Operations Research
- Sciences
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 298 pages
- 15 units
This course introduces advanced concepts in Operations Research, building upon undergraduate knowledge. It covers various approaches to problem-solving, modeling techniques, and linear programming. Students will learn integer, dynamic, and goal programming, as well as transportation and assignment models. The course also explores inventory, network analysis, sequencing, queuing theory, and replacement strategies, equipping students with analytical skills for real-world applications and research.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, problem solving, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Mathematics
- Statistics
- Introduction to Operations Research
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT756, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT756 · UNIT 1 CONCEPTS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
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. You will be familiar with the limitations, assumption and specific applicability of the techniques.
What you should be able to do
- Formulate and solve linear programming problems using graphical and simplex methods.
- Apply integer programming techniques to solve problems with integer constraints.
- Utilize dynamic programming to optimize multi-stage decision processes.
- Apply goal programming to address problems with multiple, conflicting objectives.
- Analyze and optimize transportation and assignment problems.
- Develop and implement inventory control policies using EOQ models.
- Apply network analysis techniques to project planning and scheduling.
- Analyze and optimize queuing systems to improve service efficiency.
- Develop and implement replacement policies for deteriorating assets.
What it prepares you for
- Operations Analyst
- Logistics Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Management Consultant
- Project Manager
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Telecommunications
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Linear Programming Software (e.g., Excel Solver)
- Statistical Analysis Software (e.g., SPSS, R)
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 4: Linear Programming (2)
Simplex method requires a thorough understanding of matrix operations and algebraic manipulations, which can be challenging for students with limited mathematical backgrounds.
- Module 2: Integer Programming
Unit 1: Concept of Integer Programming
The branch and bound method involves complex decision trees and requires careful tracking of constraints and solutions, making it difficult to visualize and implement correctly.
- Module 3: Inventory Model
Unit 1: Inventory Model
The EOQ model with stock-outs requires understanding of cost trade-offs and the ability to apply calculus to derive optimal solutions, which can be challenging for students with weaker mathematical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 70 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 1: Concepts of Operations Research · 4 hours
Read the introduction to Operations Research.. Understand the historical development of OR.. Identify the scientific nature of OR.. Discuss the importance and uses of OR.. State the limitations of Operations Research..
- Week 2Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 2: Modeling · 4 hours
Define the meaning of a model in Operations Research.. Describe the various types of models.. Explain how to construct a model.. List some standard Operations Research models..
- Week 3Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 3: Linear Programming (1) · 6 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 4Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 4: Linear Programming (2) · 6 hours
Prepare LPD for use of simplex.. Explain the need and uses of simplex.. List the steps involved in using a simplex method.. Prepare a simplex table and understand its various components.. Demonstrate the use of simplex method for solving an LLP.. Solve LPP using maximisation problem..
- Week 5Module 1: Concepts of Operations Research
Unit 5: Linear Programming (3) · 4 hours
Explain optimal dual concept.. Describe dual formulation procedure.. Interpret dual programming model..
- Week 6Module 2: Integer Programming
Unit 1: Concept of Integer Programming · 4 hours
Explain the limitations of integer programming.. Identify the methods of integer programming.. Formulate integer programming model.. State how to solve IP problems using branch and bond method..
- Week 7Module 2: Integer Programming
Unit 2: The Concept of Dynamic Programming · 4 hours
Explain the terminologies used in dynamic programming.. Identify the methods of dynamic programming.. Formulate dynamic programming model.. State how to solve dynamic programming problems using branch and bound method..
- Week 8Module 2: Integer Programming
Unit 3: Concept of Goal Programming · 4 hours
Explain the concept of goal programming.. Use multiple goals as goal programming problems.. Formulate goal programming model.. State how to solve goal programming problems graphically..
- Week 9Module 2: Integer Programming
Unit 4: Transportation Model · 4 hours
Discuss the limitations of integer programming.. Identify the methods of integer programming.. Formulate integer programming model.. State how to solve IP problems using branch and bond method..
- Week 10Module 2: Integer Programming
Unit 5: Assignment Model · 4 hours
Explain the concept of assignment model.. State how to solve assignment by enumeration method.. State how to solve assignment by Hungarian method..
- Week 11Module 3: Inventory Model
Unit 1: Inventory Model · 6 hours
Explain the concept of inventory.. Identify different types of inventory.. State the main reason for holding stock.. Define some important terminologies.. Identify the different EOQ model.. Determine the EOQ graphically and by use of model.. Differentiate the types of inventory control systems..
- Week 12Module 3: Inventory Model
Unit 2: Network Analysis · 4 hours
Define a network model.. Explain what a project is.. Differentiate between Programme Evaluation and Review Techniques and the Critical Path Analysis (PERT) (CPA)..
Unit 3: Sequencing Problems · 4 hours
Describe the concept of sequencing.. State the assumptions made in the sequencing problem.. Define the terminologies used in sequencing problem..
- Week 13Module 3: Inventory Model
Unit 4: Waiting Line (Queuing) Theory · 6 hours
Explain standard queuing language and symbols.. Discuss operating characteristics of queuing.. Solve queuing problems in single-channel and multiple-channel situations.. List the advantages and limitations of queuing systems..
Unit 5: Replacement Theory · 6 hours
Explain that depreciable assets have to be replaced.. Formulate assumption of Replacement Theory.. Devise a replacement policy for such items whose maintenances cost increases with time and also the money value changes with time (at constant rate).. Explain the mechanism of system failing suddenly.. Discuss group replacement policy..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all examples and exercises in each unit, focusing on the problem-solving steps.
- Create a formula sheet for all key equations (EOQ, queuing formulas, etc.) and practice applying them.
- Focus on understanding the assumptions and limitations of each model (linear programming, integer programming, etc.).
- Practice formulating real-world problems into mathematical models (linear programs, goal programs, etc.).
- Work through past exam papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked and the expected level of detail.
- Prioritize studying the units on linear programming and inventory management, as they form the foundation for many other topics.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 linear programming concepts.
- Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT756 about?
This course introduces advanced concepts in Operations Research, building upon undergraduate knowledge. It covers various approaches to problem-solving, modeling techniques, and linear programming. Students will learn integer, dynamic, and goal programming, as well as transportation and assignment models. The course also explores inventory, network analysis, sequencing, queuing theory, and replacement strategies, equipping students with analytical skills for real-world applications and research.
How many units does CIT756 have?
CIT756, Operations Research, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 298 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT756?
CIT756 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Sciences.
Is CIT756 hard?
CIT756 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 CIT756 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CIT756 assessed?
CIT756 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting CIT756?
Basic Mathematics Statistics Introduction to Operations Research
What can I do with CIT756?
Operations Analyst, Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Management Consultant and Project Manager.