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
Other material accessible in Moodle

Teaching methods

The contact lessons are in a computer class and involve use of computers. The theory should be independently acquired before class exercises. The learning is accomplished by assignments where theory is put into practice.

Exam schedules

Exam in Week 41
Resits in Weeks 43 and 46

Completion alternatives

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

Student workload

Contact lessons about 25 hours
Independent study about 25 hours
Learning tasks about 30 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.

An equivalent course in Finnish TZLM5300-3017 Optimointi.