QTM1300 Summer 2000 |
Quantitative Methods with Calculus |
Topical Outline | Course Overview |
Joseph F. Aieta Email: aieta@babson.edu Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon and TBA |
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The main themes of this foundation course on quantitative methods are: linear models, linear optimization, time value of money, non-linear models, the mathematics of change, non-linear optimization, and the effective utilization of technology.
Document Index last revised Wednesday, January 17, 2001
 Course Objectives |
Integrity |
| Homework and Projects |
Organization |
| Class Participation and Makeups |
Evaluation |
Required References:
| G. Prichett and J. Saber, | Mathematics with Applications in Management and
Economics, (P/S) Irwin/McGraw-Hill, Customized Selections from Seventh Edition |
| Babson College, | Computer and Library Survival Guide, Information Technology and Services Division |
Calculators and Laptops:
Bring a calculator with you to each class. The purchase of the TI BA II plus, available at the Babson Bookstore, is strongly recommended unless you already own a TI-83 since it has easy to use financial functions. The Math Resource Center (MRC) will be able to offer calculator assistance only on the TI BA II plus. Whatever calculator you do bring to class must have a power key (x^ y), logarithms (ln or log), financial functions, and storage capabilities.
Guidelines on the use of laptops will be discussed in class. Pay close attention to all forms of communication related to software required for coursework, access to email, access to the local area network (GlobeNet), access to e-campus, and general access to the Internet.
Suggested References in Print:
| Dowling, Edward T., | Mathematical Methods for Business and Economics, McGraw-Hill, 1993 |
As you develop judgment and skill in the appropriate use of tools (including paper and pencil, calculators, and computers) never lose sight of the following fact:
The absolute most important tool for doing mathematics is your brain.
The numbers, symbols, and graphs produced by a software tool, a web site, or a calculator do not always provide useful and accurate information. Knowing how to use electronic devices is important but it is equally important to use care and judgment in entering input and interpreting output.
Other than regular homework and certain projects that may require group collaboration, all other work in this course is to be your work and your work alone. Be sure that you are familiar with Babson’s policies concerning Academic Honesty and Integrity outlined in the undergraduate catalog.
Obtain a hard-backed, 3-ring binder large enough to contain sizeable handouts, your homework, quizzes, and tests. Keeping this binder up to date in the correct time sequence will prove invaluable in your preparation for quizzes and exams. Organizing your written work will also help you in the preparation of your portfolio. It is important that you keep careful records of your work, both written and electronic, so that you can see your progress related to the Babson competencies. During the semester you should discuss the five competency areas with your faculty mentor.
Written Homework and Projects:
The official due dates for assignments and projects will be announced in class and/or posted on e-campus.babson.edu. Any modifications to these dates may be announced in class or by email. Although exercises and/or projects will be assigned on a weekly basis, you should treat homework as a daily activity and start working on the assigned exercises as early as possible. You may work on homework individually or as part of a group. Whenever you do work as part of a team, it is essential that each team member understands all aspects of the work and could reproduce any part of it on their own. From time to time you will be directed a source of additional practice problems that may be useful in preparation for quizzes and exams.
Unless you are asked to submit work electronically, homework and projects must be done on standard size (8.5" by 11") paper. Your name (printed) and the due date should appear on the upper right of the front page. Title, page, and number must properly identify problems. Numerical answers alone are generally not sufficient on written homework. In many cases you must include a step-by-step justification and a written interpretation of any numerical results. Before you hand in any written assignment make sure that the sheets are in proper sequence and then staple them. All written work should be neat, legible and carefully organized. No frayed edges or messy erasures. Take pride in your work, do a professional job! Credit may be withheld for poor organization or lack of clarity, as well as for lack of accuracy. Any assignment or project that does not meet the specified requirements or is not submitted on the due date, will not receive full credit and may receive no credit. I f you wish to be sure to a copy of recent homework to use for a quiz or a test, before it is returned to you from the grader, then you must make a copy before the paper is submitted. Submit homework in a folder with your name on it.
Guidelines and policies regarding group projects will be discussed in class. Projects
may be graded on a competitive basis. Organization and presentation are as
important as the accuracy of the content. You may be asked to provide an objective
assessment of the contributions of other members of your team.
Submitting Electronic Work:
Our class may experiment with electronic submission of certain homework assignments, projects, and quizzes. Instructions regarding submitting work electronically will be given in class.
Evaluation: There will be no makeups on quizzes. The lowest quiz score will be dropped in the computation of a quiz average. Generally no notes are permitted on quizzes and no partial credit is given on answers to quiz questions.There will be one or two term examinations plus a two-hour final examination. For each exam you may bring your notes on both sides of one (1) 8.5 by 11-inch sheet of paper. A photocopy of someone else’s note sheet is not acceptable. You should not expect to be given more time if you arrive late to any quiz or test.
| weight | |
| Exam(s): | 30 % |
| Quizzes: (The lowest quiz score will be dropped). | 15 % |
| Homework / Labs /Projects:( paper & electronic): | 15 % |
| Class Participation | 10 % |
| Final Exam: | 30 % |
Total: |
100% |
Class Participation and Makeups:
You should make every effort to attend each class and to conduct yourself in a mature, professional manner. Come to each class prepared to discuss the assigned exercises. Have written notes on any difficulties that you may have encountered in the homework . If your questions remained unresolved because we run out of class time, then please follow up as soon as you can during regularly scheduled office hours or by making an appoinment with me via email.
Everyone will start with a class participation score of 100%. Reductions in the class participation component of your grade will result from excessive absences or lateness to class, lack of concentration on the work at hand (try to get enough sleep each night), or chronic failure to paricipate in class discussions, presentations at the chalkboard, or computer based presentations.
In the case of an unavoidable absence, students are expected to inform me by email (aieta@babson.edu) or by telephone (x4370). Travel on non-refundable airline tickets on a scheduled school day is not considered a legitimate excuse for missing class. Exams are announced in class well in advance and also posted electronically. Makeup exams will be considered only if the Office of Class Deans confirms that you have a legitimate excuse. In all cases you must take the responsibility for (1) communicating with your Class Dean, (2) providing me with an explanation of your absence by email, and (3) making up the exam at a mutually convenient time. There will be no makeups on quizzes. A single absence (for any reason) on a day when a quiz is given will become the lowest quiz score to be dropped.