MANG3013 Optimisation
Module Overview
Organisations are typically faced with many decision problems in the running of their operations and they strive to make better decisions by finding good, or ideally the best (optimal), solutions to such problems. This module is concerned with how decision problems can be formulated mathematically and solved optimally to support the decision making process in organisations. The module will introduce several optimisation techniques and illustrate the application of these techniques on problems from different types of industries. The techniques introduced in this module have a wide range of applicability on decision problems arising in, among others, resource planning, machine scheduling, business investment, transportation, logistics and production planning.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
Organisations are typically faced with many decision problems in the running of their operations and they strive to make better decisions by finding good, or ideally the best (optimal), solutions to such problems. This module is concerned with how decision problems can be formulated mathematically and solved optimally to support the decision making process in organisations. The module will introduce several optimisation techniques and illustrate the application of these techniques on problems from different types of industries. The techniques introduced in this module have a wide range of applicability on decision problems arising in, among others, resource planning, machine scheduling, business investment, transportation, logistics and production planning.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the principles and concepts of optimisation;
- the core optimisation techniques and approaches used.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- recognise and define an optimisation problem;
- apply the appropriate optimisation techniques to model a wide range of business problems;
- analyse results and interpret outcome;
- perform sensitivity analysis and interpret it.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- problem-solve;
- numeracy;
- learning skills;
- computer skills;
- teamwork
Syllabus
Model building for decision-making. • Linear, nonlinear and integer programming. • Single and multi-objective models. • Sensitivity analysis and duality theory. • Models with a special structure. • Exact and heuristic optimization algorithms.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is taught through a combination of lectures (two per week for twelve weeks), classes, computer lab sessions, case studies and problem sheets
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Revision | 34 |
| Wider reading or practice | 10 |
| Completion of assessment task | 36 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Hillier, F.S. and Lieberman, G.J. (2010). Introduction to Operations Research.
Rardin, L.R. (1998). Optimization in Operations Research.
Assessment
Formative
In-class activities
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 60% |
| Group Coursework (2000 words) | 40% |
Repeat
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework (2000 words) | 40% |
| Examination (2 hours) | 60% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination (2 hours) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Textbooks
Recommended texts for this module may be available in limited supply in the University Library and students may wish to purchase the mandatory/additional reading text as appropriate.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.