Introduction to Optimization Methods
Fall 2012
Course Description
Optimization deals with design and operating decisions for complex systems, and this course provides the student with a collection of optimization modeling and solution tools that can be useful in a variety of industries and functions. The main topics covered are linear programming, nonlinear programming, integer programming, and combinatorial programming. Spreadsheet models will be primary vehicles for building and solving optimization models, with emphasis placed on the use of Risk Solver Platform software.
Principal Learning Objectives
- Translate a verbal or graphical description of a decision problem into a valid optimization model, by identifying variables, constraints, and an objective function.
- Interpret the meaning and assess the validity of a particular optimization model.
- Express a given optimization model in an Excel spreadsheet, structured for use with Risk Solver Platform.
- Find solutions to optimization problems using the most appropriate algorithm and settings in Risk Solver Platform.
- Perform sensitivity analysis by tracing the effects of varying a parameter on the optimal decision variables and the objective function.
Instructor
Professor Kenneth Baker
Buchanan 102
Kenneth.R.Baker@Dartmouth.EDU
Textbook
Optimization Modeling with Spreadsheets (Second Edition), K. Baker, published by John Wiley & Sons.
Schedule
| Class | Date | Topic | Reading | Homework |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11-Sep | Introduction to Optimization | Ch. 1 | |
| 2 | 13-Sep | Basic Linear Programming Models | Ch. 2 | Ch1/1,2,8 |
| 3 | 18-Sep | Case: Red Brand Canners | 2/3,4 | |
| 4 | 20-Sep | Special Network Models | Ch. 3.1-3.4 | 2/5,6,7 |
| 5 | 25-Sep | Case: Hollingsworth Paper Co. | See Ch. 3 | 3/1,3 |
| 6 | 27-Sep | General Network Models | Ch. 3.5-3.7 | 3/2,4,5,6 |
| 7 | 2-Oct | Sensitivity Analysis | Ch. 4.1-4.5 | 3/10,11 |
| 8 | 4-Oct | Patterns | Ch. 4.6 | 4/4ab,7ab |
| 9 | 9-Oct | Nonlinear Programming Models | Ch. 8.1-8.4.2 | 4/4cde,5,6,13 |
| 10 | 11-Oct | Portfolio Model | Ch 8.4.3-8.5 | 8/1,3,7,9 |
| 11 | 16-Oct | Integer Programming | Ch. 6.1-6.3 | 6/1,2,3,P7 |
| 12 | 18-Oct | Mid-Term Exam | ||
| 13 | 23-Oct | Binary Choice Models | Ch. 6.4-6.8 | 6/6,7,9 |
| 14 | 25-Oct | Logical Constraints | Ch. 7.1-7.3 | 6/5,10 |
| 15 | 30-Oct | Location Models | Ch. 7.4 | 7/1,3,4 |
| 16 | 1-Nov | Traveling Salesperson Problem | Ch. 7.5-7.6 | 7/5,6,7 |
| 17 | 6-Nov | The Evolutionary Solver | Ch. 9 | 7/8,9,SNE |
| 18 | 8-Nov | Cluster Analysis | 9/1,2,3,4 | |
| 19 | 13-Nov | Review | See Ch. 9 | 9/11,12 |
Blackboard
More information about this course can be found at the Blackboard site. You can login to Blackboard using your DND username and password.