FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

Department of Operations Management

Diploma: Work study

STUDENT COURSE GUIDE

Operational Research

NQF
NQF LEVEL QUALIFICATION COURSE CODE
CREDITS

5 360 DIPLOMA: WORK STUDY ORE206D

COMPILED BY: Y. MAWANE

February 2024
 © COPYRIGHT: Tshwane University of Technology

Private Bag X680

PRETORIA

0001

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permission in writing from the publisher.

Printed and distributed by:

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT

Tshwane University of Technology

Private Bag X680

Pretoria

0001
1. Welcome.......................................................................................................... - 1 -

2. Staff ................................................................................................................. - 1 -

2.1 Contact details .............................................................................................. - 1 -

2.2 Staff availability ............................................................................................. - 2 -

3. Year Plan ......................................................................................................... - 3 -

3.1 Contact sessions ........................................................................................... - 3 -

3.2 Work schedule 2019...................................................................................... - 3 -

3.2.1 Note on work schedules ......................................................................... - 4 -

4. Resources and recommended material ........................................................... - 4 -

4.1. Prescribed resources .................................................................................... - 4 -

4.2 Library Utilisation .............................................................................................. - 5 -

4.3 additional requirements ................................................................................. - 5 -

5. Assessment methods and criteria .................................................................... - 5 -

5.1 Assessment rules .......................................................................................... - 5 -

5.1.1. Tests ....................................................................................................... - 6 -

5.1.2. Assignments ........................................................................................... - 6 -

5.2 Marking system ............................................................................................. - 7 -

5.3 Predicate mark .............................................................................................. - 7 -

5.3.1 Calculation of the Predicate Mark ........................................................... - 7 -

5.4 Moderation ................................................................................................. - 7 -

5.5 Promotion requirements ................................................................................ - 8 -

6. Code of conduct .............................................................................................. - 8 -

6.1 Ethical behaviour ........................................................................................... - 8 -

6.2 Class attendance .......................................................................................... - 8 -

6.3 Responsibilities of students ........................................................................... - 8 -

6.4 Adult Learning Principles............................................................................... - 8 -

iii
6.5 Procedure during Class ................................................................................. - 9 -

6.6 General ......................................................................................................... - 9 -

6.7 Grievance Procedure .................................................................................. - 10 -

7. Purpose of the module ...................................................................................... - 11 -

Glossary of terms.................................................................................................. - 13 -

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ORGANISATIONAL
SECTION A
COMPONENT

1. WELCOME

Welcome to this module! We hope that you will find the module interesting and informative,
as well as developing a special affection for this subject. We trust that you will not only achieve
success in the examinations at the end of each semester, but that the subject matter will be
applicable to your work, as well as contributing towards a successful career.

This subject, Operational research (ORE206D), forms part of the N Dip: Work study. The purpose
of the N Dip: Work study is to prepare the learner to be competent in supporting and applying
operations management strategies and tools, systems and techniques in the manufacturing and
service environment. The person will be able to optimize the resource usage in a team to benefit
the department concerned.

2. STAFF

2.1 CONTACT DETAILS

ACADEMIC STAFF
NAME CAMPUS ROOM NO E-MAIL ADDRESS CONSULTATION ACADEMIC
TIMES FUNCTION

Y. Mawane PRETORIA 30-228 mawaneyn@tut.ac.za Wednesday/Friday LECTURER

MAIN
CAMPUS 11:30 – 12:30

MODERATION
NAME ACADEMIC FUNCTION

Mr P. Botha MODERATOR

ADMINISTRATION
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NAME CAMPUS ROOM NO E-MAIL ADDRESS CONSULTATION ACADEMIC

TIMES FUNCTION

Dr T PRETORIA 20-233 (012) 382 5582 By prior HEAD OF

Munyai MAIN arrangement with DEPARTMENT
CAMPUS Departmental
Administrator

Ms PRETORIA 30-233 (012) 3825573 MONDAYS – ASSISTANT

Kedibone MAIN FRIDAYS 09H00- DEPARTMENTAL
Legodi CAMPUS LegodiKM@tut.ac.za 15H30 ADMINISTRATOR

LIBRARY
NAME LOCATION CONTACT DETAILS CONSULTATION TIMES

ME E 2ND FLOOR, GOLDFIELDS (012) 382 4603 DURING DESIGNATED LIBRARY HOURS
Mtshali LIBRARY, PRETORIA MAIN
CAMPUS mtshalile@tut.ac.za

2.2 STAFF AVAILABILITY

If, after attending class and making every effort from your side to master content, you still have
problems with understanding concepts or principles or their application, lecturers are available
for consultation. Your lecturer will be available by appointment. Appointments can be made
with the lecturer via e-mail.

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3. YEAR PLAN

3.1 CONTACT SESSIONS

The subject requires that you attend all 2 contact sessions as scheduled. 1 contact session,
equal to 1.5 hours per week, are allocated for this subject.

DAY ROOM TIME

Please refer to your dedicated time table for contact sessions.

3.2 WORK SCHEDULE 2024

TIMEFRAME THEME
Week 1 Orientation
Week 2-3 Chapter 1: Introduction to quantitative analysis
Week 4-6 Chapter 2: Probability concepts and application.
Week 7-9 Chapter 3: Decision analysis
Week 10 Revision
WEEK 11-12 TEST WEEK: TEST 1
Week 13-14 Chapter 7: Linear programming models: graphical solutions.
Week 15-16 Chapter 8: Linear programming: the simplex method

WEEK 17-18 TEST WEEK: TEST 2

Week 19-20 Chapter 9: Transportation and assignment and network models

Week 21 Chapter 11: Project management

Week 22-23 Chapter 12: Waiting lines and queueing theory models

Week 24-25 ONLINE MODULE: Decision theory and the normal distribution

Week 26 ONLINE MODULE: Game theory

WEEK 27-28 TEST WEEK: TEST 3

Week 29 Revision

Week 30 EXAM

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3.2.1 NOTE ON WORK SCHEDULES

NOTE: Depending on circumstances, the work schedules may be changed. Any such changes will
be communicated during contact sessions and through MyTUTor in advance.

NOTE: The work schedules have been developed to facilitate normal academic procedure.
Due dates must be adhered to and no apology will be considered. Student preparation should
be such that assignments are completed and submitted well in advance, and scheduled test
dates are adhered to. Inability o f a student , at any time to adhere to any of the
aforementioned instruction throughout the semester should be reported to the lecturer as
soon as possible with the necessary validation (medical certificate or an affidavit).

4. RESOURCES AND RECOMMENDED MATERIAL

4.1. PRESCRIBED RESOURCES

The following tables indicate what literature and other resources are essential for successful
completion of this course. You are strongly advised to acquire the prescribed resource.

PRESCRIBED LITERATURE

BOOK/ NAME AUTHOR PUBLISHER EDITION ISBN NO

NOTES

Book Quantitative RENDER, BARRY; Pearson 13th 13-

Analysis for STAIR, RALPH M Jr.; 97812922
Management HANNA, MICHAEL E, 17659
HALE TREVOR S.

Operations William J, Stevenson McGraw Hill 12th

management

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4.2 LIBRARY UTILISATION

The student is to make full use or to the best of his/her ability the services that the library offers.
The library is viewed as an integral component of the education process.

Please contact the librarian for information on different resources available, using the library
link on the TUT website.

4.3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• This Module is important as it will teach a learner how to apply academic knowledge in
a practical way for more advanced problems.
• Learners are expected to use knowledge gained from previous courses such as
Operations management I, Operations management II and Operations management III.
• Learners are expected to be punctual and attend all lectures and not to disturb other
learners during lectures. Announcements are made during the year on an ongoing basis.
This important information will not be heard by an absent learner.
• It is strongly recommended that learners complete all class activities/illustrated
examples/exercises to get an idea of how well the Module content is understood. This
will help to identify possible problem areas which can then be clarified by your Lecturer.
• It is the responsibility of the learner to read and understand the learner guide.

5. ASSESSMENTMETHODS AND CRITERIA

Assessment of this course will include 3 written tests and 2 assignments. The purpose of
assessment is to determine whether you have achieved the learning outcomes. The various
assessment methods therefore will focus on criteria that will enable the lecturer(s) to determine
whether you have achieved the learning outcomes.

5.1 ASSESSMENT RULES

The general rules of TUT regarding assessment apply. You are advised to familiarise yourself
with these rules, as they are applied stringently.

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5.1.1. TESTS

The tests are compulsory; a sick test and can only be written if:

• A valid doctor’s certificate was handed in to the lecturer within 48 HOURS (three work days)
after a missed test. If you are unable to bring the letter in person within that time frame, you
may fax a copy within 48 hours, and bring the original ASAP.
• There is only 1 sick test per semester written on ALL the work of that semester.
• Missed tests for which no letter was received = 0%.
Please note that, in concurrence with TUT policy, no optional tests will be permitted

Assessment for passing the subject will take the form of one three-hour closed book summative
test at the end of the second semester. The summative test will assess most of the work done
throughout the year.

Test Week Dates for 2024

Test 1: 15 – 26 April

Test 2: 13 – 28 June

Test 3: 30 September – 11 October

5.1.2. ASSIGNMENTS

There will be two typed assignments.

The lecturer will inform submission date.

The penalty for late submission without a valid reason shall be applied as follows:

Day 1 - 25%

Day 2 - 50%

Day 3 - assignment is unacceptable

Plagiarism index acceptable is 20%

Assignment 1 and Assignment 2

Individual or group assignment on a topic provided by the lecturer.

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The assignment shall be subject to the lecturer’s approval and will be practical and industrial
based. Evaluation is conducted strictly in accordance with the guidelines given in the assignment
description document.

No late assessments will be accepted without a valid medical certificate and/or explanatory
letter along with the necessary documents.

5.2 MARKING SYSTEM

Marks in tests and the assignment will be allocated according to a memorandum based on the
prescribed work. Practical applications will be assessed and marked accordingly.

5.3 PREDICATE MARK

In order to pass the subject a student must obtain a final mark of at least 50%.

5.3.1 CALCULATION OF CONTINOUS ASSESSMENTS MARKS

The predicate mark is compiled as follows:

Assessment 1 25%

Assessment 2 10%

Assessment 3 30%

Assessment 4 10%

Assessment 5 25%

Assessment 6 40%

NOTE: Final marks are placed on the faculty notice boards for students to view prior to the
finalisation of the marks. If you have queries about your mark, you must immediately consult
your course lecturer before predicate day. Once the final mark is entered on TUT’s mainframe
database, the mark cannot be changed.

5.4 MODERATION

The tests and assignments in this course are assessed by the first examiner and moderated by
the moderator.

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5.5 PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

The final mark is calculated as follows:

1. Predicate mark 40%

2. Examination mark 60%

6. CODE OF CONDUCT

6.1 ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

The Department of Operations Management favours student honesty and ethical behaviour. For
this reason it prohibits plagiarism and violations of the Copyright Act in the preparation of
assignments. Plagiarism entails the use of any published work or part thereof, whether from a
book, a Web page, or other source, without due acknowledgement and the use of the correct
citation method. This prohibits ‘copy and paste’ exercises of written content without rewriting
it in own words or placing it in quotation marks, even if the source is acknowledged. The same
applies to tables. Under all circumstances, the source of any secondary information should be
cited. In the case of a student repeating the subject, the assignment must be redone.

6.2 CLASS ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance of lectures is of primary importance. It is the learner’s responsibility to sign

the register during each lecture. A minimum attendance of 80% is mandatory. In a 15 week
semester, 4 classes that have not been attended and for which you have not furnished a valid
doctor’s letter or other proof of extenuating circumstances, amounts to 20% absenteeism. This
level of absenteeism could lead to exclusion from the final moderation at the end of the year,
which means that you will fail the course and will have to repeat it the following year.

6.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

It is your responsibility to make a success of learning in this course. To this end you are
encouraged to attend class, write set tests and hand in your assignments on the set due dates.

6.4 ADULT LEARNING PRINCIPLES

All learning will include the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains to develop the learner
holistically.

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Learners will be actively involved in the learning process.

Self-directed learning will be practiced and encouraged to acquire the necessary knowledge,
skills and values.

Learning will be task-centred and problem-centred.

All learning will be related and applied to the operations management working environment.

The learners' prior experiences and knowledge will be considered when they are confronted
with or have to discover new content.

6.5 PROCEDURE DURING CLASS

You must always be prepared for classes because of the importance of involvement and
meaningful participation. This method of tuition by the lecturer is based upon self-study and
independent thought processes.

The lecturer will explain the principles and practical application of the applicable learning
objective(s) in detail. Case studies will be used where possible.

It is your duty to approach the lecturer regarding any problems you may be experiencing with
the work. Thereafter you integrate the lecturer's presentation with your own preparation in
order to produce a final product. The lecturer will indicate which learning objectives you should
study to be prepared for the next period(s). Disciplined behaviour and actions, teamwork and
timeliness are the keystones of successful project management. The following rules of
engagement apply:

• Be on time for lectures – the class will commence at the set time and the doors will be
closed on commencement of the class. If you need to enter the class late, please do so
unobtrusively.
• Whilst the lecturer is conveying information, silence is required. Time will be given for
group discussions. Lectures will be stopped if this is not adhered to.
• The use of cell-phones during the lecture is strictly prohibited. This includes texting in
the lectures. Appropriate action will be taken against students who use cell-phones in
the lecture.

6.6 GENERAL

Bear in mind that your achievements as a University student are recorded and that it will be
referred to in the future, should you apply for a job or a bursary. The following guidelines could
assist you in solving problems or to achieve success:

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• Take careful note throughout the semester of the requirements for admission to the
examination. This will prevent a crisis situation before the examinations where you may
request leniency, which will not be granted.
• Tests, assignments and other instructions during the semester must be approached and
completed with seriousness. You are warned against the danger of "spotting" questions.
It is essential that all the work is prepared for a test or examination and not to guess
which questions will be put to you.
• Ensure that you know when tests are going to be written and when assignments have to
be submitted.
• Approach your studies seriously and ensure that you maintain a sound balance with your
time schedule. Sport, leisure and other non-academic activities are important but must
not dominate available time.
• Do not hesitate to approach your lecturer or guardian lecturer with problems or
uncertainties etc, regarding your studies. It will always be a pleasure for the staff to assist
you. Use the opportunity when attending classes because personal contact with your
lecturer is to your advantage. Do not rely on the information spread by other students.
• According to TUT rules students are expected to attend at least 80% of their classes.
Regular class attendance is considered essential for all students (those following a course
for the first time, as well as those repeating a course) for the following reasons:
o Your studies are simplified due to the personal instruction you receive.
o It is the first step in achieving success with your studies, because it is the only
method of ensuring that you make acquaintance with the complete contents of
the course, as well as ensuring that you understand everything.
o It keeps you in touch with the course and ensures that you gradually and
systematically work through the contents.
o Students, who display so little interest in their studies that they do not even
attend lectures, do not deserve to pass.

6.7 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

As this department is proud to uphold the principle of academic freedom, grievances and
problems must be discussed with the lecturer first. If the problem cannot be resolved
satisfactorily, the complaint must be submitted to the Head of the Department of Operations
Management in writing, in the presence of the lecturer in question. The Dean of Management
Sciences may be approached at this stage if this is deemed necessary. No grievance or complaint
regarding the lecturer may be taken to higher authority without his/her knowledge. The correct
channels have to be followed.

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SECTION B LEARNING COMPONENT

7. PURPOSE OF THE MODULE

The primary purpose of this module is to build and expand knowledge on the principles
methodology of organisational behaviour.

Chapter After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

• Describe the quantitative analysis approach.

• Understand the application of quantitative analysis
in a real situation.
Chapter 1: Introduction to • Describe the use of modelling in quantitative
quantitative analysis analysis.
• Discuss possible problems in using quantitative
analysis.
• Perform a break-even analysis.

• Understand the basic foundations of probability

analysis.
• Describe statistically dependent and independent
events.
• Use Bayes’ theorem to establish prior probabilities.
Chapter 2: Probability concepts • Describe and provide examples of both discrete and
and application continuous probability distributions.
• Explain the difference between discrete and
continuous probability distributions
• Calculate the expected values and variances and use
the normal table.

• List the steps of the decision-making process.

• Describe the type of decision-making environments.
• Make decisions under uncertainty.
Chapter 3: Decision analysis • Use probability values to make decisions under risk.
• Develop accurate and useful decision trees.
• Revise probability estimates using Bayesian analysis.
• Understand the importance and use of utility theory in
decision making.

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• Understanding the basic assumptions and properties of

linear programming (LP).
• Graphically solve any linear programming problem that
Chapter 7: Linear has only two variables by both the corner point and
programming isoprofit line methods.
models: graphical • Understand special issues in LP such as infeasibility,
solutions. unboundedness, redundancy, and alternative
optimal solutions.
• Understand the role of sensitivity analysis.

• Convert LP constraints to equalities with slack, surplus

and artificial variables.
• Set up and solve LP problems with simplex tableaus.
• Interpret the meaning of every number in a simplex
tableau.
• Recognise special cases such as infeasibility,
Chapter 8: Linear unboundedness, and degeneracy.
programming: the simplex • Construct a dual problem for the primal problem.
method • Solve problems with QM for Windows
• Convert LP constraints to equalities with slack, surplus
and artificial variables.
• Set up and solve LP problems with simplex tableaus.
• Interpret the meaning of every number in a simplex
tableau.
• Recognise special cases such as infeasibility,
unboundedness, and degeneracy.
• Construct a dual problem for the primal problem.
• Structure special LP problems using transportation and
assignment models.
Chapter 9: Transportation and • Use the northwest corner, VAM, MODI and stepping
assignment and network stone methods.
• Solve facility locations and other application problems
models
with transportation models.
• Solve assignment problems with the Hungarian (matrix
reduction) method.
• Understand how to plan, monitor, and control projects
with the use of PERT and CPM.
• Determine the earliest start, earliest finish, latest start,
Chapter 11: Project latest finish, and slack times for each activity along
management with the total project completion time.
• Reduce the total project time at the least total cost by
crashing the network using manual or linear
programming techniques.

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• Describe the trade-off curves for cost-of-waiting time

Chapter 12: Waiting lines and cost of service.
and queueing theory • Understand the three parts of a queuing system: the
models calling population, the queue itself and the service
facility.
• Describe the basic queuing system configurations.
• Understand the assumptions of the common models
dealt with in the chapter.
• Analyse a variety of operating characteristics of waiting
lines.
• Understanding how the normal curve can be used in
ONLINE MODULE: performing break even analysis.
Decision theory and the • Compute the expected value of perfect information
normal distribution using the normal curve.
• Perform marginal analysis where products have a
constant marginal profit and loss.
• Understand the principles of zero-sum, two-person
game.
• Analyse pure strategy game and use dominance to
ONLINE MODULE: Game
reduce the size of the game.
theory • Solve mixed strategy games when there is no saddle
point.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Specific keywords will be used in the questions to guide your response, for example: discuss,
evaluate, explain, compare, criticize, discuss critically, etc. Always read questions carefully to
ensure that you answer them correctly. A number of keywords are explained in more detail
below:

Define
This requires a short and concise description of the meaning of a specific word, concept or idea.
Where possible, elements should be specified and explained by means of examples. Where
necessary, similarities and contrasts between the word, concept or idea and other related
words, concepts or ideas should be spelled out.

Analyse

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This requires that distinguishing elements be highlighted, causes and effects identified, and the
underlying relationships pointed out.

Discuss

This requires a detailed review of the phenomenon, matter or event on the basis of arguments
about cause-effect relationships, advantages and disadvantages, as well as reasons why these
specific relationships exist or why a specific result ensues. Discussion requires insight into the
matter discussed and the ability to argue a case. Please note that you may be asked to discuss
only a specified aspect - for example the disadvantages of a method or the most important
causes of a problem.

Explain

This requires an indication of the logical relationship between events, activities or actions in such
a way that the reader can deduct how and why a process follows a given path. In addition, the
reader must be able to recognise that you (as the person giving the explanation) have a good
grasp of the matter. In order to explain, you must give a considerable amount of detail. You must
explain how things are connected, why they are connected in precisely that way and no other,
and why a certain result is achieved. Explanation therefore requires both knowledge and insight.

Set out

This requires the organisation of material. In order to "set out", you must first sort and arrange
facts, arguments, characteristics, etc, according to specific points of departure in a new, often
original, way. Thereafter the material is discussed, and, where necessary, explained.

Describe

This requires a reflection of the characteristics of a phenomenon, without any detailed

commentary about the why’s and how’s of the matter. In other words, this involves, firstly, a
description of what characteristics are present and how characteristic these are, and, secondly,
an indication of the ways in which the phenomenon is similar to, or differs from, other
phenomena. In some cases, the verb "describe" refers to the description of a process. In such
cases, you are required to set out the sequence of actions, activities or events leading to a
specific outcome. Sketches and diagrams may be used fruitfully to illustrate the process. You are
not required to discuss advantages or disadvantages - all you are required to do is to "present a
picture" of the process for the reader.

Compare

This requires a comparison between two or more phenomena, methods or techniques, being
weighed against each other with regard to dimensions such as exceptional characteristics,

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advantages and disadvantages, similarities and differences as well as the relative strong and
weak points of each. Normally a reasoned conclusion is reached on the basis of the comparison.

Indicate

The term is synonymous to the term ‘explain’.

Name, list and tabulate

This requires a list of names, dates, reasons, facts, advantages, characteristics, etc. You are not
required to provide arguments or to explain processes. Tabulation usually refers to the
organisation of information so as to provide a clear and systematic overview.

Evaluate

This requires the application of criteria against which to measure a technique, method or
approach. Evaluation is usually followed by a deduction or conclusion. In such a case, you are
required, firstly, to indicate which criteria were applied in the evaluation, and, secondly, to set
out your conclusion.

Differentiate

This requires an indication of differences – i.e. distinguishing characteristics. Two or more

phenomena, events or processes are analysed and described in such a way that differences or
distinctions are clearly identified.

Prove/support

This requires the logical ordering of information, facts and arguments to substantiate or
motivate a specific conclusion. In this regard, extensive use may be made of statistics, research
findings, historical facts, as well as of inductive and deductive reasoning.

Motivate
Give reason(s) for your answer.

Identify
Establish the identity or recognise a process.

Predict
Use the facts available to derive an outcome.

Solve
Find an answer by using critical thinking and/or calculations.

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