An accessible introduction to the essential quantitative methods for making valuable business decisions. Quantitative methods-research techniques used to analyze quantitative data-enable professionals to organize and understand numbers and, in turn, to make good decisions.
The quantitative techniques help in decision making process in the way that identify the factors which influence the decisions and quantify them. It becomes easier to resolve the complexity of the decision making. Some of the quantitative techniques such as decision theory and simulation work best in complex decisions.
Quantitative techniques can be understood as a collection of mathematical and statistical tools
that are used to provide powerful means of analysis using quantitative data for effective decision
making in business. These techniques involve systematics and scientific methods for solving
complex problems for taking effective business decisions.
Quantitative techniques involve the use of numbers symbols, mathematical expressions, and
other elements of quantities, and serve as supplements to the judgment and intuitions of the
decision makers. These tools help businesses in optimum utilization of limited resources.
Traditionally, quantitative techniques are understood by different names such operation research,
or management science. More recently, statistical techniques are also understood to have been
part of quantitative techniques
3. Decision making
Decision making pervade all aspects of the business. The verb decide has been derived from
Latin prefix ‘de’ and the word ‘caedo’ meaning “off” and “to cut” respectively. This led to origin
of the word “Decido ” or deciduous, referring to those plants the leaves of which fall in the
autumn. But that is only one meaning of it. Other word derived from it is “decide” that means
“take the plunge” suggesting the meaning of in which making a wrong decision provokes the
fear of falling.
As per Drucker long range planning deals with the futurity of present decisions rather than future
decisions. Thus it relates present planning and future events. Current decisions should be made
keeping in mind the anticipated effect and the outcome of events that influences future values
and decisions. Decisions should balance efficiency with flexibility, and existing opportunities to
react to future circumstances and needs.
Decision making process
Decision making is systematic process involving several steps such as identifying the problem or
issue, identifying decision criteria, allocating weights to decision criteria, generating alternatives,
evaluating and choosing an alternative, implementing the decision alternative and finally
evaluating if the decision alternative was effective or not. For example, If an organization is
deciding to buy laptops for its 500 employees, then it needs to first find out why these laptops are
needed, the kind of configuration needed in those laptops, the price, quality, service warranties
that different vendors will be charging, evaluating a set of vendors and then take a decision to
order from a vendor.
Decision making, Rationality and Bounded Rationality
It is assume that managers make rational decision making by making logical and consistent
choices to so as to maximize value. But it may not be possible as right and timely information to
make fully rational decisions is not available in most of the situations.
Scientific management focuses on the actual management of a business based on the theories and concepts of scientific and mathematical methods of work. Management Science develops the scientific and mathematical methods that are used in scientific management.
An Introduction to Management Science Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making?
answer question introduction to management science quantitative approaches to decision making
In business, quantitative methods help the management and the decision makers to have quantifiable estimates of certain decisions. For example, a business can estimate the effect of doubling capital input or borrowing certain loans.
According to one definition, quantitative procedures are those that give decision-makers a powerful and organized way to analyze quantitative data. The management uses this scientific approach to problem-solve and make decisions.
Quantitative techniques in decision-making helps managers make decisions that are best for the organization. With numbers supporting decisions, managers can get the support of top management.
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The main roles of quantitative techniques in business and industry are diverse. They are used for purposes of analyzing and evaluating data which will facilitate the process of decision making.
William E. Pinney has written: 'Solutions manual and instructor's guide to accompany 'Management science: anintroduction to quantitative analysis for management'' 'Management science' -- subject(s): Decision making, Decision-making, Management, Management science, Mathematical models 'Decision support'
The official definition for a quantitative model is " Collection of mathematical and statistical methods used in the solution of managerial and decision-making problems, also called operations research (OR) and management science."
A. Quantitative Techniques with reference to time series analysis in business expansion. B. Quantitative techniques are mathematical and reproducible. Regression analysis is an example of one such technique. Statistical analysis is also an example of a quantitative technique. C. Quantitative techniques are applied for business analysis to optimize decision making IE profit maximization and cost minimization). It covers linear programming models and other special algorithms, inventory and production models; decision making process under certainty, uncertainty and risk; decision tree construction and analysis; network models; PERT and CPA business forecasting models; and computer application.
A. Quantitative Techniques with reference to time series analysis in business expansion. B. Quantitative techniques are mathematical and reproducible. Regression analysis is an example of one such technique. Statistical analysis is also an example of a quantitative technique. C. Quantitative techniques are applied for business analysis to optimize decision making IE profit maximization and cost minimization). It covers linear programming models and other special algorithms, inventory and production models; decision making process under certainty, uncertainty and risk; decision tree construction and analysis; network models; PERT and CPA business forecasting models; and computer application.