Operations, Information and Decisions, PhD
Wharton’s program in Operations, Information and Decisions emphasizes research on real management problems and maintains a balance between theory and implementation. The faculty trains scholars in decision making, information and operations/operations research.
Our faculty leads in the development and application of an innovative blend of analytical and empirical approaches to important problems facing the private and public sectors, including:
- supply chain management;
- service delivery systems;
- product development and innovation processes;
- decision support systems;
- information-based strategy;
- systems development and implementation;
- risk and environmental management; and
- behavioral approaches to individual and managerial decision making.
Our PhD program provides a unique mix of behavioral, economic, statistical and analytical training to its students, and its strength is reflected in our students’ record of placement and achievement.
3 Areas of Specialization
Decision Making (DM)
What factors influence human judgment and decision-making? Why and when are people prone to judgement errors and biases? What kinds of interventions will help people make better decisions, or improve human welfare? Our interdisciplinary Decision-Making PhD program focuses on training students to conduct and publish academic research that helps to answer these important questions. Along the way, students receive rigorous quantitative/statistical training, and acquire a deep understanding of the literature on judgment and decision-making, significant exposure to the fields of psychology, economics, organizational behavior, and marketing.
Information Systems (IS)
The IS track covers a broad range of research interests. Students interested in information and decision technology (IDT) focuses on the analytical and information technology-based methods for managing complex organizations. Those interested in information strategy and economics (ISE) focus on understanding the strategic aspects of information and information management.
Operations Management / Operations Research (OM / OR)
OM/OR focuses on the processes that define an organization’s outputs, as well as the methods commonly used to analyze these processes. Students specializing in OM are interested in a wide range of functions and organizational types, including operations strategy, product design, process design, technology management, capacity planning, inventory control, supply chain management and service system planning. Students interested in OR focus more on the application of mathematical models to these areas.
For more information: https://doctoral.wharton.upenn.edu/operations-information-decisions/
View the University’s Academic Requirements for PhD Degrees.
The total course units required for graduation is 16.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirement | ||
| Operations, Information and Decisions | ||
| OIDD 900 | Foundations of Decision Processes | 1 |
| OIDD 940 | Operations Management | 1 |
| OIDD 955 | Research Seminar in Information Systems | 1 |
| Statistics | ||
| Select two STAT course units | 2 | |
| Course Requirement for Each Area of Specialization | ||
| Select one of the following areas: | 2-5 | |
| Decision Process (DP) | ||
| Microeconomic Theory | ||
| Game Theory and Applications. | ||
| Information Systems (IS) | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
| Microeconomic Theory and Game Theory and Applications. | ||
| Microeconomic Theory I and Macroeconomic Theory I | ||
| Operations Management/Operations Research (OM/OR) | ||
| Intro to Linear, Nonlinear and Integer Optimization | ||
| Stochastic Models | ||
| Distribution Systems Seminar | ||
Select one of the following: | ||
| Microeconomic Theory and Game Theory and Applications. | ||
| Microeconomic Theory I and Macroeconomic Theory I | ||
| Electives for all areas | ||
| OIDD 912 | Introduction to Optimization | 0.5 |
| OIDD 913 | Advanced Linear Programming | 1 |
| OIDD 914 | Advanced Non-Linear Programming | 1 |
| OIDD 916 | Advanced Integer Programming | 1 |
| OIDD 931 | Stochastic Processes ll | 0.5 |
| OIDD 932 | Queuing Theory | 0.5 |
| OIDD 934 | Dynamic Programming and Stochastic Models | 0.5 |
| MGMT 953 | Seminar on Research Methods | 1 |
| Select one or more from the following: | 1-5 | |
| Numerical Methods in Economics | ||
| Econometrics I: Fundamentals | ||
| Econometrics II: Methods & Models | ||
| Econometrics III: Advanced Techniques of Cross-Section Econometrics | ||
| Econometrics IV: Advanced Techniques of Time-Series Econometrics | ||
| Total Course Units | 14-21 | |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2020 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.