Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The aim of this course is to present various aspects of mathematical modeling and of problem-solving strategies as they are used in operations research for the solution of realistic, large-scale, complex problems.
The course contains several independent parts:
- General-purpose heuristic strategies for the solution of combinatorial optimization problems, such as simulated annealing or genetic algorithms; the practical implementation of such methods is illustrated on a variety of optimization problems.
- Integer programming. Branch-and-bound method. Modeling and solution of large-scale models.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of this course, the students will be able to model complex decision-making problems and to implement appropriate methods for their solution. They will better understand the opportunities offered by optimization methods, as well as their intrinsic limitations.
As a side-benefit, they will also develop advanced computer programming skills that are transferable to different business contexts.
Intended Learning Outcomes addressed by the course:
- Establish a strategy in order to optimize the value chain of an organization, taking into account its scientific and technological context, and demonstrating a critical mind and scientific precision.
- Take charge of the everyday management of a company, an organization or a project, taking into account its scientific, technological and entrepreneurial dimensions, ensuring a good interface between its technological and managerial aspects, and capitalizing on the characteristics of a digitalized world.
- Plan and implement the performance and quality control in a company, an organization or a project, using the appropriate analytical tools.
- Communicate efficiently in English, internally and externally, about a company, organization or project.
- Adapt his/her managerial practice to the needs of a fast-evolving world, showing curiosity, scientific precision, creativity, and autonomy.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Prerequisites:
- Mathematics: calculus and matrix algebra.
- Operations research: an introductory course covering linear programming models and methods.
- General proficiency with computers. Command of a computer programming language (Julia, Python, C, MathLab, SciLab, Visual Basic,...) is an asset, but is not a strict prerequisite. An introduction to a specific language (e.g., Julia) will be provided, and the students are encouraged to use it for the implementation of their projects.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Group and individual projects: computer implementations, written reports and oral presentations.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face lectures and computer labs. Group and individual projects: computer implementations, reports and presentations. Attendance is mandatory.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Lecture notes will be available on LOLA
Exam(s) in session
May-June exam session
- In-person
oral exam
August-September exam session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Additional information:
In June, the final note will be based on:
- the evaluation of group projects (written reports and, if the conditions allow, oral presentations): 50% of the final note
- individual assessment (homework and oral exam in May-June): 50%.
For those students who resit the examination in August-September, the final grade will be exclusively based on individual projects, with the same contents and requirements as in June.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
This course is taught in English.
See the Lola Web site
http://lola.hec.ulg.ac.be/index.php
for additional information.
Contacts
Instructor: Bernard Fortz
HEC Liège (Building N1)
bernard.fortz@uliege.be
Teaching assistant: Benjamin Dosse
HEC Liège (Building N1)