This course focuses on how computer models support managerial decision-making. The aim of the course is to help students become intelligent users and consumers of these data models. The course will cover the basic elements of data modeling, how to formulate a model, how to use and interpret the information a model produces. The course emphasizes "learning by doing" so are expected to formulate, solve, and interpret a number of different optimization and simulation models using software. An important theme in the course is to understand the appropriate use of data models in business. Spring odd years. Prerequisite: must be a junior or senior or have permission from the instructor.