This is the first question that pop up in my mind and most of my classmates sharing the same thought. Even in the classroom, I also put the challenge question at instructor that does it really use in business nowadays?

OK, I believe very rare companies may use in the R&D department but they may not use all topics we studied in class. Anyway, I gave the highest rating to this instructor compare to previous class because the instructor has very keen in topics. The heart of Quantitative Analysis (QA) is to research and analyze for co-relation of data. Instructor knows how to simplify it for the audiences which has variety background (Some of my classmate never know about equation before). In the classroom we learn:
– Linear programming model
– Transportation and assignment model
– Forecasting model
– Network model
– Project management
– Game theory
– Queuing theory

Nowadays, computer is so advance and all of the topics above have been replaced by computer program. Just a few clicks, you already get the answer and ready to use. I also use some of the model in my previous work experience but I’ve never know how to get the figure, only use final result. I got A- for this subject and I’m now knowing how computer calculate safety stock for me, how computer define critical path for me in CPM and PERT. How computer calculate trend and seasonal in forecasting model? I just know that the result figures come from probability concept. Nice to know but who will calculate these manually in this cyber world?

Same question again, do we need it for MBA student? Would it more efficient to MBA student to learn how to use computer program for these QA rather then calculating it manually?