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    • Operations Research

    Operations Research Courses Online

    Study operations research for solving complex organizational problems. Learn about optimization, simulation, and decision analysis techniques.

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    Explore the Operations Research Course Catalog

    • Status: New
      New
      I

      IBM

      Generative AI for Mobile App Developers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, AI Personalization, Large Language Modeling, Mobile Development, OpenAI, CI/CD, Software Development, Software Development Life Cycle, DevSecOps, Machine Learning Methods, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Applications, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Development, Prototyping, Software Architecture, Program Development

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.5K reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Foundations of Positive Psychology

      Skills you'll gain: Resilience, Goal Setting, Emotional Intelligence, Positivity, Personal Development, Optimism, Research Methodologies, Overcoming Obstacles, Research Design, Empathy, Productivity, Cognitive flexibility, Relationship Building, Self-Awareness, Qualitative Research, Research, Positive Behavior Support, Psychology, Self-Motivation, Critical Thinking

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of London

      Understanding Research Methods

      Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Research, Surveys, Timelines, Writing

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.3K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • G

      Google

      Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes

      Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, Figma (Design Software), Information Architecture, User Story, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Prototyping, Usability, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Mockups, User Flows

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Introduction to Finance and Accounting

      Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Return On Investment, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Reporting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Accounting, Financial Modeling, Working Capital, Balance Sheet, Accrual Accounting, Cash Flows, Income Statement, Finance, Accounting, Financial Analysis, Tax Planning, Equities, Financial Planning, Business Valuation, Corporate Finance

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      14K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      D

      Deep Teaching Solutions

      Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Strategies, Lifelong Learning, Time Management, Human Learning, Willingness To Learn, Productivity, Creativity, Problem Solving, Self-Discipline, Stress Management, Self-Awareness

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      92K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • I
      U
      I

      Multiple educators

      Data Science Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Pseudocode, Jupyter, Algorithms, Data Literacy, Data Mining, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Correlation Analysis, Web Scraping, NumPy, Probability & Statistics, Predictive Modeling, Big Data, Computer Programming Tools, Automation, Data Analysis Software, Data Collection, Machine Learning Algorithms, Unsupervised Learning

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      112K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IE Business School

      Market Research and Consumer Behavior

      Skills you'll gain: Survey Creation, Surveys, Market Research, Business Research, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Strategies, Research Design, Data Analysis, Research Reports, Market Analysis, Research Methodologies, Experimentation, Customer Analysis, Focus Group, Business Marketing, Decision Making

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Qualitative Research

      Skills you'll gain: Focus Group, Qualitative Research, Discussion Facilitation, Survey Creation, Market Research, Research, Research Reports, Recruitment, Research Methodologies, Interviewing Skills, Recruitment Strategies, Report Writing

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      457 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Cape Town

      Research for Impact

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Influencing, Research, Strategic Partnership, Program Evaluation, Community Development, Policy Analysis, Change Management, Systems Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Capacity Planning

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      174 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      AI Foundations for Everyone

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), OpenAI, IBM Cloud, Private Cloud, Data Loss Prevention, Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning, WordPress, Artificial Neural Networks, Governance, Machine Learning, Generative AI Agents, Automation, Digital Transformation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • R

      Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

      Supply Chain Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: Demand Planning, Competitive Intelligence, Strategic Sourcing, Competitive Analysis, Procurement, Market Intelligence, Purchasing, Supplier Management, Supply Chain, Inventory Management, Supply Management, Vendor Management, Management Consulting, Data Collection, Inventory Control, Business Consulting, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control Systems, Forecasting, Supplier Performance Management

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Operations Research learners also search

    Operations Management
    Operations Analytics
    Business
    Management
    Business Management
    Business Development
    Project Management
    Business Projects
    1…789…337

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular operations research courses

    • Generative AI for Mobile App Developers: IBM
    • Foundations of Positive Psychology: University of Pennsylvania
    • Understanding Research Methods: University of London
    • Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes: Google
    • Introduction to Finance and Accounting: University of Pennsylvania
    • Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects: Deep Teaching Solutions
    • Data Science Foundations: IBM
    • Market Research and Consumer Behavior: IE Business School
    • Qualitative Research: University of California, Davis
    • Research for Impact: University of Cape Town

    Skills you can learn in Business Strategy

    Modeling (25)
    Market (economics) (21)
    Plan (19)
    Planning (16)
    Strategic Management (16)
    Business Model (13)
    Operations Management (13)
    Analytics (12)
    Evaluation (12)
    Project Management (11)
    Supply Chain (10)
    Decision-making (9)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Operations Research

    Operations research is the use of statistical analysis and mathematical optimization techniques to help organizations solve problems and improve decision-making. The ability to harness vast amounts of data on day-to-day operations has created opportunities to rigorously optimize processes for cost, quality control, inventory management, and other goals, making operations research an important part of many businesses.

    The tools of operations research are similar to those of other fields relying heavily on quantitative analysis and statistics. Operational data is input into programs such as Microsoft Excel and Solver, R, and Python, where mathematical optimization techniques such as linear programming (LP) are applied to find the best solution for business problems. Monte Carlo simulations and other probabilistic analyses may also be used to discover areas of sensitivity and risk.

    These data-driven insights are typically applied according to process management and process improvement frameworks such as Six Sigma and Lean, which strive to reduce variation and eliminate waste in operations.‎

    Operations research is a core competency of careers in operations management, supply chain management, and logistics. This skill is particularly highly valued by businesses in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and other industries where companies must compete to deliver goods and services with complex supply chains in cost-sensitive markets.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analysts earned a median annual salary of $84,810 in 2019. These jobs are also expected to grow much faster than jobs in the rest of the economy, due to the explosive growth in the availability of operations data along with the increasing importance of adopting these data-driven approaches to remain competitive in many industries. Operations research analysts typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in technical and quantitative fields such as engineering, computer science, analytics, or mathematics, as few schools offer degrees in operations research specifically.‎

    Certainly. Coursera offers courses and Specializations on operations research and related topics such as supply chain and operations management, operational analytics, and statistical research. Offered by excellent schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Melbourne, and Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, these courses give you the opportunity to learn remotely on a flexible schedule and a lower tuition than on-campus students. Whether you’re a student or mid-career professional looking to add new skills to your repertoire, Coursera gives you the opportunity to optimize your operations research education to fit your specific needs.‎

    The skills and experience that you might need to already have before starting to learn operations research may include knowledge of mathematical and engineering methods, understanding of the fundamentals of business, and some background in linear programming, a math technique to solve systems of linear constraints. All of these can help you fully grasp the basics of operations research. Furthermore, having a background that includes computer algorithms and optimization techniques can help you to better analyze optimization problems in computer science, civil engineering, economics, and management. This multifaceted field is also linked with machine learning, as some operations researchers are sampling machine learning methods to test various metrics in a particular optimization process.‎

    The kind of people who are best suited for operations research work are often quantitative thinkers who are detailed and analytical. These people use mathematics formulas to help companies study labor needs, cost scenarios, product distribution, and other factors. In doing this work, they need to be curious, methodical, rational, and logical. Because operations researchers understand how algorithms, math, and statistics may impact workflows, budgets, employee staffing, and profitability, they also tend to be the kind of people who are investigative in nature, using their intellect and curiosity in the work.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Operations Research, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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