Operations Research

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Objectives

This course aims to introduce the essential competencies of Operational Research methods and systems concepts application in analyzing and solving decision problems common in management and economy.

Lead students to understand that the decision on economy is characterized by the need to pursue goals, often incompatible, and shares allocation of scarce resources such as financial, human, material and technological.

Develops skills on the need to understand the context, formulate problems, construct mathematical models and graphs, use algorithmic and mathematical tools to solve and interpret the meaning of the solution in the organizational context.

Program

Introduction to Operations Research and the methodology.

Linear programming: concepts, problem formulation, graphical method, Simplex algorithm. Optimization using the MS Excel solver.

Duality in Linear Programming: dual model, economic interpretation, sensitivity analysis, dual simplex algorithm.

Optimizing in Networks and Graphs: graphical models, transportation problems, transshipment and assignment.

Mixed Integer Linear Programming: formulations with integer variables, the branch-and-bound algorithm and the Gomory’s cutting planes algorithm.

Game Theory: formulation, zero-sum games, the prisoner's dilemma, mixed strategies; resolution by linear programming.

Teaching Methodologies

Teaching methodologies include teacher explanation and use of software applications by students. Students are challenged to participate in e-activities via the learning web platform used on the Azores University.

Bibliography

Manuel Ramalhete, Jorge Guerreiro, Alípio Magalhães (1995) "Programação linear"; vol. I e II, Lisboa : McGraw-Hill ((Biblioteca 113955V1-2, SD 519.8 R134pr)

Hillier, Frederick S. e Lieberman, Gerald J. (2006) "Introdução à Pesquisa Operacional"; 8ª edição. McGraw-Hill: Portugal (Biblioteca 9ª edição em inglês 119699E1 SD/AH 519.8 H546i).

Albright, S. Christian e Winston, Wayne (2005) “Spreadsheet Modeling and Applications - Essentials of practical management science”; Duxbury. ISBN: 0-534-38032-8 (Biblioteca 110387 SD 65.011.5 A297s);

Code

0104576

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 30 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • 1st Frequency: 50%
  • 2nd Frequency: 50%