A project subject that teaches students how to create, carry out, interpret, and analyze a market research questionnaire. Emphasis on discovering market structure and segmentation, but students can pursue other project applications. Includes a user-oriented treatment of multivariate analysis (factor analysis, multidimensional scaling, conjoint and cluster analysis).

Introduction to mathematical modeling, optimization, and simulation, as applied to manufacturing. Specific methods include linear programming, network flow problems, integer and nonlinear programming, discrete-event simulation, heuristics and computer applications for manufacturing processes and systems. Restricted to Leaders for Manufacturing students. One objective of 15.066J is to introduce modeling, optimization and simulation, as it applies to the study and analysis of manufacturing systems for decision support. The introduction of optimization models and algorithms provide a framework to think about a wide range of issues that arise in manufacturing systems. The second objective is to expose students to a wide range of applications for these methods and models, and to integrate this material with their introduction to operations management.

A computational and application-oriented introduction to the modeling of large-scale systems in a wide variety of decision-making domains and the optimization of such systems using state-of-the-art optimization software. Application domains include transportation and logistics, pattern classification, structural design, financial engineering, and telecommunications system planning. Modeling tools and techniques covered include linear, network, discrete, and nonlinear programming, heuristic methods, sensitivity and postoptimality analysis, decomposition methods for large-scale systems, and stochastic programming.

Application-oriented introduction to systems optimization focusing on understanding system tradeoffs. Introduces modeling methodology (linear, network, integer, nonlinear programming, and heuristics), modeling tools (sensitivity and postoptimality analysis), software, and applications in production planning and scheduling, inventory planning, supply network optimization, project scheduling, telecommunications, facility sizing and capacity expansion, product development, yield management, electronic trading, and finance.

Subject provides a conceptual framework for thinking about taxes. Applications covered include mergers and acquisitions, tax arbitrage strategies, business entity choice, executive compensation, multi-national tax planning, and others. Aimed at investment bankers and consultants who need to understand how taxes affect the structure of deals; managers and analysts who need to understand how firms strategically respond to taxes; and entrepreneurs who want to structure their finances in a tax-advantaged manner.

The Team Project has the goals of (1) developing teamwork and leadership skills and (2) learning from the analysis of a change initiative in a real-world company using concepts from other core courses. This class has no regular class schedule or weekly readings. Almost everything is oriented around your team and your project, with only a few deadlines. Each team is responsible for analyzing a recent, ongoing, or anticipated initiative at a real company. Examples might be a strategic reorientation, organizational restructuring, introduction of a new technology, or worker participation program. From the course home page: This course is closely integrated with other MBA core classes: readings are assigned through Organizational Processes (15.311) and oral presentations are given in Communication for Managers (15.280).

Our linked subjects are (1) the historical process by which the meaning of technology has been constructed, and (2) the concurrent transformation of the environment. To explain the emergence of technology as a pivotal word (and concept) in contemporary public discourse, we will examine responses--chiefly political and literary--to the development of the mechanic arts, and to the linked social, cultural, and ecological transformation of 19th- and 20th-century American society, culture, and landscape.

Focus on theoretical work for studying operations planning and control problems. Topics vary from year to year, and include inventory theory, sequencing theory, aggregate production planning, production scheduling, multistage production/distribution systems, performance evaluation, and flexible manufacturing systems.

Subject discusses the broader trends in the labor market, how urban labor markets function, public and private training policy, other labor market programs, the link between labor market policy and economic development, and the organization of work within firms.