OS3211 Systems Optimization

This course is an application-oriented introduction to optimization. It introduces models (linear, integer and nonlinear programs), modeling tools (sensitivity and post-optimality analysis), and optimization software and solution techniques (including heuristics). It presents many military and private sector optimization applications in production planning and scheduling, inventory planning, personnel scheduling, project scheduling, distribution systems planning, facility sizing and capacity expansion, communication systems design, and product development. Prerequisites: None.

Lecture Hours

Lab Hours

Course Learning Outcomes

Optimization provides a rigorous framework for making decisions while taking into account physical, economic, logistical, procedural, and other constraints. Three key capabilities are required in the use of mathematical optimization techniques:

Formulation: expression of a real-world problem in mathematical notation
Implementation: realization of a written formulation in a computational solver
Post-optimality analysis: interpretation of solver output in terms of the original real-world problem