Optimization (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Purpose of the course
After the course you will understand how engineers use mathematical models and tools to find the best, fastest or most economical way to achieve the desired operative goals.

Learning objectives
You know basic principles and methods of optimization and networks. You can construct an optimization or network model of a work-related problem and solve it by using a computer.

Content

Principles and methods of linear and nonlinear optimization
Fundamental graph theory and network optimization algorithms
Applications in operative decision making
Using Excel

Materials

Taylor, B. W. (2018) Introduction to Management Science. Pearson
Baker, K. R. (2011) Optimization modeling with spreadsheets
Other material accessible in Moodle

Teaching methods

In online learning the student works independently by familiarizing with the theory and putting the theory into practice by solving assignments using a computer.

Exam schedules

The date and execution of the exam will be announced in the beginning of the course.

Completion alternatives

The admission procedures are described in the degree rule and the study guide.

Student workload

Independent study about 20 hours
Learning tasks about 40 hours

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient 1
You have achieved the desired goals. You know a few of the concepts and methods and how to apply them in familiar situations but your reasoning is often deficient and you make mistakes in calculations.

Satisfactory 2
You have achieved the desired goals. You know many of the concepts and methods and how to apply them in familiar situations but your reasoning is sometimes deficient or you make mistakes in calculations.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good 3
You have achieved the desired goals. You know most of the concepts and methods and how to apply them in familiar situations showing often the ability to reason completely and calculate flawlessly

Very good 4
You have achieved the desired goals. You know most of the concepts and methods and how to apply them in new situations showing in most cases the ability to reason completely and calculate flawlessly.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
You have achieved the desired goals. You know all the concepts and methods and how to apply them in new situations showing always the ability to combine things, reason completely and calculate flawlessly.

Qualifications

You can find the extreme values of a function by differentiation. You know the normal distribution.

Further information

The assessment is based on learning tasks and exams.