Units
Advanced Techniques in Operations Research
Unit code: MAN768
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The aim of operations research is to gain an understanding of complex situations, and thereby suggest ways to predict system behaviour and improve system performance. This requires you to learn how to develop and manipulate mathematical and computer models of complex systems composed of people, machines and their operating constraints/procedures.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Operations research techniques are used in most industries which are concerned with the application of scientific methods in decision making, especially the allocation of resources. Therefore, there is a need to graduate students who can make decisions using the most appropriate technology to solve a particular problem and implement it. This fourth unit in operations research introduces some of the most widely used advanced operations research techniques. The emphasis is on the derivation as well as the application of the techniques.
Aims
The aim of operations research is to gain an understanding of complex situations, and thereby suggest ways to predict system behaviour and improve system performance. This requires you to learn how to develop and manipulate mathematical and computer models of complex systems composed of people, machines and their operating constraints/procedures.
Objectives
Successful completion of this unit should enable you to:
1. Formulate practical operations research related problems by using a case study approach.
2. Use available software to link theory with practice.
3. Utilise methods and approaches embodied in problem solving through operations research.
(a) Communicate in writing in appropriate context.
(b) Engage analytical thinking skills.
(c) Apply knowledge in practical situations.
Content
Introduction
General review on research methods
The general nature of operations research
Production Planning and Scheduling
Analysis of production inventory systems
Static and dynamic production planning problems
Aggregate planning and master scheduling
LP, LDR and SDR techniques
Aggregate planning models using heuristics.
Operations Scheduling
Operations sequencing and balancing techniques
Deterministic Single machine models
Deterministic Parallel machine models
Flow shop scheduling
Job shop scheduling
Open shop scheduling
Constructive algorithms
Assembly line balancing techniques.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
There will be one hour per week of lectures plus two hours per week of practical problem solving with emphasis on formulating problems and discussing tutorial questions.
Real-life case studies in the application of operations research techniques to solve problems from different industry sectors will be provided as assignments to you.
Lectures/tutorials/practice sessions (case studies) on the above topics, with an emphasis on using relevant computer packages with the expectation that you will prepare a written report on assignments.
Assessment
The assessment procedure is carefully designed to help you manage and optimise your learning throughout the semester, allowing for different individual situations and capabilities. The assessment procedure is designed to help you develop your understanding and skills throughout the semester, aiming for achievement of the synergies and synthesis of the unit by the end of semester.Formative feedback is provided throughout the semester on individual and class work in verbal and written forms. Timely summative feedback is provided on all assessment, consisting of comments to assist students improve their understanding to all problems and case studies.
Assessment name:
Case Study
Description:
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c).
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Wks 4, 8, 11, 13
Assessment name:
Lab/Prac/Problem Solving Task
Description:
Workshops held in Weeks 3, 7, 9, 10, 12.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c).
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Wks 3, 7, 9, 10, 12
Assessment name:
Final Examination
Description:
Final examination.
Relates to objectives:
3(a) and 3(b).
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Examination Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Texts:
No text book.
References:
1. Bellman R, Eogbue A & Nabeshima I (1987) Mathematical Aspects of Scheduling and Applications, Pergeman Press
2. Brucker P (1995) Scheduling Algorithms, Springer
3. Chretienne P, Coffman EG & Lenstra JK (1995) Scheduling Theory and its Applications
4. Johnson LA & Montgomery DC (1974) Operations Research in Production Planning, Scheduling and Inventory Control, New York: John Wiley and Sons
5. Michalewicz Z (1996) Genetic Algorithms + Data structures = Evaluation Programs, Springer
6. Pinedo M (2001) Scheduling , Theory, Algorithms and Systems, Prentice Hall
Related Journal Articles will be advised during the lectures.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus. More information can be obtained from http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafe/index.jsp
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 22-Oct-2012
