Prerequisite: Math 212, Linear Algebra

Operations Research is: 

•  A scientific approach to decision making that seeks to best design and operate a system, usually under conditions requiring the allocation of scarce resources
•  A mathematical/engineering discipline concerned with the optimal allocation of scarce resources
•  Quantitative common sense
•  A field that has interested me for 25 years

Also called Industrial Engineering (engineering schools) and Management Science (business schools)

Objectives

• Learn some applicable and beautiful math by exploring techniques that OR people have found useful
• Suggest a possible career or area for further study

Definitions

• System: a collection of interrelated objects
• Model:   an abstract representation of a system

Text: Introduction to Mathematical Programming by Wayne Winston and Munirpallam Venkataramanan, 4th Edition. We will not have time for all chapters, but the text is a good reference for those we don't cover.

Grading: Each of the following counts 25%. I encourage you to work together on all homework.

• Homework and class participation
• Exam 1 during the 6th week
• Exam 2 during the 12th week
• Final available at the beginning of exam period. Possible closed book part 12/17.

Background to work in OR:

• Now: Algebra, Linear Algebra, Calculus
Later: Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Real Analysis, more Algebra

Desirable skills for work in OR:

• Knowledge of the techniques
• Curiosity
• Persistence
• Oral and written communication