The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to Operational Research by covering some classical and representative fields to give a precise idea of the approach, the type of problems dealt with and the numerous applications in the industrial domain. The emphasis is placed on three main key points: modelling, solving and efficiency. The first part of the unit concentrates on modelling aspects by studying some problems which can be represented by graphs. A second part focuses more on classical solution methods and a short last part aims to demonstrate the pertinence of operational research in the industrial world. Each field is covered by taking a specific practical problem to highlight the three key points mentioned, and especially the notion of efficiency, linked essentially to the practical pertinence of the solution method used.
| On completion of the unit, the student will be capable of: | Classification level | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Recognizing and modelling a problem of the type studied in the course sessions | 2. Understand | Essential |
| Using modelling tools (graphs, linear programming ..) to mathematically formalise a problem | 3. Apply | Essential |
| Justifying the use of a solution method for a problem and knowing how to apply it | 3. Apply | Essential |
| Estimating, asymptotically, the outlines of costs in time and space of solution methods | 4. Analyse | Important |
| Percentage ratio of individual assessment | Percentage ratio of group assessment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam: | 100 | % | Project submission: | 0 | % |
| Individual oral exam: | 0 | % | Group presentation: | 0 | % |
| Individual presentation: | 0 | % | Group practical exercise: | 0 | % |
| Individual practical exercise: | 0 | % | Group report: | 0 | % |
| Individual report: | 0 | % | |||
| Other(s): 0 % | |||||
| Type of teaching activity | Content, sequencing and organisation |
|---|---|
| Supervised studies | Graphs and sequencing. Shortest paths and Minimum Spanning Tree. Flow Problems Courses + Supervised studies. |
| Supervised studies | Tree Methods (Branch and Bound) Courses + Supervised studies |
| Supervised studies | Dynamic Programming Courses + Supervised studies |
| Simulation | Linear Programming Courses + Supervised studies |
| Course | Operational Research in the Industrial World (1h30) |