Introductory description

This is an elective module designed specifically for non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module includes coverage of theoretical and practical aspects of mathematical programming. In particular, it covers: linear programming problems with integer variables; the branch-and-bound algorithm; dynamic programming; network optimization; approximation algorithms; and convexity analysis.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify the business problems that can be modelled using optimisation techniques and formulate them in a suitable mathematical form.
• Apply optimisation techniques to the solution of the problems using spreadsheets and other appropriate software.
• Report on the meaning of the optimal solution in a manner suited to a business context.
• List and challenge the assumptions underpinning each of the key models studied.
• Reflect critically on the limitations of each of the models studied.
• Reflect critically on the limitations of each of the models studied.

Indicative reading list

• Wayne Winston, Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms, 4th Ed., Cengage Learning, 2022
• Frederick Hillier and Gerald Lieberman, Introduction to Operations Research, 11th Ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2021
• Bernhard Korte and Jens Vygen, Combinatorial Optimization: Theory and Algorithms. 6th Ed., Springer, 2018

Interdisciplinary

Core module for key interdisciplinary degree (MORSE).

Subject specific skills

Analytically solve optimization problems.

Transferable skills

Model a business optimisation problem and construct spreadsheets to solve an optimisation problem.