An Innovative Spreadsheet Application to Teach Management Science Decision Criteria

Abstract

This article describes a Microsoft Excel-based application that uses humorous voice synthesis and timed competition to make it more fun and engaging to learn management science decision criteria. In addition to providing immediate feedback and easily customizable tips that facilitate self-learning, the software randomly generates both the problem data and the sequence of cells to complete as a means of keeping the process fresh during repeated practice. It can be configured to prevent the entering of cell formulas as a means of encouraging students to use calculators and think about the individual calculations. Faculty benefit from a system that facilitates automatic problem generation, and grading, and helps prevent and detect undesirable behavior. Student feedback and assessment results provide empirical evidence of the application's value.