Foundations of OR: Optimisation and (Meta-) Heuristics
A practical introduction to the most used methodologies in OR, linear programming and optimisation.
Description
- Understand the potential and limitations of optimisation methodologies
- Become aware of the scope of applications of optimisation
- Be able to apply linear programming in your own work
- Be able to solve a linear program using Excel Solver or another program
- Be able to interpret a solution to a linear program
- Become aware of alternative optimisation methodologies and understand when to use which approach
- Become aware of heuristic approaches to optimisation and their advantages and limitations
Learning objectives
- Learn about the potential and limitations of optimisation methodologies
- Understand the scope of applications of optimisation
- Apply linear programming by solving a problem using Excel Solver
- Interpret the solution to a linear program
- Build your knowledge of alternative optimisation methodologies and understand when to apply different approaches
- Learn about heuristic approaches to optimisation and their advantages and limitations.
Topics
- The application of linear programming in different sectors
- Decision variables, objective function, and constraints
- Graphical illustrations of linear programs
- Using Excel Solver to solve and interpret linear programs
- Sensitivity analysis
- Common types of linear programs, including transportation
- Other types of optimisation problems
- Introduction to metaheursitic approaches as alternatives to exact methods
Audience
The course is designed for those with limited or no prior experience in optimisation. The hands-on experience with optimisation provided during the course will enable delegates to recognise potential of optimisation and start applying it in their own work.
Course format
- PowerPoint presentation to introduce the topics including illustrative examples from different sectors
- Case studies based on ‘real world’ problems
- Practical sessions using Microsoft Excel with the Solver tool pack
- Group discussion/work to explore the topics in more detail
- Bring questions from your own work to embed your learning
- Supporting resource pack available to use following the course
Related courses
- Foundations of OR: Data Envelopment Analysis
- Foundations of OR: Statistical Methods in OR: Multivariate Statistics
- Foundations of OR: Follow on to Forecasting: ARIMA modelling for forecasting