MA423      Half Unit
Fundamentals of Operations Research

This information is for the 2017/18 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Katerina Papadaki NAB 3.14

Additional teacher(s): TBA

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Operations Research & Analytics. This course is available on the Global MSc in Management, Global MSc in Management (CEMS MIM), Global MSc in Management (MBA Exchange) and MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Students must know basics of linear algebra (matrix multiplication, geometric interpretation of vectors), probability theory (expected value, conditional probability, independence of random events) and calculus (derivatives, limits).

This corresponds to knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics to the level of MA107 (Quantitative Methods Mathematics) and ST102 (Elementary Statistical Theory).

Course content

An introduction to a range of Operations Research techniques, covering: foundations of linear programming, including the simplex method and duality; queueing theory, including M/M/1 and M/M/s queues; birth and death processes; dynamic programming; and other topics that may vary from year to year.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 2 hours of lectures in the ST.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 3 problem sets in the MT.

Indicative reading

The course will be taught from a mixture of lecture notes and the book:

F S Hillier & G J Lieberman, Introduction to Operations Research, 9th edition (2009)


Students may also wish to consult:

Wayne Winston, Operational Research; Applications and Algorithms, Fourth/International Student Edition.

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.

Key facts

Department: Mathematics

Total students 2016/17: Unavailable

Average class size 2016/17: Unavailable

Controlled access 2016/17: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills