Contact hours per week: 3 x one hour lecture, 1 x one hour tutorial, 1 x one hour lab session

Prerequisites: Any first year mathematics unit

Unit description: This unit develops skills in the optimization of real-life deterministic or probabilistic systems, and is particularly useful for students interested in careers in Engineering, Management, Finance, Economics and Teaching.

This unit introduces students to linear programming and Markov processes, with the focus on developing the ability to solve practical problems. Topics include: Linear programming – Simplex Algorithm, Phase 1 and 2, Duality, Transportation problem; Markov processes – equilibrium analysis of Markov processes, analysis of absorbing Markov processes.

Learning outcomes: Throughout this course, you will develop problem-solving and analytical skills. You will learn to apply a range of operations research models to practical problems which involve decision-making and planning. In particular, on the completion of this course, you should be able to

use any Simplex code to solve any linear program and interpret the result,
solve small linear programs or transportation problems by hand,
have some understanding of Duality theory for linear programming,
formulate stochastic models, in particular Markov processes,
evaluate various performance measures of Markov processes.

Assessment: 2 hour exam (70%), assignments (30%)

Further information and assistance

If you are experiencing difficulties with your studies or assignments, have personal or life planning issues, disability or illness which may affect your course of study, you are advised to raise these with your lecturer in the first instance.

There is a range of University-wide support services available to you including Teaching & Learning, Student Services, International Services. Please refer to the Current Students homepage at: http://www.utas.edu.au/students/

Should you require assistance in accessing the Library visit their website for more information at http://www.utas.edu.au/library/

Unit coordinator/lecturer:	Dr Małgorzata O’Reilly
Campus:	Hobart
e-mail:	Malgorzata.OReilly@utas.edu.au
Phone:	6226 2405
Fax:	6226 2867
Room number	455
Consultation hours:	to be announced

School of Mathematics and Physics

Further information and assistance

Operations Research links