Operations Research (1): Models and Applications from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

This lecture gives students an overview of what they may expect from this course, including the fundamental concept and brief history of Operations Research. We will also talk about how mathematical programming can be used to solve real-world business problem.

Linear Programming

Linear programming (LP) is one of the most important method to achieve the outcome of optimization problems. We can use LP models for various decisions, including production, inventory, personnel scheduling, etc.

Integer Programming

In many practical areas, some of the optimization problems occur with integrality constraints imposed on some of the variables. Facility location, machine scheduling, and vehicle routing are some examples. Integer Programming (IP) provides a mathematical way to solve these problems.

Nonlinear programming

In the real life, many problems involve nonlinearities. Examples include pricing, inventory, and portfolio optimization. For such problems, we may use Nonlinear Programming (NLP) to formulate them into models and solve them.

Case Study: Personnel Scheduling

In this lecture, we introduce a real business case that has been solved with Operations Research by the instructor. The problem is for a company to schedule its customer service representatives to minimize the total amount of staff shortage. We will demonstrate the problem, process of conducting an OR study, integer programming formulation, and result.

Course Summary and Future Directions

In the final lecture of this course, we will summarize what we have learned. We will also preview what we may learn in future courses.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores optimization problems in business and management, economics, engineering, and more

Introduces frameworks and ideas about various types of optimization problems in the business world

Focuses on how to formulate real business problems into mathematical models that can be solved by computers

Reviews summary

Operations research (1): models and applications

Learners say this course is well received because of its clear explanations and comprehensive materials. The course provides a solid introduction to operations research, covering topics such as linear programming, integer programming, and non-linear programming. With real-world examples and engaging assignments, learners report feeling confident in their understanding of operations research and its applications.

Assignments help reinforce concepts and understanding.

"For me personally, the assignments could've stood to be just a hair more challenging but nonetheless perfect for reinforcing the concepts."

"This is just the first of 3 courses by the same team after all, so it serves as a perfect foundation leading into what's to follow."

"Great balance between Mathematical concepts and how those concepts apply to the real world in very useful ways!"

Covers mathematical foundations of OR.

"This course was incredible! As someone who wants to study OR in university, this provided a broad and comprehensive introduction to the subject, and it definitely helped me adjust to many new concepts."

"Grate course to begin in the Operations Research's huge field, the way that the professor introduces each type of programming is very easy to understand and to find applications to solve real world's business problems through different models."

"It is a good introductory course on optimizations. It does cover the business, mathematical modeling, and applications which is quite impressive to cover in a 6 weeks course."

Course provides practical examples and applications of OR.

"Great combination of theory, practice and business-related examples"

"This course was very helpful to understand the basics of operation research, after this course you will know where to apply linear, integer and non-linear programming."

"This course just opened my eyes to real value of mathematical operation in different business and now I am much more competent for jobs which need high knowledge of operational research."

Course is accessible to beginners in operations research.

"Excellent class. Very well explained. Very logical and concise."

"It is one of the most comprehensive, well-organised, mathematical-oriented and a solid course in Mathematical Programming."

"I am new to this field of operations research and I really enjoyed this course, learned a lot. I never used math before this way, it was great fun! Thanks!"

Concepts are explained in a clear and understandable manner.

"The instructor explained everything in his slides in the most lucid manner possible."

"very well explained and well paced."

"very clear, and has a good combination of theory and practice. The professor does a great job of making a complex topic easy to follow."

May experience some technical issues or inconsistencies.

"The instructor is very boring. He just reads a sheet and there are no practical examples."

"too many typos, no answer on remarks in this respect."

"week 6 is a little bit disappointing as one expects more details about the solution and the results."

Would benefit from more practical examples or assignments.

"It was hard to understand what was being communicated"

"Details or information not discussed in our class were given with brief explanations."

"Good Course.Had it been programming assignments, the course could have been excellent."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Operations Research (1): Models and Applications with these activities:

Review Calculus Concepts

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Calculus is a prerequisite for Operations Research. Reviewing key concepts will strengthen your understanding and facilitate better comprehension of the course material.

Browse courses on Calculus

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Review notes or textbooks from previous calculus courses
Solve practice problems to refresh your skills

Organize Course Notes and Resources

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Keeping your notes and course materials organized will help you stay on top of the material and make studying more efficient.

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Create a system for organizing your notes, handouts, and assignments
Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning

Read Operations Research by Hillier

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Reviewing this comprehensive textbook can help solidify your understanding of Operations Research concepts and provide additional depth.

View ISE Introduction to Operations Research on Amazon

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Read each chapter thoroughly
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Work through the practice problems at the end of each chapter

Four other activities

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Solve Linear Programming Problems

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Solving practice problems will help you develop proficiency in solving Linear Programming problems, which are a core concept in Operations Research.

Browse courses on Linear Programming

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Find online resources or textbooks with Linear Programming problems
Set aside dedicated time to practice solving problems

Participate in Study Groups

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Discussing the course material with peers can enhance your understanding, provide different perspectives, and identify areas where you need further clarification.

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Form or join a study group with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss the course material, solve problems, and quiz each other

Follow Tutorials on Integer Programming

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Completing tutorials on Integer Programming will complement the course material and provide additional guidance on this important topic.

Browse courses on Integer Programming

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Search for online tutorials or video lectures on Integer Programming
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Take notes and practice the concepts covered in the tutorials

Develop a Mathematical Model for a Business Problem

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Creating a mathematical model for a real-world business problem will enable you to apply the principles of Operations Research to practical scenarios.

Browse courses on Mathematical Modeling

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Identify a business problem that can be addressed using mathematical modeling
Research and gather relevant data
Develop a mathematical model using the appropriate techniques
Validate and refine the model
Use the model to make recommendations for solving the business problem

Career center

Learners who complete Operations Research (1): Models and Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and engineering methods to solve business problems. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications is directly relevant to this role, providing training in optimization, simulation, and other essential techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. Knowledge gained in Operations Research (1): Models and Applications, particularly in probability and optimization, will be extremely valuable to Actuaries, and the course can help build a foundation for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers use mathematical and engineering methods to improve the efficiency of business processes. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications is directly relevant to Industrial Engineers, providing training in optimization, simulation, and other essential techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data and analytics to solve business problems. The course Operations Research (1): Models and Applications will be directly relevant to Business Analysts, as it provides training in mathematical and engineering methods for optimizing business outcomes, which will be essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants use their expertise in business and management to help companies solve problems and improve performance. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications provides valuable training in mathematical and engineering methods for optimizing business outcomes, which will be essential for success as a Management Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications provides a strong foundation in mathematical and engineering methods for optimizing data-driven decision-making, which is essential for success as a Data Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to assess the financial performance of companies. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in optimization, linear programming, and other relevant techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in optimization, linear programming, and other relevant techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers use their expertise in risk management to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in probability, statistics, and other relevant techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts use their expertise in business and technology to analyze and design business systems. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in optimization, simulation, and other relevant techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use their expertise in statistics to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in probability, statistics, and other relevant techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Project Manager

Project Managers use their expertise in planning and management to deliver successful projects. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in optimization, risk management, and other relevant techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use data and analytics to understand consumer behavior and market trends. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications can help build a foundation for success in this role, as it provides training in mathematical and statistical methods for analyzing data and making predictions.

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Product Manager

Product Managers use their expertise in business and technology to develop and launch new products. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications may be useful for Product Managers, as it provides training in mathematical and engineering methods for optimizing product design and development.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers use their expertise in computer science to design, develop, and test software applications. Operations Research (1): Models and Applications may be useful for Software Engineers, as it provides training in optimization, simulation, and other techniques that can be applied to software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer