Zoom session, you will check with the instructor to verify that your files were submitted.
The specific dates for the exams can be found in the detailed syllabus for the class. Instructions for the exams will be provided. It is expected that all students will take the exam during the assigned time. If you have a scheduling conflict and need to take the exam at an alternate time, you are required to inform the instructor at least a week in advance.
You must take the exams during the regularly scheduled time and submit all homework by the due date unless prior arrangements have been made in writing and for university excused absences. Acceptable reasons for taking conflict exams include documented medical emergencies for the student concerned or close family member, documented death of a close family member, or other University excused absences. Any students requesting a make-up test will be required to provide necessary documentation about the nature of the absence. There will be no exceptions. The makeup exams will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis.
Course Policies
Communication
- The best way to communicate with me is via email. I will try to respond to you as quickly as possible. If necessary, I am more than happy to set up a Zoom session (either individually or as a group) to address any questions you may have about the material.
- If you have any general questions about assignments, class logistics, due dates, etc., please post a question in the Course Help Board in the “Start Here” module. You can post questions about the course to the Course Help Board throughout the semester.
- If you have a personal question (grades, feedback, requests for special accommodation, etc.) please send me a private message via email. In the subject line, write “SCM 5572 online“ before your subject. For example, if you have a question about a grade, your email subject would read “SCM 5572 online – grade inquiry”.
- If you have a question about the weekly topic, learning material or practice problems, please post in the “Practice” page in the relevant module. Your classmates may be able to answer your questions. If not, please bring your questions to the Live Session.
- If you have tech questions, please contact OU IT at needhelp@ou.edu. You can also reach out to tech support for Canvas through the Help menu.
All email sent by your professors will be sent to the email registered in your name at the University of Oklahoma.
If you wish to also receive course emails at another email address, go to your profile in Canvas and you can add one or more alternate email(s) to your account.
Feedback
I will provide feedback on all assignments before the next Live Session (if not earlier).
Late Policy
You may work ahead of schedule if you would like to. However, you must complete your work by the given deadline.
Any student requiring an extension of time for submission of the reading or homework assignments must request an extension from the instructor at least 48 hours prior to the due date and time. The request must provide a reason for the extension. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the instructor. Reading or homework assignments turned in late without an extension will be penalized by 50% each day they are late.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|