Operations research (OR) is a set of scientific disciplines focused on decision and optimization problems. Also known as management science or decision science, it involves the application of various mathematical methods and computer science in the design and optimization of systems and in the search for optimum decisions, especially regarding resource allocation.
The course introduces basic principles, problems, and methods of operations research. It discusses the historical context, properties of solved problems, and the impact of operations research. Mathematical modeling of real-world problems as well as the task of parameter optimization is presented. Linear programming techniques and their application will be discussed.
Besides the deterministic methods, stochastic techniques will be introduced with regard to the actual research publications in this area. At the end of the course, students will be capable to select and apply the most appropriate method (deterministic or stochastic).