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Operations Research
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:33
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
Resources
Lecture Notes
A script will be made available.
Literature
Any standard textbook in Operations Research is a useful complement to the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- 10-page summary (A4 Size) with printed or handwritten notes, non-programmable calculator, English dictionary.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Operations Research
The lecture takes place ONLINE via Zoom (recorded).
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC Montag, 14.09.2020, 14.00 h, HG E1.1 (tbc))
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MAS in Management, Technology, and Economics (MAS MTEC Introductory Event for 1st Semester Students. Monday, 14.09.2020, 16.00 h, HG E1.2 (tbc))
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