Unit Code: MTH809

Unit Name: Operation Research and Optimization

Description: Operations Research (OR) is the study of scientific approaches to decision-making. Through mathematical modelling, it seeks to design, improve, and operate complex systems in the best possible way. The mathematical tools used to solve such models are either deterministic or stochastic, depending on the nature of the system model. OR has many applications in science, engineering, economics, and industry; thus, the ability to solve OR problems is crucial for researchers and practitioners. This course focuses on linear and nonlinear optimization problems involving both continuous and integer variables. It will present techniques for optimization and the theory behind them. It will also show how to use these techniques on real problems, for example, minimizing cost, maximizing production capacity, or minimizing risk. Topics covered are: formulating a linear program; the simplex method; duality and sensitivity analysis; transportation problems and assignment models; integer linear programming; decision analysis and games; inventory modelling; queuing systems; and optimization theory and nonlinear programming algorithms.

Learning Target Outcomes: As a result of successfully completing this course, the student will be able to: 1. Translate a real-world problem, given in words, into a mathematical formulation. 2. Develop skills to solve optimization problems using appropriate mathematical tools. 3. Identify problems that can be addressed using operations research models, as well as the ability to use such models. 4. Design common optimization algorithms for a variety of operations research and optimization problems. 5. Apply operation research and optimization techniques in fields/areas such as agriculture, finance, industrial engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, decision-making science, transportation, and applied sciences.

Prerequisite: Minimum Entry Requirements of the programme

Prerequisite Sentence: Minimum Entry Requirement of the programme

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2