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The University of Torontos Rotman School of Management Uses Management Science to Create MBA Study Groups

Published: 01 March 2006 Publication History

Abstract

Business schools look for ways to teach MBA graduates effective group work skills, generally through group-based assignments and projects. However, if not monitored carefully, group work can undermine the learning process; group composition is important. The Rotman School has developed a multiple-well-balanced-study-groups strategy to ensure that students are assigned to several balanced and nonoverlapping groups, which are used in different courses. We formulated the group-creation problem as a mathematical optimization model and implemented it in a user-friendly software package that Rotman MBA office administrators use to create student groups. Switching to computer-generated groups produced better balanced groups, saved much manual effort, and increased levels of satisfaction among students, faculty, and the MBA office personnel.

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Published In

cover image Interfaces
Interfaces  Volume 36, Issue 2
March-April 2006
85 pages
ISSN:0092-2102
EISSN:1526-551X
Issue’s Table of Contents

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INFORMS

Linthicum, MD, United States

Publication History

Published: 01 March 2006

Author Tags

  1. decision analysis
  2. education systems
  3. multiple criteria
  4. operations

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