Module Descriptors
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
MATH60362
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Sarah Easton
Email: S.J.Easton@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • CLASS-TEST weighted at 50%
  • CLASS-TEST - SECOND CLASS TEST weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Prior study of CE61014-4 Mathematics and Statistics for Computing Students, or BLB10115-4 or CE61015-4 Mathematical Foundations, or CE00819-4 Mathematics for Interactive Computing or CE61010-4 Balancing Mathematics for Engineering or equivalent.
Module Texts
For background reading only:
Anderson D.R., Sweeney D.J. and Williams T.A. An Introduction to Management Science: Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making, 2008, South-Western College Publishing, ISBN: 0324649940.
Ragsdale C.T. Spreadsheet Modeling and Decision Analysis, 2004, South-Western College Publishing, ISBN: 0324184018.
Module Resources
Appropriate LP software (eg. Excel Solver, QSB)
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered by 24 hours of lectures, 11 hours of tutorials and 1 practical class of 1 hour.
Module Indicative Content
Linear Programming (LP): Formulation and graphical solution. Infeasibility and Unboundedness. Sensitivity analysis. Computer solution and interpretation of results.
Transportation and Assignment problems. Application to problems arising in business and finance.
Network Models. Shortest path and maximum flow algorithms,
Project management problems - critical path analysis, time/cost analysis.
Simple Inventory Control models
Application of simulation to problems involving uncertainty
Manual solution of problems and using computer packages.
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. Test 1 50% (Learning Outcomes 1 and 3)
2. Test 2 50% (Learning Outcome 2)