This module is not currently running in 2021 to 2022.
The broad areas will be as defined as shown below:
Modelling LP applications (management, finance, business, marketing)
The use of graphical method for small problems and the development Simplex Method (optimality and feasibility criteria) including the two-phase method.
The use of a computer software such as Excel to solve LP instances and discussion of results (through a couple of Labs).
Degeneracy issues in LP (brief)
Duality theory (dual problems, duality theorem, and complementary slackness conditions), and application of duality to other problems (brief)
Dual Simplex Method
Sensitivity analysis and brief pot-optimality analysis
Extension of LP to Integer Programming or Ratio Programming (DEA)
2 hour lecture; 1 hour seminar per week
Lectures: 22
Seminars: 10
Labs: 4
Preparation for and Completion of Written Assignments: 75
Independent study: 39
Total Hours: 150
Examination – 2 hour unseen 80%
Exercise (70%) and Essay on a Case Study (30%) 10%
Technical Exercises Assignment 10%
Taha HA (2011), Operations Research: An Introduction (latest edition), MacMillan, NY.
Winston WT (2004), Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms (latest edition), Belmont, California, Duxbury: Belmont.
Salhi S (2004), LP and its applications: lectures notes, 4th revision Birmingham University: School of Mathematics (made available Online on Moodle
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
Intended subject specific learning outcomes:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the power of modelling in decsion making.
Formulate management/finance/decision problems that fall into Linear Programming.
Demonstrate an ability to use software such as Excel to solve large problems and analyse results.
Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the logic and the mathematics that underpin some of the theory.
Intended generic learning outcomes:
Communicate technical results effectively to both technical experts and non-specialist managers.
Communicate effectively in writing by producing an essay based on the use of LP in practice using published case studies.
Develop and demonstrate the use of computer tools such as Excel solver to solve practical problems and provide scenarios analysis.
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