Program Overview

Operational Research Module

The Operational Research module, coded as MA22005, is a comprehensive program designed to optimize real-world systems using mathematical techniques. This practical module introduces students to the tools behind decision-making, resource planning, and transport logistics.

Module Details

• Credits: 10
• Level: 2
• Semester: Semester 2
• School: School of Science and Engineering
• Discipline: Mathematics

Overview

Operational research is the mathematics of decision-making, focusing on how businesses make the best use of limited resources and how delivery networks reduce costs while maintaining efficiency. This module equips students with the skills to build and solve mathematical models that describe real-world problems in logistics, planning, and resource allocation.

Curriculum

Students will learn how to:

• Translate real-world problems into linear programming models
• Solve linear programs using graphical and Simplex methods
• Study duality and perform basic sensitivity analysis
• Apply branch and bound techniques to integer linear problems
• Solve transportation and assignment problems using standard algorithms

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Formulate and solve optimization problems using mathematical techniques
• Use linear programming methods confidently, including duality concepts
• Solve transport and assignment problems efficiently
• Select appropriate algorithms and interpret results in context

Teaching Methods

The module is taught through:

• Lectures: Core techniques are learned through worked examples and discussions
• Tutorials: Students practice solving real-world problems with personalized support in a small group setting

Assessment

Assessment consists of:

• Coursework (40%)
• Final written exam, two hours (60%)

Availability

This module is available on the following undergraduate courses:

• Mathematics MMath (Hons)
• Mathematics BSc (Hons)