Lesson 1:: Overview of Quantitative Methods
Lesson 1:: Overview of Quantitative Methods
OVERVIEW OF QUANTITATIVE
METHODS
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
▪
Time Duration: 1 hour
What is Quantitative Method?
Quantitative Method is a scientific method or technique that has a broad
application for problem-solving and decision making for various organizations like
business, government, and service organizations. It helps the organization in solving
complex problems on time, with greater accuracy and in the most economical way.
Quantitative methods provide information about a situation or problem and offer an
alternative or different way to assess a condition that may well help.
Business organizations utilize different quantitative methodologies, including
optimization (linear programming), network analysis, forecasting (regression, path
analysis, and time series), cost-benefit analysis, assignment, and transportation),
sensitivity analysis, significance testing, simulation, benchmarking, and total quality
management.
Business
Problems
QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE
Analysis Analysis
Problem Analysis
Decision
This phase aims to develop a clear, concise statement of the problem, which
will give the scope of the problem under investigation. It involves determining the
objective of the study and the constraints on what can be done.
2. Model Construction
Once the problem is defined, the next phase is to represent the problem into a
mathematical model in the form of equations, relationships, or formulas. It involves
the formulation of a mathematical model to represent the problem. Basically, it
includes three basic elements: decision variables, objective function aim to
optimize, and the constraints need to satisfy.
3. Model Solution
Developing a solution involves manipulating the model to derive the best
(optimal)solution to the problem. Mathematical analysis for deriving optimum
solution includes analytical or numerical procedure.
4. Model Validity
A model is valid if it can provide a reliable prediction of the system's
performance. This phase checks whether or not the proposed model does what it
is supposed to do.
5. Implementation
The final phase is to implement the results. It is the process of translating the
solution into operating procedures to make it easily understandable to the
individuals who will implement the recommended solution.
Quantitative methods enable managers to make the best estimates and thus minimize
the risks associated with a particular decision. Ideally, quantitative models provide
managers with a better understanding of information, to enable them to make the best
possible decisions.
Project Management
Project Management considered quantitative methods as an essential tool specifically
to find ways of allocating scarce resources.
Production Planning
Assessing different proposals for costs, timing, and location employs quantitative
methods. With effective product planning and scheduling, companies will be more able
to satisfy their customers' needs while maximizing the company's profit.
Marketing
Marketing strategy is vital in every business. With the help of the quantitative method,
it enables the company to find a way of setting the budget requirement and allocating
purchases. Strategies are made based on the data obtained from marketing
campaigns.
Finance
The accounting department of an organization utilizes different quantitative data and
methods, such as to estimate the value of an investment, cost of production, and profit
generation.