Operational Modeling and Analysis - Curriculum 355
Program Officer
Matt Geiser, CDR, USN
Code GB, Ingersoll Hall, Room 219A
(831) 656-3953, DSN 756-3953
mtgeiser1@nps.edu
Academic Associate
Kyle Lin, Ph.D.
Glasgow Hall, Room 260
(831) 656-2648, FAX (831) 656-2595
kylin@nps.edu
Brief Overview
The Operational Modeling and Analysis curriculum 355 is tailored for U. S. Navy Unrestricted Line Officers whose career paths do not permit attendance in the traditional Operations Analysis (OA) curriculum 360.
The curriculum was founded by the Navy in 1951 to retain, develop, and promulgate the methods of Operations Research (OR) that were used so successfully in World War II. OR is the science of helping people and organizations make better decisions. More formally, it is the development and application of mathematical models, statistical analyses, simulations, analytical reasoning, and common sense to the understanding and improvement of real-world operations. Improvement can be measured by the minimization of cost, maximization of efficiency, or optimization of other relevant measures of effectiveness. Practitioners are called on to advise military and civilian decision makers on the allocation of scarce resources, the selection of new equipment and processes, and the optimal deployment of given resources to achieve required missions.
Mathematics, probability, statistics, and optimization supply the theoretical background for analyzing alternative choices in tactical and strategic warfare, and in planning, budgeting, and procurement of systems and forces. The student learns computational methods and develops skills to identify relevant information, formulate decision criteria, and select alternatives. This education enhances performance in all duties throughout a military career including operational billets, technical management assignments, and policy-making positions.
Requirements for Entry
The Operational Modeling and Analysis curriculum is open to Navy Unrestricted Line Officers only.
A baccalaureate degree with above-average grades is required. Completion of mathematics through single variable differential and integral calculus with above-average grades is considered minimal preparation. Students without these quantitative prerequisites will be accepted in cases where their undergraduate records indicate that they are exceptional students and there are other indicators of potential. An academic profile code (APC) of 235 is required. Waivers will be considered for an APC of 345.
Convenes
Fall, Spring
Subspecialty
Completion of this curriculum qualifies an officer as an Operations Research Analysis subspecialist with a subspecialty code of 3211P. The community manager for the Operations Research Analysis subspecialty is the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81).
Typical Subspecialty Jobs
OPNAV Analyst
Fleet Commander Analyst
Numbered Fleet Analyst
Air, Surface, or Submarine TYCOM Analyst
Master of Operational Modeling and Analysis
The Master of Operational Modeling and Analysis degree requires:
• Completion of a minimum of 40 quarter-hours of graduate-level courses with:
• At least 20 quarter-hours of 4000-level courses, of which at least 16 are OA.
• An operational modeling and analysis sequence approved by the Chairman,
Department of Operations Research.
• Completion of an acceptable capstone project on a subject previously approved by the Chairman, Department of Operations Research.
Fall or Spring start
Quarter 1 (spring/fall)
| MO2180 | Mathematical Foundations for Operations Research | | 4 | 1 |
| OA2801 | Computational Methods for Operations Research | | 4 | 1 |
| OA3101 | Probability | | 4 | 1 |
| OA2600 | Principles of Operations Analysis | | 4 | 0 |
Quarter 2 (summer/winter)
| OA3102 | Statistics | | 4 | 2 |
| OA3201 | Linear Programming | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3301 | Stochastic Models I | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3801 | Computational Methods for Operations Research II | | 3 | 1 |
Quarter 3 (spring/fall)
| OA3103 | Data Analysis | | 4 | 1 |
| OA3302 | Simulation-Modeling | | 4 | 0 |
| OA4202 | Network Flows and Graphs | | 4 | 0 |
| OS3680 | Naval Tactical Analysis | | 4 | 0 |
| OA3900 | Workshop in Operations Research/Systems Analysis | | V | 0 |
Quarter 4 (summer/winter)
Quarter 5 (spring/fall)
| OA4801 | Spreadsheet Modeling for Military Operations Research | | 3 | 2 |
| OS3082 | Systems Analysis Cases II | | 3 | 0 |
| NW3275 | Joint Maritime Operations - part 1 | | 4 | 0 |
| NW3285 | Theater Security Decision Making | | 4 | 0 |
Quarter 6 (summer/winter)
| OA3304 | Decision Theory | | 4 | 0 |
| OS4083 | Systems Analysis Cases III | | 3 | 4 |
| OA4702 | Cost Estimation | | 4 | 0 |
| NW3276 | Joint Maritime Operations - part 2 | | 2 | 2 |
Educational Skill Requirements (ESRs)
Operational Warfare Analysis - Curriculum 355
Subspecialty Code: 3211P
- MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTATION: The graduate will possess strong mathematical skills and advanced computer programming proficiency necessary for supporting graduate study in operations research. They will be adept at using computers for complex analysis, algorithm development, and simulation, enabling effective problem-solving and decision-making in operational contexts.
- DATA PREPARATION AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The graduate will possess strong skills in data preparation, including collecting, cleaning, and manipulating datasets to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency, enabling robust and reliable analysis. The graduate will be well-versed in applying probability, statistics, and data analysis to model and analyze a broad range of decision problems.
- OPTIMIZATION: The graduate will be able to formulate and solve a wide variety of optimization problems. They will understand and apply state-of-the-art algorithms used to solve linear, network, and integer programming problems.
- STOCHASTIC MODELING: The graduate will be able to formulate a wide variety of stochastic models; calculate measures of performance for them; and be well-versed in a broad range of advanced applications of discrete-time Markov chains and Poisson processes.
- SIMULATION: The graduate will be able to employ simulation methods to formulate and analyze mathematical models. They will use state-of-the-art design-of-experiments techniques in conjunction with industry-standard simulation tools to efficiently explore high-dimensional spaces and make informed recommendations.
- SYSTEMS ANALYSIS: The graduate will be able to apply systems analysis concepts to make key decisions on requirements, systems deployment, and other operational challenges, with a particular emphasis on risk-benefit and cost-benefit analysis.
- PRACTICE: The graduate will have experience in all aspects of an analytical study and will demonstrate the ability to conduct analytical studies individually or in a small team, including a capstone project. They will also be proficient in presenting the results both orally and in writing.
- ANALYSIS OF MILITARY APPLICATIONS: The graduate will have exposure to operations analysis techniques in the context of military planning and operational decision making, be able to model and apply these techniques to support concept development and military planning and develop appropriate decision support tools.
Curriculum Sponsor and ESR Approval Authority
The Major Area Sponsor (MAS) for the Operations Research Analysis subspecialty is Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources (OPNAV N8). The designated Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Operations Analysis curriculum is Director, Assessment Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N81). The Curriculum and ESR approval authority is Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (OPNAV N7). (355 Curriculum Review conducted 21 August 2024.)