MAT 3201 Operations Research 2

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Decision making under conditions of uncertainty, or in competitive environments, or in situations in which variables of interest evolve through time is enhanced by the application of specialised operations research techniques. This course emphasises the applications of deterministic, probabilistic and simulation techniques to problems which arise in complex decision making. The course is of special interest to those concerned with management, organizational systems, production/manufacturing systems and communication networks.

SYNOPSIS:

This course requires students to be capable of applying managerial control techniques to the outputs of projects; to understand the implications of decision making under uncertainty; to formulate and solve dynamic programming models; to model and solve queueing and inventory problems. Concepts in simulation are developed through the design of probabilistic simulation models for inventory and queueing problems. This course is normally offered only in odd years.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of deterministic, probabilistic and stochastic processes;
2. develop models and apply the necessary analytical techniques for inventory, queueing and Markov process problems;
3. understand and apply the technique of dynamic programming to various problems;
4. recognise problems which may require simulation in their solution;
5. demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and stages in simulation modelling;
6. show increasing awareness of the consequence of decision making in complex systems.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to Examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); notes, books (it is expected that students will have at least the study book and textbook with them; calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination); mathematical tables. Students whose first language is not English, may, with the Examiner's approval, take an appropriate non-electronic translation dictionary into the examination. Students who wish to use a translation dictionary MUST request and receive written approval from the Examiner at least one week before the examination date. Translation dictionaries will be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate's possession until appropriate disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an unfair advantage. Computers are not permitted in examinations, although they may be used in assignments.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES