GMDS 5113 Quantitative Techniques and Decision Making Assignment Brief 2026

GMDS5113 Assignment: Applied Problem-Solving through Journal Article Analysis

Selected journal papers

1. Data-driven strategies for model-informed decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review : https://www.proquest.com/docview/3292594040/BF6E7CD46E334A8DPQ/7?accountid=202483&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals
2. Multi-criteria decision-making for coronavirus disease 2019 applications: a theoretical analysis review https://www.proquest.com/docview/2688771777/D27C7A3DA73C4B3DPQ/11?accountid=202483&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-021-10124-x

Instructions

Step 1: Paper Selection

Select two peer-reviewed journal papers (not conference papers, blogs, or textbooks).

Papers must relate to at least one of the following course topics:

• Decision analysis & risk/uncertainty
• Forecasting & time-series applications
• Linear programming & optimization
• Project management (PERT/CPM, time–cost trade-offs)
• Multi-criteria decision making (AHP, PROMETHEE, TOPSIS, etc.)
• Simulation models for managerial problem-solving
• Queuing theory & service operations
• Game theory & strategic decision making
• Break-even, cost-benefit, ROI analysis
• Sustainability & ethical decision-making models

Each paper must be:

• From a reputable journal (e.g., Management Science, Operations Research, European Journal of Operational Research, International Journal of Forecasting, Decision Sciences).
• Focused on solving real managerial problems, not purely mathematical derivations.

Step 2: Analysis Report (15–30 pages)

For each paper, provide:

1. Managerial Problem: Identify the decision problem being addressed.
2. Research Objective: Explain the purpose of the study.
3. Methodology: Describe the quantitative technique(s) used to solve the problem.
4. Key Findings: Summarize the main results.
5. Problem-Solving Evaluation: Explain how the method solved the problem and its effectiveness.
6. Decision-Making Relevance: Discuss the implications for managers.
7. Critical Evaluation: Identify strengths, weaknesses, assumptions, and limitations.
8. Comparison of Both Papers: Highlight similarities, differences, and lessons learned.

Format: Times New Roman, 12pt, double spacing, APA referencing.