Marc Eames (m.eames2@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au.au)

This subject introduces the technical issues involved in applying operations research principles, methods, and algorithms in the solution of real-world problems, and the practical aspects of group projects in operations research. Students should develop the ability to apply various operations research methods, algorithms and software in the solution of practical problems; and to participate successfully in group projects in operations research, including preparing reports and giving presentations. This subject demonstrates the scope and limitation of operations research methods, algorithms and software as far as solving practical problems is concerned. It also exhibits the practical issues and difficulties involved in group projects in operations research. Practical and technical aspects of various operations research methods for linear programming, integer programming and combinatorial optimisation, including selected topics from complexity, interior point methods, cutting planes, branch-and-bound, meta-heuristics, special heuristics and constraint logic programming. Applications in vehicle routing, facility location, cutting stock, manpower planning, and machine scheduling and other logistics problems. Familiarisation with operations research software.

36 lectures (three per week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 3:15-4:15pm)

12 practice classes (one per week, Tuesday 4:15-5:15pm)

12 un-supervised lab sessions (one per week, Friday 4:15-5:15pm) - for project work.

Three assignments (total: 35%)

One 90-minute mid-semester test (25%)

One team (industrial) project (40%)

Course outline and administration (.pdf)

Lecture notes

Practice sheets

Xpress-IVE examples

Assignments

Team (industrial) project