Operations Research (1): Models and Applications

孔令傑 (Ling-Chieh Kung)

Offered By

Operations Research (1): Models and Applications

National Taiwan University

About this Course

Operations Research (OR) is a field in which people use mathematical and engineering methods to study optimization problems in Business and Management, Economics, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, etc. This course introduces frameworks and ideas about various types of optimization problems in the business world. In particular, we focus on how to formulate real business problems into mathematical models that can be solved by computers.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

This course is appropriate for beginners with no prior analytics experience.

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

What you will learn

Formulate different types of mathematical models to tackle optimization problems with business applications.

Technically, the concepts and applications of Linear Programming, Integer Programming, and Nonlinear Programming will be delivered.

Solve an optimization problem with one of the most accessible software: Microsoft Excel.

Skills you will gain

ModelingBusiness AnalyticsMathematical Optimization

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

This course is appropriate for beginners with no prior analytics experience.

Approx. 11 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

孔令傑 (Ling-Chieh Kung)

副教授 (Associate Professor)

資訊管理學系 (Department of Information Management)

24,611 Learners

7 Courses

Offered by

National Taiwan University

We firmly believe that open access to learning is a powerful socioeconomic equalizer. NTU is especially delighted to join other world-class universities on Coursera and to offer quality university courses to the Chinese-speaking population. We hope to transform the rich rewards of learning from a limited commodity to an experience available to all.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Course Overview

This lecture gives students an overview of what they may expect from this course, including the fundamental concept and brief history of Operations Research. We will also talk about how mathematical programming can be used to solve real-world business problem.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 83 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Linear Programming

Linear programming (LP) is one of the most important method to achieve the outcome of optimization problems. We can use LP models for various decisions, including production, inventory, personnel scheduling, etc.

2 hours to complete

15 videos (Total 129 min)

15 videos

2-0: Opening. 4m

2-1: Introduction.3m

2-2: Elements of a mathematical program (1).9m

2-3: Elements of a mathematical program (2).12m

2-4: Linear programming.7m

2-5: Graphical approach.12m

2-6: Three types of LPs.7m

2-7: Simple LP formulation - Product mix.12m

2-8: Simple LP formulation - Production and inventory.13m

2-9: Simple LP formulation - Personnel scheduling.8m

2-10: Compact LP formulation - Production and Inventory.11m

2-11: Compact LP formulation – Product mix.7m

2-12: Computers – The Solver add-in and Example 1 – producing desks and tables. 8m

2-13: Computers – Example 2: personnel scheduling.4m

2-14: Closing remarks.5m

1 practice exercise

Quiz for Week 220m

Week

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Integer Programming

In many practical areas, some of the optimization problems occur with integrality constraints imposed on some of the variables. Facility location, machine scheduling, and vehicle routing are some examples. Integer Programming (IP) provides a mathematical way to solve these problems.

2 hours to complete

15 videos (Total 128 min)

15 videos

3-0: Opening.6m

3-1: Introduction.8m

3-2: IP formulation (1).11m

3-3: IP formulation (2).9m

3-4: Facility location – Overview.4m

3-5: Facility location – Covering.10m

3-6: Facility location - UFL.8m

3-7: Machine scheduling - Overview.7m

3-8: Machine scheduling - Completion time minimization.12m

3-9: Machine scheduling - Makespan minimization.7m

3-10: Traveling salesperson problem - Basics.11m

3-11: Traveling salesperson problem - Subtour elimination.13m

3-12: Computers – Example 1 – personnel scheduling.3m

3-13: Computers – Example 2 – facility location.5m

3-14: Closing remarks. 8m

1 practice exercise

Quiz for Week 320m

Week

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Nonlinear programming

In the real life, many problems involve nonlinearities. Examples include pricing, inventory, and portfolio optimization. For such problems, we may use Nonlinear Programming (NLP) to formulate them into models and solve them.

2 hours to complete

15 videos (Total 114 min)

15 videos

4-0: Opening.5m

4-1: Introduction.12m

4-2: The EOQ problem.8m

4-3: Formulating the EOQ model.9m

4-4: The portfolio optimization problem.8m

4-5: Portfolio optimization.9m

4-6: Linearizing an absolute value function.10m

4-7: Linearizing max_min functions.10m

4-8: Linearizing products 1A.5m

4-9: Linearizing products 1B 1C and 1D.7m

4-10: Linearizing products 2A.4m

4-11: Linearizing products 2B, 2C, and 2D. 9m

4-12: Remarks - why linearization.3m

4-13: Computers – Portfolio optimization problem. 5m

4-14: Closing remarks.2m

1 practice exercise

Quiz for Week 420m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Operations Research (1): Models and Applications

Operations Research (1): Models and Applications