363-1004-00L  Operations Research

SemesterAutumn Semester 2020
LecturersS. Bütikofer van Oordt
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
363-1004-00 GOperations Research
The lecture takes place ONLINE via Zoom (recorded).
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
2 hrs
Mon08:00-10:00ON LI NE »
S. Bütikofer van Oordt

Catalogue data

AbstractThis 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.
ObjectiveAfter 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.
ContentThe 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 notesA script will be made available.
LiteratureAny standard textbook in Operations Research is a useful complement to the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeUndergraduate 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 forBachelor's Degree Programme in Geospatial Engineering 2018; Version 06.10.2021 (Examination Block 3)
ECTS credits3 credits
ExaminersS. Bütikofer van Oordt
Typesession examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examinationwritten 90 minutes
Written aids10-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.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Management, Technology and Economics MasterQuantitative and Qualitative Methods for Solving Complex ProblemsW+Information
MAS in Management, Technology, and EconomicsQuantitative and Qualitative Methods for Solving Complex ProblemsW+Information
Geospatial Engineering BachelorExamination Block 3OInformation