Spring 2004
Operations
Research
Instructor: Dr. Karen Ricciardi
Office: 317 Albee
Phone: 758-7104
e-mail:ricciard@bard.edu
Office Hours: Monday 4:30-6:00; Wednesday 10:30-12:00; Thursday 2:00-5:00 and by appointment
Course Web Page: http://math.bard.edu/ricciardi/OR.htm
Meeting Time/Place: Monday, Thursday 11:30-12:50 / Albee 106
Textbook: Rardin, Ronald L., Optimization in Operations Research, 1st ed., Prentice Hall
http://gilbreth.ecn.purdue.edu/~rardin/oorbook
Software:
GAMS (see text website to download trial version)
Prerequisites:
This
course will introduce the student to the branch of operations research
known as deterministic optimization. Deterministic optimization tackles
problems such as how to schedule classes with a limited number of classrooms
on campus, how to determine a diet that is both rich in nutrients and low
in calories, how design a machine that will be most energy efficient and
how to create an investment portfolio that meets your investment needs.
A broad range of optimization techniques will be covered in this course
including linear programming, network flows, integer/combinatorial optimization
and nonlinear programming. The course will emphasize the importance of
problem formulation as well as how to apply algorithms to real-world problems
to arrive at optimal solutions. A working knowledge of multivariable calculus
and basic linear algebra.
Grade: Your grade will be determined in the following manner.
Homework Projects = 40% of your final grade.
Exams (2) = 20% each for a total of 40% of your final grade.
Final
Project = 20% of your final grade.
Homework:
Many of the assignments given in this course are dependent upon successfully
setting up the optimization problems and solving these problems with the
assistance of a computer. For this reason, the homework in this course
constitutes a large portion of your grade. Homework with their respective
due dates will be assigned in each class. Note that due date may vary for
each assignment given. Late homework assignments will be accepted, however,
10 points will be deducted from the final homework grade for each day that
the assignment is late.
Exams:
There
will be two in class exams throughout the semester. Each exam will be comprehensive,
with a focus on the most recently learned material. You will have the class
period to complete the exam. All exams will be collected at the end of
class. If you should miss an exam, you will receive a grade of zero unless
you have spoken to me (see Make-ups). Each midterm exam will be worth 20%
of your final grade.
Final
Project: The final project will consist of a report on an application
of operations research, as well as a 30 minute presentation of the application
to the class. Students will be primarily graded on the content and accuracy
of their work, however, presentation and writing style will also be factored
into the grade.
Due
dates: Responsible work habits and consideration for the grader dictate
that late assignments cannot be accepted without prior arrangement. Missed
due dates will result in a score of zero for the assignment.
Make-ups:
Make-up
exams will be granted only under compelling circumstances (e.g. death in
the family, medical emergency, religious holiday). Arrangements for make-ups
must be made before the date of the exam (or as soon as possible
thereafter when prearrangement is not feasible). Unexcused missed exams
will receive a score of zero.
Academic
Honesty: The Bard College academic honesty policy is in effect. In
particular, always be sure to give proper attribution for work or ideas
that are not your own.
Special Accomodations: Students with documented special needs should inform the instructor during the first week of classes. Any special needs will be kept completely confidential.