The Effect of a Web-Based Tutorial on Problem Formulation Ability

Business programs are under greater pressure than ever to provide their students with the analytical skills they will need for effective problem solving. The increasing complexity of today's business environment and the expanding volume of data to support decision making require students to have better modeling skills. Tutorials can shape and enhance skill development in domains which are process intensive and contain problems where mastery and proficiency require practice. In this paper, we present a web-based tutorial, MS-Tutor, to coach students on all aspects of algebraic formulation of linear and integer programs. Such tutorials have the potential to become an integral component of web-based course offerings. However, it is important to design the content in such a way that it enhances the learning process. MS-Tutor was designed by considering the following dimensions: Structure, which refers to the organization of the content; Feedback, so students can learn from mistakes; and Dialog, which affects the interaction between the user and the tutor. The results indicate there is potential for performance improvement if the tutor is used.

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