Preparatory Mathematics

The aim of this preparatory course is twofold: fron one hand, to refresh some basics concepts and, secondly, to provide students with some mathematical tools which are supposed to be part of the background of any scholar in managerial disciplines.

The first part of the course presents the basic concepts of linear algebra which play a central role in many aspects of economic theory and management. Many of these topics will be used in the second module of the course of Mathematics. Afterwards, the course introduces students to some optimization methods used in business, with emphasis on linear optimization. A glance to multicriteria decision making will be also proposed, in particular DEA and AHP methodologies.

Students will be able to solve linear systems and apply basic calculus of matrices.
They will be able to analyze problems using linear programming.
They will be able to solve LP problems using dedicated software.
They will learn the basic theory behind multicriteria decision methods.
They will be able to apply their knowledge to solve practical cases where multicriteria methods may be fruitfully applied.
They will be able to use advanced features of Excel to support managerial decisions.

Students are expected to be familiar with standard calculus in one variable.

Program:

I. Linear algebra
1. Matrices and their properties.
2. Systems of linear equations.
3. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

II. Optimization
1. Multivariable optimization.
2. An introduction to the DEA methodology.
3. An introduction to the AHP methodology.

Sydsaeter K., Hammond P. Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Pearson, 2012 (chapters 13–17).

Other materials will be distributed during the course.

A homework consisting in a set of open problems (to be solved with the support of dedicated software) will be proposed at the end of the course. The final evaluation consists of a "pass/fail" assesment.

Standard methods and spreadsheets.

English

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion.

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

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