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Operations Research (1)

Models and Applications

孔令傑 (Ling-Chieh Kung)

Operations Research (OR) is a field in which people use mathematical and engineering methods to study optimization problems in Business and Management, Economics, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, etc. This course introduces frameworks and ideas about various types of optimization problems in the business world. In particular, we focus on how to formulate real business problems into mathematical models that can be solved by computers.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Operations research: practical model formulation

According to students, 'Operations Research (1): Models and Applications' provides a strong foundation in formulating real-world optimization problems. Learners frequently praise the clear and well-structured lectures, highlighting the instructor's ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible. The inclusion of practical business case studies, such as personnel scheduling, is consistently noted as a significant strength, demonstrating the course's high relevance for professionals. While some learners mention the mathematical rigor can be challenging and there's a focus on theoretical formulation over hands-on coding, recent reviews indicate a consistent high quality and a strong alignment with professional development goals.
Recent reviews suggest continuous high quality and strong relevance for its target audience.
"Excellent course! I highly recommend it for anyone in industrial engineering or business analytics."
"This course exceeded my expectations. It's definitely a high-quality offering from NTU."
"As a seasoned professional, I found this course an excellent refresher and a great way to formalize my understanding of OR."
"Outstanding course! Highly recommend for business students or professionals looking to solve optimization problems."
Lectures are well-structured, clear, and delivered by a knowledgeable instructor.
"The lectures are incredibly clear and well-paced, making complex topics like Integer Programming very approachable."
"The instructor is brilliant and really brings OR to life. Their explanations are concise yet thorough."
"The instructor's ability to explain difficult concepts is outstanding. Their delivery is engaging."
"The Linear and Integer Programming sections were particularly strong due to the clear explanations provided."
Strong emphasis on translating real business problems into solvable mathematical models.
"I especially liked how they connected theoretical models to practical business problems."
"The focus on model formulation is excellent and practical. It has directly improved my problem-solving skills at work."
"The structured approach to problem formulation is truly valuable. I feel much more confident in applying OR principles."
"The way complex optimization problems are broken down into solvable models is brilliant and highly relevant to industry needs."
Course demands a solid mathematical foundation, prioritizing theory over software application.
"I struggled significantly with this course as my mathematical background isn't strong; it felt very abstract."
"If you're looking for a course with lots of coding or software demonstrations, this isn't it; it's mostly conceptual."
"I expected more practical exercises involving actual data and computational tools, as it's very much focused on the theoretical framework."
"Some parts felt a bit mathematically dense without much visual aid, and the pacing was too fast for a beginner."

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
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
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks from previous calculus courses
  • Solve practice problems to refresh your skills
Organize Course Notes and Resources
Keeping your notes and course materials organized will help you stay on top of the material and make studying more efficient.
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing your notes, handouts, and assignments
  • Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning
Read Operations Research by Hillier
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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Show all seven activities
Solve Linear Programming Problems
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
Show steps
  • Find online resources or textbooks with Linear Programming problems
  • Set aside dedicated time to practice solving problems
Participate in Study Groups
Discussing the course material with peers can enhance your understanding, provide different perspectives, and identify areas where you need further clarification.
Show steps
  • 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
Completing tutorials on Integer Programming will complement the course material and provide additional guidance on this important topic.
Browse courses on Integer Programming
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • 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:
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
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
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
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
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
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
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
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

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Operations Research (1): Models and Applications.
Cover image
Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms
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Provides a comprehensive overview of operations research and its applications in various fields, including business, economics, and engineering. It is particularly useful as a reference tool due to its detailed coverage of various optimization algorithms.
Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms...
Hardcover
$$$$
Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms
Paperback
$$
Operations research: Applications and algorithms...
Hardcover
$$$
Student Suite CD-ROM for Winston's Operations...
CD-ROM
$$
Cover image
Linear Programming and Network Flows
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Classic textbook on linear programming and network flows, providing a rigorous mathematical foundation for these topics. It is commonly used in academic institutions and by industry professionals as a reference tool.
Linear Programming and Network Flows
Hardcover
$$$
Linear Programming and Network Flows
Hardcover
$$
Linear Programming and Network Flows
Hardcover
$$
Linear Programming and Network Flows
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Solutions Manual to accompany Nonlinear Programming
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to nonlinear programming, covering both theoretical foundations and practical algorithms. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and as a reference tool by industry professionals.
Solutions Manual to accompany Nonlinear Programming...
Paperback
$$
Solutions Manual to accompany Nonlinear Programming...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra
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Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to convex optimization, covering both theory and algorithms. It is commonly used as a textbook in graduate-level courses on optimization and control.
Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra: Vectors,...
Hardcover
$$
Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra: Vectors,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Introduction to Operations Research
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Provides a comprehensive overview of operations research, covering both fundamental concepts and advanced topics. It is commonly used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate-level courses on operations research.
Introduction to Operations Research
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Operations Research
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Multicriterion Decision in Management
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Provides a collection of over 500 operations research problems, covering a wide range of topics. It useful resource for students and practitioners who want to practice solving problems in operations research.
Multicriterion Decision in Management: Principles...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Essentials of Game Theory
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Provides a comprehensive introduction to game theory, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications. It is particularly useful for readers who want to understand how game theory can be used to model decision-making in various settings.
Essentials of Game Theory
Paperback
Check
Essentials of Game Theory
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Lectures on Stochastic Programming: Modeling and...
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Provides a comprehensive overview of stochastic programming, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications. It is particularly useful for readers who want to understand how to model and solve optimization problems under uncertainty.
Lectures on Stochastic Programming: Modeling and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Practical Optimization
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of nonlinear optimization, covering both theoretical foundations and practical algorithms. It is commonly used as a textbook in graduate-level courses on nonlinear optimization.
Practical Optimization
Paperback
Check
Practical Optimization
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Practical Management Science
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of operations research, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications. It is commonly used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate-level courses on operations research.
Practical Management Science
Paperback
Check
Practical Management Science
Kindle Edition
Check

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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
National Taiwan University
Instructor
孔令傑 (Ling-Chieh Kung)
Language
English
Transcripts
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
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