Topics of special interest to undergraduates. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits if the topics are substantially different. Operations research techniques and their application to managerial decision making. Mathematical programming, Markov processes, queueing theory, inventory models, PERT, CPM, and computer simulation are covered, as well as use of contemporary computer software for problem solving. A case-study approach to problem solving is used.
Emphasis is on modeling and problem solving.
A survey of probabilistic methods for solving decision problems under uncertainty. Probability review, project networks including PERT and CPM, queueing theory, inventory theory, Markov decision processes, reliability, decision theory and games, and simulation are covered. Emphasis is on modeling and problem solving. Computer simulation as a scientific methodology in operations analysis, with emphasis on model development, implementation, and analysis of results. Discrete-event models, specialized languages, experimental design and output statistics are covered.