Program Overview

ANALYTICS AND OPTIMIZATION METHODS

Overview

The aim of the teaching unit is to provide students with basic knowledge of data analysis, forecasting, and mathematical optimization methods to solve decision problems useful for the training of maritime personnel and, in particular, for the profession of engineer and deck officers.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The teaching unit introduces students to data analytics, forecasting, and optimization models and methods to enforce problem-solving skills and support the decision-making process applied to problems arising in the maritime field. The basic theoretical part is complemented by laboratories that introduce the use of specific software for data analysis and solution of real problems of practical interest.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The teaching unit aims at presenting the subject in its theoretical, methodological, and applicative aspects in order to provide students with knowledge of the applicable models and methodologies to be used to elaborate and analyze data and solve different types of problems.

Prerequisites

• Mathematics and Algebra

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Analysis of case studies
• Labs and exercises using software (Excel and optimization software)
• Online synchronous and asynchronous lectures
• Activities with interactive and constructive teaching techniques

Syllabus/Content

The teaching unit is divided into four parts:

1. Introduction to Operations Research and Decision Support Methods: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models.
2. Data Analysis and Representation: descriptive statistics, probability, and error.
3. Introduction to Optimization and Problem Solving: from real problems to mathematical models.
4. Network Optimization Problems: graphs, properties, definitions, and basic terminology of network optimization.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

The textbooks and any supplementary materials will be communicated at the beginning of the course.

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: Elena Tanfani
• Exam Board:
  • Elena Tanfani (President)
  • Daniela Ambrosino (President Substitute)
  • Anna Franca Sciomachen (President Substitute)

Lessons

• Lessons Start: I semester - annual teaching unit
• Class Schedule: Available on Portale EasyAcademy

Exams

Exam Description

The achievement of the expected learning outcomes is assessed through a written exam/quiz and the completion of a projectpossibly in groupsfor the practical and applied part.

Assessment Methods

• The written test assesses the degree of knowledge of the theoretical topics discussed in class.
• The capacity of critical evaluation and reasoning and the ability to apply the acquired knowledge are assessed through the project work and/or the Lab activities.

Exam Schedule