Operation Research
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 209 pages
- 9 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of Operations Research. It covers the development of Operations Research, modeling, mathematical programming, optimization problems, linear programming, simplex method, integer programming, multi-stage decision processes, dynamic programming, scheduling models, transportation, and assignment models. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and solve complex problems in various fields.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, problem solving, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Mathematics
- Statistics
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT425, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT425 · UNIT 1 DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH (O.R)
The successful use of operations research techniques usually results in a solution that is timely, accurate, flexible, economical, reliable and easy to understand and use. We will be familiar with the limitations, assumption and specific applicability of the techniques.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the fundamental concepts of Operations Research.
- Formulate mathematical models for real-world problems.
- Solve linear programming problems using graphical and simplex methods.
- Apply integer programming techniques to solve optimization problems.
- Analyze multi-stage decision processes using dynamic programming.
- Solve transportation and assignment problems using appropriate models.
What it prepares you for
- Operations Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Logistics Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Linear programming software
- Spreadsheet software
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 3: Linear Programming (Simplex Method)
The Simplex method involves iterative calculations and understanding of tableau manipulations, which can be challenging for students without a strong mathematical background.
- Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 4: Integer Programming
Integer programming requires understanding of advanced optimization techniques and the branch and bound method, which can be conceptually difficult.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 80 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 1: Development of Operations Research (O.R) · 5 hours
Read the introduction to Operations Research.. Understand the meaning and scope of Operations Research.. Study the historical development of Operations Research.. Identify the importance and uses of Operations Research.. State the limitations of Operations Research..
- Week 2Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 2: Modelling in Operations Research · 5 hours
Understand the meaning of model in Operations Research.. Describe the various types of models.. Describe how to construct a model.. State some standard Operations Research models.. Differentiate between static and dynamic models..
- Week 3Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 1: Optimization Problems · 5 hours
Understand Optimization problems.. Understand Linear and Non-Linear Programs.. Formulate Problems from verbal statements.. Differentiate between Integer and Quadratic programs.. Understand solution conventions in OR..
- Week 4Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 2: Linear Programming (LP) · 5 hours
State the usefulness of linear programming in operations research.. State the properties of a linear programming model.. Identify some areas of application of linear programming.. Formulate a linear programming model.. State the usual assumptions of a linear programming model.. Solve a two-variable linear programming model graphically..
- Week 5Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 3: Linear Programming (Simplex Method) · 5 hours
Preparation of LPD for use of simplex.. Understanding of the need of use of simplex.. Steps involve in using a simple method.. Preparing a simplex Table and understanding its various components.. Demonstrating the use of simplex method for solving a LLP.. Solving LPP using maximization problem..
- Week 6Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 4: Integer Programming · 5 hours
Understand limitations of integer programming.. Identify the methods of integer programming.. Formulate integer programming model.. Solve IP problems using branch and bond method..
- Week 7Module 3: Multi Stage Decision Processes
Unit 1: Dynamic Programming · 5 hours
Understand the terminologies used in dynamic programming.. Identify the methods of dynamic programming.. Formulate dynamic programming model.. Solve dynamic programming problems using branch and bond method..
- Week 8Module 4: Scheduling Models
Unit 1: Transportation Model · 5 hours
Understand limitations of integer programming.. Identify the methods of integer programming.. Formulate integer programming model.. Solve IP problems using branch and bond method..
- Week 9Module 4: Scheduling Models
Unit 2: Assignment Model · 5 hours
Understand the concept of assignment model.. Solve assignment by enumeration method.. Solve assignment by Hungarian method..
- Week 10Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 1: Development of Operations Research (O.R) · 5 hours
Review the key concepts of Operations Research.. Solve additional problems on linear programming.. Discuss the applications of Operations Research in real-world scenarios..
Unit 2: Linear Programming (LP) · 5 hours
Practice formulating linear programming models.. Solve graphical linear programming problems.. Discuss the limitations of linear programming..
- Week 11Module 2: Mathematical Programming
Unit 3: Linear Programming (Simplex Method) · 5 hours
Practice solving linear programming problems using the simplex method.. Discuss the applications of the simplex method.. Review the steps involved in the simplex method..
Unit 4: Integer Programming · 5 hours
Understand the concept of integer programming.. Discuss the limitations of integer programming.. Review the methods of integer programming..
- Week 12Module 4: Scheduling Models
Unit 1: Dynamic Programming · 5 hours
Understand the terminologies used in dynamic programming.. Identify the methods of dynamic programming.. Formulate dynamic programming model..
Unit 1: Transportation Model · 5 hours
Understand limitations of integer programming.. Identify the methods of integer programming.. Formulate integer programming model..
- Week 13Module 4: Scheduling Models
Unit 2: Assignment Model · 5 hours
Understand the concept of assignment model.. Solve assignment by enumeration method.. Solve assignment by Hungarian method..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module and unit objectives to ensure comprehensive understanding.
- Practice formulating real-world problems into mathematical models.
- Focus on mastering the simplex method and its variations.
- Create concept maps linking transportation and assignment models.
- Solve past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- Allocate sufficient time for each question during the exam to maximize your score.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT425 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of Operations Research. It covers the development of Operations Research, modeling, mathematical programming, optimization problems, linear programming, simplex method, integer programming, multi-stage decision processes, dynamic programming, scheduling models, transportation, and assignment models. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and solve complex problems in various fields.
How many units does CIT425 have?
CIT425, Operation Research, has 9 units across 4 modules, over 209 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT425?
CIT425 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is CIT425 hard?
CIT425 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical, problem solving and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CIT425 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 9 units.
How is CIT425 assessed?
CIT425 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting CIT425?
Basic Mathematics Statistics
What can I do with CIT425?
Operations Analyst, Management Consultant, Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Analyst and Data Analyst.