Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - MATH 208W D100

Introduction to Operations Research (3)

Class Number: 5270

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2023
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to methods of operations research: linear and nonlinear programming, simulation, and heuristic methods. Applications to transportation, assignment, scheduling, and game theory. Exposure to mathematical models of industry and technology. Emphasis on computation for analysis and simulation. Students with credit for MATH 208 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics covered

Modelling problems with many variables as linear programs.
Using spreadsheet applications to solve these models.  Network flow models.
Sensitivity analysis.  Integer and non-linear models.
Applications may include resource allocation, shipping and financial planning.

Modelling problems using discrete-event simulations.
Random numbers and distributions.  Queueing theory.

Students will learn mathematical typesetting using LaTeX, and spreadsheets using Excel.
A feature of the course will be a team project, in which students analyze a substantial mathematical problem and present their results in writing and in a formal presentation.

Grading

  • Individual Homework Assignments 30%
  • Team Homework Assignments 15%
  • Essay 5%
  • Midterm 10%
  • Term Project 20%
  • Final Exam 20%

NOTES:

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks. Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets, 3rd Edition
Kenneth R. Baker
ISBN: 978-1-118-93773-0

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html