OVERVIEW

Operations Research (OR) consists in a set of mathematical models and methods for solving decision problems in a wide number of application sectors. The purpose of this course is to provide the students with competences in using a set of models for problem solving. In particular, the course mainly considers optimization problems faced by mathematical programming techniques and problems on graph and networks.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The students will learn a set of models and methods of Operations Research (linear and non-linear mathematical programming models; integer programming methods; graphs and network models).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course presents a set of mathematical models and methods from Operations Research for solving decision-making problems. The aim of the course is thus to provide students with the skills to model decision-making problems by means of optimisation methods and to use appropriate algorithms for their solution. In particular, the course mainly considers optimisation problems addressed by mathematical programming techniques and problems on graphs and networks

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of linear algebra and calculus.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures in class using blackboard or slides

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to problems and decision-making models. The process of formulating problems using quantitative models.

Linear mathematical programming. Graphical formulation and solution of linear programs. The simplex algorithm. Sensitivity analysis and its economic interpretation.

Non-linear mathematical programming. Convex programming. Descent methods. Unconstrained and constrained non-linear programming.

Integer programming and combinatorial optimisation. Example formulations and solving methods (branch and bound).

Graph theory: shortest path problems, minimum spanning tree.  Network flow models.

Examples of the use of a mathematical formulation language and a solver for mixed integer problems (OPL-Cplex).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frederick S Hillier, Gerald J Lieberman, Introduction to Operations Research, 9/e, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2010, ISBN: 0073376299

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MASSIMO PAOLUCCI (President)

SILVIA VILLA (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course will be held during the second semester , starting from 26/02/2024 to 31/05/2024

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam and oral exam (optional after passing the written part). The students who want to take the exam must register online and send an email to the professor.

Students with learning disorders ("disturbi specifici di apprendimento", DSA) will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students will be asked about theoretical concepts related to topic covered in the course. They will be asked to operations research problems using the algorithms introduced in the course and applying theoretical concepts. 

Exam schedule