Introduction of the Course

Operations research focuses on solving practical problems by using optimization theories and methods, and has no agreed-on definition so far. “The Encyclopedia of Management” published in China defines operations research as: "Operations research is applying analytical, experimental, and quantitative tools to arrangement of human, material and financial resources for businesses in a coordinated way, and seeking a solution that is best for the problem of concern for managers to achieve management efficiency." From the perspective of management practice, this course introduces students to the theory, algorithms, and applications of operations research for solving practical business problems. Of course, in addition to management, operations research has applications in other areas. In order to highlight the application in management, this course is named "Management Operations Research".

The aim of the course is to cultivate students' ability to solve practical problems. To this end, a novel teaching system is developed, which is accompanied by discipline construction, teaching reform of management course series, and  theory development and practice application of operations research. Upon successfully completing this course, students will understand how to apply the quantitative methods and models in management operations research to analyze and study modern management decision-making problems. Several important and well-established models of management operations research are systematically introduced, so that students can make clear the role of management operations research in business management decision-making, and employ the basic ideas and methods to analyze and solve problems.

The teaching system is composed of three parts which are rigorous operations research theory and methods, management practice and computer simulation. In addition, the procedures to solving practical problems and how to formulate a mathematical model are incorporated. To enhance students’ manipulative ability, a management operations research software is provided to help them with formulating and solving of models, which highlights the theme of the course --- combining theory with practice.

The main task of the course is to enable students to master the basic principles and methods of management operations research, and to cultivate the ability to solve practical problems. Therefore, in the process of teaching, we place emphases on understanding of  basic theories and application of basic methods. It mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Understand the comprehensive optimization thought of operations research based on methodology of management operations research;

2. Grasp basic theories and methods of management operations research. Specifically, master the functions and characteristics of basic models such as linear programming, integer programming and dynamic programming; be familiar with the conditions, steps and corresponding skills of modeling; and finally be able to formulate and solve operations research models for practical problems;

3. Have the Preliminary ability to analyze and solve practical problems by means of the thoughts and methods of management operations research, and develop innovative thinking and strong application ability;

4. To apply relevant knowledge, master the skills including using management operations research software, and solving some common practical problems.

During the learning process of this course, if you have any questions, you are welcome to leave a message in the discussion area. We will deal with the comments and answer the questions in time. I hope you will gain something during your learning of operations research.

The main task of the course is to enable students to master the basic principles and methods of management operations research, and to cultivate the ability to solve practical problems. Therefore, in the process of teaching, we place emphases on understanding of  basic theories and application of basic methods. It mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Understand the comprehensive optimization thought of operations research based on methodology of management operations research;

2. Grasp basic theories and methods of management operations research. Specifically, master the functions and characteristics of basic models such as linear programming, integer programming and dynamic programming; be familiar with the conditions, steps and corresponding skills of modeling; and finally be able to formulate and solve operations research models for practical problems;

3. Have the Preliminary ability to analyze and solve practical problems by means of the thoughts and methods of management operations research, and develop innovative thinking and strong application ability;

4. To apply relevant knowledge, master the skills including using management operations research software, and solving some common practical problems.

Linear algebra, probability theory

Han Botang, Management Operations Research (Fourth Edition), Higher Education Press, 2015

National resource sharing course "Management Operations Research": https://www.icourses.cn/coursestatic/course_3675.html