Optimization in Operational Research

Operational research is defined as the study of how to form mathematical models of complex engineering and managment porblems and how to analyze them to gain insight about possible solutions.

 

The operational research process begins by formulating a model of a given problem. From this model we form an analysis which results in a conclusion. We then infer the best decisions to make from the inital problem. A model is decomposed into three dimensions: the decision variables (the factors which make the decisions), the constraints (the limitations of the decision variables), and the objectives (allows for a preferred decision).

 

Models allow us to organize our problem in an analytical way. As we are not only interested in organization, we will focus on the optimizing of these models. Optimization deals with the maximization or minimization of an objective subject to some contraints (or limitations).

Problems in Operational Research

  • designing the layout of a factory for efficient flow of materials
  • constructing a telecommunications network at low cost while still guaranteeing QoS (quality of service) or QoE (Quality of Experience) if particular connections become very busy or get damaged
  • road traffic management and 'one way' street allocations i.e. allocation problems.
  • determining the routes of school buses (or city buses) so that as few buses are needed as possible
  • designing the layout of a computer chip to reduce manufacturing time (therefore reducing cost)
  • managing the flow of raw materials and products in a supply chain based on uncertain demand for the finished products
  • efficient messaging and customer response tactics
  • roboticizing or automating human-driven operations processes
  • globalizing operations processes in order to take advantage of cheaper materials, labor, land or other productivity inputs
  • managing freight transportation and delivery systems (Examples: LTL Shipping, intermodal freight transport)
  • scheduling
  • blending of raw materials in oil refineries