OR 501 Introduction to Operations Research
3 Credit Hours
(also offered as ISE 501)
In this course, the various types of operations research models and techniques will be introduced. We will address how to formulate a wide range of decision problems using an appropriate mathematical programming model and solve them using an appropriate algorithm or solver. The emphasis will be given to Linear Programming, Network Models, and Integer Programming. Some example applications of mathematical programming to be covered in this class include production planning, network analysis, project scheduling, logistics network design, fixed charge problems, set covering problem, etc.
Prerequisite
An undergraduate course in calculus math, linear algebra.
Course Objectives
- Learn the characteristics of the various types of mathematical programming models,
- Build concise and accurate mathematical models for various real-life situations,
- Apply the basic algorithms for solving linear and integer programming problems and some network problems,
- Use appropriate computer tools for solving the mathematical programming formulations,
- Recognize, formulate and solve decision-making problems in a wide range of applications using operations research tools.
Course Requirements
| Assignments | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Homework Assignments (around 10) | 20% |
| Project | 10% |
| Exam 1 (around 6 th week, lectures 1-10) | 20% |
| Exam 2 (around 11 th week, lectures 11-17) | 25% |
| Exam 3, (Final Exam, lectures 18-26) | 25% |
Textbook
Operations Research: Applications and Algorithms, Wayne L. Winston, 4 th edition, 2004, Thomson Brooks/Cole, ISBN-13: 978-0534380588, ISBN-10: 0534380581.
Software
Excel Solver, LINDO and GAMS
*No prior knowledge of the software is required; the use of software will be taught in class.
Updated: 1/7/2026.
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