Selected Topics in Operations Research

An operations researcher faced with a new problem is expected to determine which techniques are most appropriate given the nature of the system, the goals for improvement, and constraints on time and computing power. For this and other reasons, the human element of OR is vital. Therefore, course goal is overwhelm with advanced scientific methods and techniques for obtaining alternative solutions of real world problems on which basis optimal analysis and synthesis of obtained solutions can perform in order to make decisions and predict consequences.

Like any other tools, OR techniques cannot solve problems by themselves. So, outcome is to qualify researcher to solve concrete problems with application of specific advanced scientific methods, procedures and techniques using analysis, synthesis and prediction of solutions and consequences as well as to apply gained knowledge and skills in practice.

Topics for advanced research can be chosen (but not necessary) from following areas: Applied Probability and Statistics, Simulation, Stochastic Processes, Queuing Theory, Game Theory, Graph Theory, Inventory Planning, Decision analysis and Forecasting, Mathematical Programming, Mathematical Modelling of Operational Systems, Project management, and other areas connected with candidate research.

Practical part of the course is restricted to laboratory work i.e. use of existing software or writing adequate one.

Students should have (but not necessary) a background in statistics, system engineering, mathematics, computer science.

1. Bugaric, U., Petrovic, D.: Servicing system modelling, Faculty of Mechanical engineering Belgrade, Belgrade, 2011. 2. Bugaric, U.: Methodology for analysis of single position machines work, Foundation Andrejevic, Belgrade, 2003. 3. Software: QtsPlus 3.0 (Queuing theory software Plus). 4. Software: QSopt Version 1.0 (Linear programming problems). 5. Software: IOR Tutorial (Interactive Operations Research). 6. Software: MS – Project (Project management). 7. Personal computers.

Total assigned hours: 65

New material: 40
Elaboration and examples (recapitulation): 10

Auditory exercises: 0
Laboratory exercises: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 0
Consultations: 0
Discussion/workshop: 0
Research study work: 0

Review and grading of calculation tasks: 0
Review and grading of lab reports: 0
Review and grading of seminar papers: 0
Review and grading of the project: 10
Test: 0
Test: 0
Final exam: 5

Activity during lectures: 0
Test/test: 0
Laboratory practice: 0
Calculation tasks: 0
Seminar paper: 0
Project: 70
Final exam: 30
Requirement for taking the exam (required number of points): 0

Petrić, J.: Operations Research (book 1 & 2), Savremena administracija, Belgrade, 1990.; Žiljak, V.: Computer simulation, Školska knjiga, Zagreb, 1982.; Clymer, J. R.: Systems analysis using simulation and Markov models, Prentice-Hall International Inc., 1990.; Churchman, C. W., Ackoff, R. L., Arnoff, E. L.: Introduction to Operations research, John Willey & Sons Inc., 1957.; Hillier, F. S., Lieberman, G. J.: Introduction to operations research (seventh edition), McGraw-Hill, New York, 2000.