Optimisation for Industry

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

It is recommended that students have completed a third year subject in linear and non-linear programming (equivalent to 620-362 [2008] Applied Operations Research).

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The use of mathematical optimisation is widespread in business, where it is a key management tool for planning and operations. It is also required in many industrial processes and is useful to government and community organizations. This subject will expose students to operations research techniques as used in industry. A heavy emphasis will be placed on the modelling process that turns an industrial problem into a mathematical formulation. The focus will then be on how to solve the resulting mathematical problem. Elementary linear programming and non-linear programming techniques will be reviewed, leading to an introductory treatment of integer programming techniques.

After completing this subject students should:

- have learned how basic techniques in operations research are applied in industry;

- understand how to turn an industrial problem into a mathematical formulation;

- know how to solve important mathematical optimisation problems arising in industrial framework;

- gain the ability to pursue further studies in this and related areas.

Up to 60 pages of written assignments (60%: two assignments worth 30% each, due mid and late in semester), a two-hour written examination (40%, in the examination period).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Upon completion of this subject, students should develop:

- problem-solving skills (especially through tutorial exercises and assignments) including engaging with unfamiliar problems and identifying relevant strategies;

- analytical skills including the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of the analysis;

- ability to work in a team, through interactions with other students.