Operations Research

Operations research is an area of mathematics which seeks to solve complex problems that arise in conducting and coordinating the operations of modern industry and government. Typically, operations research looks for the best or optimal solutions to a given problem. Problems within the scope of operations research methods are as diverse as finding the lowest cost school bus routing that still satisfies racial guidelines, deciding whether to build a small plant or a large plant when demand is uncertain, or determining how best to allocate timesharing access in a computer network.

Typically, these problems are solved by creating and then analyzing a mathematical model to determine an optimal strategy for the organization to follow. Often the problem requires a statistical model, and nearly always the analysis - whether optimizing through a set of equations or simulating the behavior of a process - involves the use of a computer. Finally, operations researchers must be able to interpret and apply the results of their analyses in an appropriate manner.

In addition to a solid background in calculus, probability and statistics, and the various operations research areas, prospective operations researchers should be familiar with computer programming and managerial techniques.

Courses of Interest

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Last modified: October 02, 2006 12:29:23