363-1004-00L Operations Research
Semester | Autumn Semester 2020 |
Lecturers | S. Bütikofer van Oordt |
Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
Language of instruction | English |
Courses
Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
363-1004-00 G | Operations Research The lecture takes place ONLINE via Zoom (recorded). The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses. | 2 hrs |
| S. Bütikofer van Oordt |
Catalogue data
Abstract | This course provides an introduction to operations research methods in the fields of management science and economics. Requisite mathematical concepts are introduced with a practical, problem-solving perspective. |
Objective | After completing this course: 1. The student has an overview of the various fields and approaches of operations research. 2. The student has a basic mathematical and algorithmic understanding of the major optimization methods used in operations research applications (i.e. linear programming (LP), integer programming (ILP), dynamic optimization). 3. The student can analyse basic real-world decision problems and formulate appropriate optimization models. 4. The student can implement and solve basic LP/ILP models in a modelling language (GAMS). 5. The student has developed a certain intuition on how to approach and analyse real-world optimization problems, to correctly estimate their complexity, and to choose appropriate modelling approaches and implementation tools. |
Content | The economic environment of today's companies is characterized by high cost pressure, declining margins, intensified international competition, rising customer requirements and increasingly strict regulations. Strategic and operational decisions at all management levels are becoming more and more complex due to the increasing amount of data, interrelationships, conditions and target criteria to be considered. Often it is no longer possible to solve operational tasks with experience and common sense alone and to adequately estimate the consequences of decisions without software support. Quantitative models and methods of operations research and operations management offer decision support for complex problems. Mathematical optimization models are used to precisely formulate operational decision problems so that they can subsequently be analysed and optimized using suitable solution methods. A large number of quantitative real-world problems can be formulated and solved in this general framework. Applications of operations research comprise, for instance, decision problems in production planning, supply chain management, transportation networks, machine and workforce scheduling, blending of components, telecommunication network design, airline fleet assignment and revenue management. This course offers an introduction to operations research, emphasizing basic methodologies and underlying mathematical structures. The following topics are covered in detail: - Introduction to system modelling and operations research - Linear models and the importance of linear programming - Duality theory in linear programming and shadow prices - Integer programming - Dynamic optimization (under uncertainty) and applications in inventory management |
Lecture notes | A script will be made available. |
Literature | Any standard textbook in Operations Research is a useful complement to the course. |
Prerequisites / Notice | Undergraduate calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics are a prerequisite. |
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
In examination block for | Bachelor's Degree Programme in Geospatial Engineering 2018; Version 06.10.2021 (Examination Block 3) |
ECTS credits | 3 credits |
Examiners | S. Bütikofer van Oordt |
Type | session examination |
Language of examination | English |
Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
Mode of examination | written 90 minutes |
Written aids | 10-page summary (A4 Size) with printed or handwritten notes, non-programmable calculator, English dictionary. |
If the course unit is part of an examination block, the credits are allocated for the successful completion of the whole block. This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. |
Learning materials
No public learning materials available. | |
Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |