In each of the workshops, a real-life application will be treated in which the student applies the theory and techniques just learned in other courses. After a short introduction, the students will work in small groups on the real-life case and apply Econometrics and Operations Research techniques to solve the real-life problem. At the end, the students present their solutions, and finally the teacher/ company discusses how this case was solved in reality.
The topics may vary each year, but they are all related to “Improving Society”. Examples:
- Optimizing food supply to fight hunger in the world (in cooperation with World Food Program);
- Improving cancer treatment by optimization (in cooperation with MAASTRO Clinic);
- Determine the value and risks of mortgages from the bank's perspective (in cooperation with company Zanders).
In the final project, groups of 3 or 4 students conduct a case study in the area of Business Analytics and Operations Research, Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science, or Econometrics and Mathematical Economics. Two compulsory meetings are planned to present and discuss the progress; one of the supervising lecturers presides the meeting. The compulsory parts of the final project include the writing of an essay, the presentation of the findings, and the active participation to all discussions. Participation to the final project is only possible after registration on time (early February); details will be announced on Blackboard Course info.
Type of instructions
Workshops and project for triples or foursomes.
Type of exams
Participation in the workshops is compulsory. For the final project, an essay has to be written (in English) and participation in two planned meetings in the spring of the second year is compulsory. The grade will be determined by the (team) result of the final project and only becomes available if the student participated in all ISL-sessions/workshops and collected enough points in the PASS program.
PASS
The Program for Academic Study Success (aka PASS) is about social skills and personal development. The program takes place in year 1 only and consists of a number of lectures, online assignments, class meetings with the PASS-supervisor, campuswide events and, last but not least, individual guidance by your PASS-mentor (a senior student who has received special training to be a mentor). He or she will organize several social activities within the PASS-program, together with other mentors. These activities will enhance group cohesion. You will learn, amongst other things:
A. How to study efficiently by a thorough orientation with respect to the subject matter and by making a detailed planning, both for the short and the long term.
B. How to reflect on your own cultural identity and those of others, to be open to and be able to deal with different communication styles, determined by culture.
C. Where you stand with respect to the ideas of fellow students and guest lecturers from within and outside TiSEM.
Various PASS-activities yield in total 25 'PASS-points'. You will need a minimum of 10 'PASS-points', to be gained in semester 1 of year 1, to complete this part of Improving Society Lab. In addition, you will write a portfolio in which you reflect on the activities you have participated in.
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