Professional Decision Modeling: Details of a Short MBA Practice Course

This article describes the week-to-week dynamics of a five-week decision science elective practice course in Dartmouth's MBA program. The course begins with a refresher assignment in simulation and optimization. Next come two intense weeks of spreadsheet modeling to value an industrial asset in the status quo and with capital investments. The course then focuses on negotiating with potential buyers. I urge students to craft effective arguments to persuade decision makers of the best course of action. In closing, I propose an effort by faculty from multiple business schools to develop jointly a suite of multi-week cases, to be taught concurrently, with modest prizes for the best student work.