OA4820 Case Studies in Applied Defense Analytics

This course introduces established graduate students of operations research to analysis of real military problems. After a structured introduction on analytical project management, these novice operations researchers organize into small teams to conduct the analytic process on a single unresolved military problem. These problems retain real-world complexity and ambiguity requiring scoping, data management, model development, analytic methodology, and communication plan. Throughout the course period, these teams are mentored by experienced operations researchers and supported with access to modern analytical computation systems. Student teams present their findings to real military sponsors at periodic check points and receive feedback on their work.  The objective of the course is to provide the experience of developing science-based insight on complex problems for the purpose of informing military decisions.

Prerequisite

OA3802 and OA4118, or Instructor permission

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

1

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course the student will:

 

• Understand the process of applying operations research to complex problems for the purpose of informing military decisions, including:
  • Establish rapport with sponsor, understand language and culture around the proposed problem
  • Further scope the problem and develop a problem definition to include a research question, system boundaries, constraints, limitations and assumptions
  • Confirm scope with sponsors
  • Gain access to and manage large quantities of data using a modern repository system (e.g., GitLab)
  • Use modern project management framework (e.g., Agile) and collaboration tools (e.g., Teams)
  • Develop science-based insight by translating data into objective results using operations research methods
  • Develop strategies and metrics to provide tactical, operational and strategic recommendations
  • Communicate insight and recommendations to decision-makers that facilitates improved operations
• Utilize project management skills and frameworks to ensure successful completion of milestones and deliverables;
• Effectively communicate with technical and non-technical military sponsors through diligent correspondence and product development via written, oral and visual communication proficiency;
• Transition and integration of student analysis into the DoD body of knowledge.