Proposed e-Course Programme

Potential Applicability of Operations Research

Software’s in Public Health Analysis
Contact Information:
Course Designed by : Prof Dr Sanjev Dave
Associate Professor, Community Medicine, Autonomous State Medical College,
Hardoi(UP)-241001
Email id: Sanjeevdavey333@gmail.com
Mobile no: +91-7817074399
Date of Original Submission: 21-7-2023 & Course Redesigned date : 14th Nov 2023

Brief of Course:-
Mode of Course : Online on Zoom [ Supported by Learning Management System(LMS) of
IAPSM]

Duration : 5 days (5pm-7pm)[ Mon-Friday]

Payment: Online
Charges: Rs 15000/per Participant for 5 days
Online Payment paytm code: shrish.davey@paytm

Target Participants: PGs/ Faculties in Community Medicine, Public health, Health &
Hospital Administration
Techniques to be used in Training :

Online Practical Demonstration of Software after discussing its key details on Ppt.

Teaching Methods( Online): 2 hours /day

➢ PPT on Subject Content-1 hour

➢ Discussion on Software’s -30 Mins
➢ Online Demonstration of Software on Internet -30 Mins

Trainers for Course:

Prof Dr Sanjev Dave ( Dept of Community Medicine, Autonomous State Medical College, Hardoi(UP) &
Prof Dr Anuradha Dave [Dept of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut(UP)]
Why this Course matters?:-

Role of Operational Research In Public Health:

Origin of the term operational research (OR), also known as operations research, can be traced back to
World War II when a number of researches carried out during military operations helped British
Forces produce better results with lesser expenditure of ammunition. The world soon realised the
potential of this kind of research and many disciplines especially management sciences, started
applying its principles to achieve better returns on their investments. Operational research
examines a system (in this case the health care system) rather than focusing on an individual
or a group of individuals (as in clinical or epidemiological. research where patients are
examined).

Key Role of OR in Health System of India:

In India, due to the scarce resources and increased population it has become quite difficult for
the governments, especially those of developing countries such as India to provide quality
health services to their citizens. As a result of which Innovative operations research (OR)
techniques have been developed for a wide range of healthcare applications such as operating
room planning, emergency department staffing, breast cancer screening, radiotherapy
treatment planning, long term care planning, home healthcare planning.

Potential Applications of Operations Research in Public Health Analysis:

Operations Research in Healthcare can not only help Hospitals in better managing their
patients but also in providing better treatment while achieving efficiency in doing such
work.[1-3]OR nowadays is being utilized more in hospital management, resource-constrained
operations or treatment planning. Major healthcare optimization issues include logistics,
disease diagnosis, service planning, medical therapeutics, resource scheduling and preventive
care. There are few approaches for carrying out OR in healthcare. The first approach
involves the analysis of secondary data as retrospective record reviews and utilizing such data
that is already generated in the programs. Such data in the field often are not used to its
maximum potential and much problem identification and gaps can be found out by reviewing
the program report and data sets.[1-3]But still there is a very little knowledge of applying OR
techniques in Public health by way of OR softwares. Many studies[1-4] indicate that Poor
availability of representative and quality data, and a lack of collaboration between those who
develop OR models and stakeholders in the contexts where OR analyses are intended to
serve, were found to be common challenges for effective OR modelling in global health.

Rationale for this e-course

So due to few above reasons, it appears that OR has potential to Improve Public Health
Situations, but many PGs and Faculties do not know how to apply OR techniques for Health
and Hospital Administration by using OR software’s. Therefore this course becomes
important for PGs/ Faculties in Community Medicine, Public health, Health & Hospital
Administration.
There are multitude of research methods used in the field of health. These
fields of OR, implementation research, and health system research are a
source of confusion for researchers.[4] OR may sometimes be used
interchangeably with implementation research or under the subheading of
health system research. OR using various qualitative and mathematical
models provides solutions which are currently being applied to overcome
the obstacles in health policy making and implementation. Integration of
OR with monitoring and evaluation is a new paradigm in program
management.[4]
This e course therefore aims to summarize the theme, relevance, approach,
methods, and applications of OR in the field of public health analysis .
Course objectives:-

To train PGs/ Faculties in Community Medicine, Public health, Health &

Hospital Administration on main OR Techniques such as:
a)DEA Analysis,

b)Linear Programming

c) Mixed Integral Programming (MIP) &

c) Application of Queuing Theory

by utilizing Operations Research Software’s in Public Health Analysis

Modules Details : 5 Modules

Modules COMPETENCY ACTIVITY DOMAIN T/L ASSESSMENT
NO. DETAILS K=Knows Method METHOD.
KH=Knows
How
S=Shows
1 To Understand and Perform Students will be able to K,KH, S Online MCQs & Short Answers
DEA analysis on Decision learn how to Perform Zoom & based
Making Units in Public DEA Analysis for LMS
health by DEA Software Health System
2 To Understand and Perform Students will be able to K,KH, S Online MCQs & Short Answers
Linear Programming (LP) learn how to Perform Zoom & based
by applying OR software’s Linear Programming LMS
such as NCSS , Google OR (LP) for Health System
tool, SAS OR Tool, Maple
Soft & COIN OR.
3 To Understand and Perform Students will be able to K,KH,S Online MCQs & Short Answers
Mixed Integral learn how to Perform Zoom & based
Programming (MIP) by Mixed LMS
applying OR software’s IntegralProgramming
such as NCSS , Google OR (LP) for Health System
tool, SAS OR Tool, Maple
Soft & COIN OR.
4 To Understand and Perform Students will be able to K,KH,S Online MCQs & Short Answers
Application of Queuing learn how to apply Zoom & based
Theory by applying OR Queing theory (QT) for LMS
software’s such as NCSS , Health System
Google OR tool, SAS OR
Tool, Maple Soft & COIN
OR.
5 To Understand and Perform Students will be able to K,KH,S Online MCQs & Short Answers
Application of Newer OR learn how to apply Zoom & based
Techniques such as Newer OR Techniques LMS
Quadratic Programming, for Public health
Assignment, Maximum Solutions
Flow, Transportation
Transshipment etc
OR Training Tools which will be used:
OR-Tools are an open source software suite for optimization, tuned for tackling the world's toughest
problems in vehicle routing, flows, integer and linear programming, and constraint programming.
Linear Programming (LP) and Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) are often used to solve the
highly complex decision-making problems.

OR software’s that will be discussed in e Course :

a) DEA Software:

b)NCSS

c) Google OR tool- Linear Optimization

d) SAS OR tool

e) Maple Soft

f) Coin OR

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Software:

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a set of Mathematical Programming based
models which evaluate :

-----------RELATIVE EFFICIENCIES OF DECISION MAKING UNITS (DMUS), WITH

MULTIPLE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS.

DEA Software - DEAFrontier Microsoft® Excel Add-In

TM

DEAFrontier TM developed by Professor Joe Zhu is a Microsoft® Excel Add-In for solving Data Envelopment
Analysis (DEA) models.
The software is developed based upon Professor Zhu's years of DEA research and teaching experience.The
software is written by Professor Zhu in an effort to minimize the possibility of mis-presentation of DEA models
during coding.DEAFroniter works under Excel XP-2019 and Excel 365 (Windows XP-Windows 8, 8.1, and 10).

DEAFrontier uses Excel Solver as the engine for solving the DEA models. In order to run the
DEAFrontier software, Excel Solver must be installed in the Excel.

In Excel 2007-2019 & Excel 365, the user should see Solver under the Data Tab. Under Excel 2007 and earlier
versions, the Excel Solver Parameters dialog box has to be displaced once before the DEAFrontier software is
loaded. Otherwise, the DEAFrontier software may not run. DEAFrontier offers a version that can be used
with OpenSolver (www.opensolver.org). In this case, DEAFrontier uses the COIN-OR CBC optimization
engine via OpenSolver which does not set limits.
DEAFrontier Free Version
TM

Models in Free Version

A free trail version of DEAFrontier includes the following DEA models:

• Envelopment Models (CRS, VRS; input-oriented) (CRS stands for Constant Returns-to-Scale)

• Multiplier Models (CRS, VRS; input-oriented)(VRS stands for Variable Returns-to-Scale that
include Constant, Increasing, and Decreasing Constant Returns-to-Scale)

• Slack-based Models (CRS additive model)

• Measure-specific Models (CRS, VRS; input-oriented) (The measures selected are controllable, and
the ones not selected are uncontrollable.)

The maximum number of DMUs allowed in the free version is 20.

Step 1: Make sure Excel Solver is loaded under the DATA Tab

Step 2: Set up the data sheet for DEA in Excel

Step 3: Load/run DEAFrontier software

This
H ow to download the software:
It
If you agree the above conditions, please save the file "DEA.zip". Unzip the file to extract
(i) "DEAFrontierFree.xlam" for Excel 2007-2016,
(ii) (ii) "DEAFrontierFree_OpenSolver for use with OpenSolver,
(iii) (iii) "DEAFrontierFree_SolverPlatform.xla" for Excel 97-2003, or Solver Platform,
(iv) (iv) ReadMeFirst.pdf, (iv) DataSheetFormat.pdf,
(v) (v) Example.xlsx, and
(vi) (vi) Laptop_example_Appendix.xlsx from the book:"Data Envelopment Analysis: Let the
Data Speak for Themselves".

Please read the "ReadMeFirst.pdf" before using the DEAFrontier software. To use DEAFrontier with
OpenSolver, you need to download the OpenSolver at www.opensolver.org and follow its installation
instruction.

Download DEA.zip (857kb)

 Example of Studies in Pubmed which used DEA Software for

Public Health Analysis

Dave Prof Dr Sanjev, SantoshKumar Raghav, JaiVir Singh, Nirankar Singh.A Comparative
Evaluation of Public Health Centers with Private Health Training Centers on Primary
Healthcare Parameters in India: a Study by Data Envelopment Analysis Technique. Indian
Journal of Community Medicine October 2015; 40(4):252.

Background:

The evaluation of primary healthcare services provided by health training centers of a private medical college
has not been studied in comparison with government health facilities in Indian context. Data envelopment
analysis (DEA) is one such technique of operations research, which can be used on health facilities for
identifying efficient operating practices and strategies for relatively efficient or inefficient health centers by
calculating their efficiency scores.

Materials and Methods:

This study was carried out by DEA technique by using basic radial models (constant ratio to scale (CRS)) in
linear programming via DEAOS free online Software among four decision making units (DMUs; by comparing
efficiency of two private health centers of a private medical college of India with two public health centers) in
district Muzaffarnagar of state Uttar Pradesh. The input and output records of all these health facilities (two
from private and two from Government); for 6 months duration from 1 st Jan 2014 to 1st July 2014 was taken for
deciding their efficiency scores.

Results:

The efficiency scores of primary healthcare services in presence of doctors (100 vs 30%) and presence of health
staff (100 vs 92%) were significantly better from government health facilities as compared to private health
facilities (P < 0.0001).

How tables can be derived:

 Queuing Theory Application OR Software:

The queue management system allows the hospitals to reduce the patient wait time, the large
screens in the waiting areas can be used effectively to ease the waiting time stress. Queuing
software is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) that manages website and app traffic peaks by

offloading visitors to an online queue. Visitors are then throttled from the online queue back
to the website or app in a fair, first-in-first-out order.

What is the queuing model in a hospital?

This models can be useful in identifying different levels of equipment, and beds as well as in
making decisions about resource allocation and the design of new services. A basic queuing
system is a service system where “patient” arrive to a hospital of “servers”. The “patient”
may be the images waiting to read.

Hospital QUEUE Management Software System

To reduce the overcrowding problem, we introduce the best Hospital Queue Management
System Solution. This software system is designed to optimize patient flow and improve the
overall quality of service.
Queue management software helps hospitals and clinics to manage the flow of patients. It can
be used for tracking patient wait times, assigning patients to providers, and providing real-
time updates to staff and patients.
Here are some main features of Tenwave Hospital Queue Management Software Systems:
1. Self-service queueing
2. Real-time updates
3. Appointment scheduling
4. Analytics

Commonly used queue disciplines are:

FIFO - Customers are served on a first-in first-out basis.

LIFO - Customers are served in a last-in first-out manner.

Priority - Customers are served in order of their importance on the basis of their service

requirements.

M-Pass [Self-check in virtual queue management system]

Hospital Queues can be made virtual and tracked live with mPass, which helps
reduce waiting times.

mPass is a virtual queue management system that helps in reducing the waiting
time for customers in various service-oriented industries such as government
agencies, hospitals, banks, and others. The system operates by allowing customers
to join a virtual queue from their mobile devices, reducing the need for them to wait
in physical lines.

mPass software is the best hospital queue management system India, as this
software manages the patient flow properly. You can enjoy the benefits of a well-
connected queue management system for clinics by experiencing mPass. If the
patient flow is not adequately handled, dealing with a patient who is waiting can
prove to be difficult. Using a networked queue management system in hospital has
the following benefits:

• Virtually manage the excessive inflow of patients in hospitals

 This queue management system in hospital prevents the spread of infectious
particles among patients when patients join queues virtually. Due to this, you
can visit free counters or help desks for further assistance. When people join
a virtual queue through hospital queue management, there are no disputes. It
has two advantages: first, it can help prevent the transmission of any airborne
or particle-borne sickness, and second, it frees up the counters and the
overworked employees. Hospital Queue System India Reducing wait times,
improving service delivery effectiveness, and providing a satisfying patient
experience all help to lessen patient annoyance. Queue Management System
in Hospital satisfied client leads to a good reputation. Word of mouth may be
very helpful to your business, particularly in the healthcare sector, where most
consumers consult with their friends, family, and co-workers before selecting
a medical facility for treatment. mPass proves to be the top hospital queue
management system India in managing patients in hospitals and clinics.

• Reduce the frustration of patients

mPass Hospital Queue Management reduces the frustration of patients

encounter while waiting in queues for doctor consultations. You can ensure
the full satisfaction of your patients by decreasing their wait times with mPass.
This is a free tool for a queue management system for hospitals that
schedules your appointments with doctors in advance. Due to Queue
Management System in Hospital, you do not have to wait long or stand in a
queue for your medication. Queue management system in hospital source
code can collect evaluations, ratings, and comments from patients as they
leave hospitals and clinics.

• Spread Awareness

mPass Hospital Queue Management System India Kiosk virtually displays the
queue status of patients on screen. It also spreads awareness among patients
by providing essential updates on healthcare services hospitals are offering to
them. You can receive doctors’ lists, hospital facilities, and hygiene and health
suggestions. mPass Hospital Queue Management is considered a great
strategy for virtual healthcare transformation as it helps in improving patient
satisfaction with reduced wait times in Hospital Queue System India. The
screens that display the status of the patient queue can also be used to
display critical updates on healthcare, such as reiterating pandemic safety
standards, hospital facilities, doctor directories, infotainment like news and
weather, advice on good health and hygiene, and other critical information.
Virtual queueing can raise patient satisfaction as a component of an effective
digital healthcare transformation plan. mPass offers a hospital queue system
India to manage the inflow of patients in hospitals and clinics.

• Gather Feedback

A patient queue management system collects feedback from patients in the form of
ratings and reviews after their check out from clinics and hospitals. While patients are
 checking out of hospitals and clinics, hospital queue management software can also
gather evaluations, ratings, and comments from them.

NCCS OR Software:

NCSS includes a wide range of tools for application in operations research.

Operations research uses various optimization algorithms to help make decisions related to
highly complex problems.

Linear Programming (LP) and Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) are often used to
solve these highly complex decision-making problems.

NCSS includes a wide range of tools for application in operations research. Use the links below to
jump to the operations research topic you would like to examine.

Linear Programming with Bounds or Tableau:-

Linear Programming (LP) maximizes (or minimizes) a linear objective function subject to one or
more constraints. The technique finds broad use in operations research and is occasionally of use in
statistical work. The mathematical representation of the linear programming (LP) problem is to
maximize (or minimize) the objective function

z = CX
subject to m constraints

AX ≤ b, X ≥ 0
The values in the X vector are called decision variables (the unknowns), and the values in the b vector
are often called right-hand sides (RHS). NCSS solves a particular linear program using a revised dual
simplex method available in the Extreme Optimization mathematical subroutine package.
Sample Data

Procedure Input
 Mixed Integer Programming:-

Linear programming maximizes (or minimizes) a linear objective function subject to one or more
constraints.

Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) adds one additional condition that at least one of the variables can
only take on inte ger values.

The technique finds broad use in operations research. NCSS solves a particular mixed integer
programming problem using the branch and bound algorithm available in the Extreme Optimization
mathematical subroutine package.
Sample Output

Quadratic Programming

Quadratic Programming maximizes (or minimizes) a quadratic objective function subject to one or
more constraints. The technique finds broad use in operations research and is occasionally of use in
statistical work. The mathematical representation of the quadratic programming (QP) problem is to
maximize the objective function

z = CX + (1/2)X'HX or z = CX + X'DX
subject to m constraints

AX ≤ b, X ≥ 0
The values in the X vector are called decision variables (the unknowns), and the values in the b vector
are often called right-hand sides (RHS). NCSS solves a particular quadratic program using a primal
active set method available in the Extreme Optimization mathematical subroutine package.
Sample Output

Assignment

The object of the Assignment algorithm is to assign n objects (workers, machines, etc.) to the same
number of jobs (tasks) in such a way that will minimize the total cost. The problem assumes that only
one task is assigned to each object. NCSS solves the problem using the mixed integer programming
algorithm available in the Extreme Optimization mathematical subroutine package.
Sample Output

Maximum Flow

Given a directed network defined by nodes, arcs, and flow capacities, this procedure finds the
maximum flow that can occur between a source node and a sink node. An example of this is the flow
of oil through a pipeline with several junctions. NCSS uses the linear programming approach to solve
the problem as outlined in Taha (2011) and Hillier and Lieberman (2015).
Sample Output

Minimum Cost Capacitated Flow

The Minimum Cost Capacitated Flow model is prominent among network flow models because so
many other network models are special cases. The maximum flow, shortest-path, transportation,
transshipment, and assignment models are all special cases of this model. NCSS uses the linear
programming approach to solve the problem as outlined in Hillier and Lieberman (2015).

Sample Output
 Minimum Spanning Tree
A Minimum Spanning Tree links all nodes (points or vertices) of a network with the minimum length
among all the arcs. This procedure finds the minimum spanning tree of a network using a greedy
algorithm. If the network is not connected, the solution, called a minimum spanning forest, is a
combination of minimum spanning trees formed on the connected subsets. The algorithm can be used
in applications such as transportation networks, computer networks, and water networks where a tree
connecting all nodes must have minimum length. The algorithm proceeds as follows:

• 1. Start with any node.

• 2. Connect this node to its nearest neighbor using any of the available branches.
• 3. Find the unconnected node that is closest any of the connected nodes. Connect these nodes.
• 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all nodes have been connected.

Sample Output
 Shortest Route

Given a directed network defined by nodes and arcs, this procedure finds the shortest route between
two specified nodes. One example of the need for such an algorithm is to be used in a GPS device to
find the shortest route between two locations. NCSS uses the linear programming approach to solve
the problem as outlined in Taha (2011).

Sample Output

Transportation
The object of the Transportation algorithm is to find the amounts shipped from m sources to n
destinations that will minimize the total cost of distribution while meeting the demands at each
destination and staying within the amount that can be supplied from each source. The problem
assumes that only whole units can be shipped. NCSS solves the problem using the Mixed Integer
Programming algorithm available in the Extreme Optimization mathematical subroutine package.
Sample Output

Trans-shipment
The Transshipment model is a special case of the minimum cost capacitated flow model in which
there are no capacities or minimums on the arc flows. The transshipment model is similar to a
transportation model, except that it allows the more realistic assumption that all nodes can transfer to
and from all other nodes, no matter what their node type. Hence, it allows product to be shipped
between sources and between destinations, an ability that is missing in the transportation model.
NCSS uses the linear programming approach to solve the problem as outlined in Hillier and
Lieberman (2015).

Sample Output
 Linear Optimization( Google Tool)
Linear optimization (or linear programming) is the name given to computing the best
solution to a problem modeled as a set of linear relationships. These problems arise in many
scientific and engineering disciplines. (The word "programming" is a bit of a misnomer,
similar to how "computer" once meant "a person who computes." Here, "programming"
refers to the arrangement of a plan , rather than programming in a computer language.)

For a good primer on linear optimization, we recommend the Mosek modeling cookbook.

MOSEK Modeling Cookbook

Install OR-Tools
bookmark_border

Google created OR-Tools in C++, but you can also use it with Python, Java, or C# (on the
.NET platform).

Install OR-Tools for Python

The fastest way to get OR-Tools is to install the Python binary version. If you already have
Python (version 3.8+ on Linux, macOS or Windows), and the Python package manager PIP,
you can install OR-Tools as follows:

python -m pip install --upgrade --user ortools

After the installation is complete, you are ready to get started with OR-Tools for Python.

To install OR-Tools for another language or from source, see the next section.

Installation instructions for all supported languages

For instructions on installing OR-Tools, as well as the required prerequisites, click one of the
links below:

• OR-Tools for C++

• OR-Tools for .Net
• OR-Tools for Java
• OR-Tools for Python

Download OR-Tools

If you're already familiar with installing OR-Tools and just want to download the latest
version, you can get it either from a binary distribution or the source file.
 Note: If you plan to use a third-party solver with OR-Tools, you need to install OR-Tools
from the source files.

If you need to install an older version, the OR-Tools release page has links to downloads for
past releases.

Binary distributions

Below are links to the OR-Tools binary distributions by language and platform.

Python

The easiest way to install OR-Tools for Python is from the command line, as shown above.

However, if you prefer, you can install OR-Tools from one of the Python wheel files.

C++

Linux

• Alpine Edge
• CentOS 7 LTS
• Debian 11
• Fedora 38
• Fedora 37
• OpenSuse Leap
• Ubuntu 23.04
• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

MacOS

• macOS M1
• macOS Intel

Windows

• Visual Studio 2022

 .Net

Linux

• Alpine Edge
• CentOS 7 LTS
• Debian 11
• Fedora 38
• Fedora 37
• OpenSuse Leap
• Ubuntu 23.04
• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

MacOS

• macOS M1
• macOS Intel

Windows

• Visual Studio 2022

Java

Linux

• Alpine Edge
• CentOS 7 LTS
• Debian 11
• Fedora 38
• Fedora 37
• OpenSuse Leap
• Ubuntu 23.04
• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
 MacOS

• macOS M1
• macOS Intel

Windows

• Visual Studio 2022

Source files

To get the source files for the latest release of OR-Tools, you can either:

• Download them in a tar.gz or .zip file.

• Clone them from the OR-Tools repository on GitHub.

Docker

Currently, we don't provide official images for OR-Tools on the Google Cloud Registry.

SAS ( OR tool)

SAS (previously "Statistical Analysis System")[1] is a statistical software suite developed

by SAS Institute for data management, advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business
intelligence, criminal investigation,[2] and predictive analytics.
SAS was developed at North Carolina State University from 1966 until 1976, when SAS
Institute was incorporated. SAS was further developed in the 1980s and 1990s with the
addition of new statistical procedures, additional components and the introduction of JMP.
A point-and-click interface was added in version 9 in 2004. A social media analytics product
was added in 2010.
Features of SAS OR software tool

Identify the best answers to planning problems.

Get the broadest spectrum of operations research modeling and solution techniques available,
including state-of-the-art methods for mathematical optimization. The depth of detail and
realism in the software's modeling capabilities, combined with control of optimization,
simulation and scheduling processes, and an integrated approach to data access and
information delivery, enable you to identify and apply the best responses to complex planning
problems.
 Build models interactively, and experiment with data.

Interactively build models, modify constraints or variables, and experiment easily with the
effects of changes to underlying data. In mathematical optimization, a specialized modeling
language enables you to work transparently and directly with symbolic problem formulations,
and the software automatically chooses the most appropriate solution method for the current
problem. This allows you to formulate and solve problems intuitively and efficiently,
regardless of their specific mathematical form.

Easily incorporate more data, and get faster, better answers.

SAS/OR makes it is easy to indicate where and how a model will use input data. Data/model
separation is maintained, which is critical when reusing models or model components. Users
can select which aspects of the solution get reported and can control the form in which they
are reported. SAS/OR also includes analytic and solution methods that are tuned to address
even the largest, most complex real-world problems. You can confidently manage projects to
meet deadlines within resource limitations, and create back-up plans to address unforeseen
variations in resource availability.

Mathematical optimization

• The OPTMODEL family of procedures provides:

o Flexible algebraic syntax for intuitive model formulation.

o Transparent use of standard SAS functions.
o Direct invocation of linear, nonlinear, quadratic, network, and mixed integer solvers.
o Support for the rapid prototyping of customized optimization algorithms, including named
problems and subproblems.
o Ability to run other SAS code within PROC OPTMODEL with the SUBMIT block.
o Ability to execute solver invocations in parallel with the COFOR loop.
• Aggressive presolvers to reduce effective problem size.

• Multithreading in underlying technologies for improved optimization performance.

• Linear programming solvers:

o Primal simplex, dual simplex and network simplex.

o Interior-point with crossover.
• Parallel branch-and-bound mixed-integer programming solver with cutting planes and primal
heuristics.

• Option tuning for mixed-integer programming.

• Decomposition algorithm for linear and mixed-integer programming.

• General nonlinear programming solvers:

o Interior-point trust region method with line search.

o Active-set trust region method with line search.
o Multistart capability.
• Quadratic programming with state-of-the-art solver tailored for large-scale optimization.

• Multiple network diagnostics and optimization algorithms.

• Parallel hybrid global/local search optimization, including multi-objective optimization.

• Grid enablement.

• Constraint programming capabilities with scheduling and resource features.

Discrete event simulation

• Versatile, graphical modeling capabilities; create and save custom components.

• Ability to model both static and mobile resources.

• Automated experimental design and input analysis via integration with JMP software.

• Ability to drive models with historical data in SAS data sets or JMP tables.

• Integration with SAS or JMP for analysis of results.

• Support for large models and large experiments.

• Search facility enables search of all blocks in model.

• Hierarchical modeling: compound blocks and submodel blocks.

Project & resource scheduling

• Critical Path Method and CPM-based resource-constrained scheduling.

• Calendars, work shifts and holidays for determining resource availability and schedules.

• Full support for nonstandard precedence relationships.

• Ability to include PERT estimates of duration.

• Versatile reporting, customizable Gantt charts and project network diagrams.

• Earned Value Management analysis for project tracking execution.

• Decision analysis:

o Create, analyze and interactively modify decision tree models.

o Calculate value of perfect information (VPI) and value of perfect control (VPC).
• Bill of material (BOM) processing:

o Read from standard product structure data files and part master files, or combined files.
o Produce single- or multiple-level bills of material, including indented and summarized BOM.
o Produces summarized parts, listing items and quantities required to meet the specified plan.

Powerful analytical software. For free!

Use the most up-to-date statistical and quantitative methods whenever and wherever you are.
With SAS OnDemand for Academics, you get the same world-class analytics software used
by more than 82,000 business, government and university sites around the world – including
100% of Fortune 500 companies in commercial and retail banking, health insurance,
pharmaceuticals, aerospace manufacturing, e-commerce and computer services.

Easy access, easy setup.

Whether you're a professor, teacher, student or independent learner, you can get easy access
to powerful SAS software via the cloud. Setup is easy, too. After you get set up, a broadband
internet connection is all you'll need to run the best analytics software in the world.
Be a part of something bigger.

Not only will you have the world’s leading analytical software at your fingertips, but you'll
also become a part of our online academic community. In this online community, you can
access tutorials and other valuable resources for teaching and learning SAS. Connect with
fellow SAS users to ask questions, share ideas and best practices, collaborate on projects and
get peer support. And interact with users through social media channels to stay connected and
in the know.
Maple soft ( OR tool)

Maplesoft products are used extensively to develop analytical solutions that maximize the
effectiveness of decision-making processes. With access to all of the analytical tools you
need for advanced mathematical and statistical modeling and optimization, you can optimize
business and design processes, make informed decisions using rigorous analytical techniques,
and speed up solution delivery through collaborative development, prototyping, and
deployment.

• Advanced mathematical and statistical modeling tools

• Support for local and global optimization
• Math-aware programming language for fast prototyping and solution
development
• Flexible visualization tools for data and mathematical equations
• Full technical document environment which combines live calculations and
interactive computations with explanations, images, and more
Fill the skills gap.

The demand for workers skilled in analytics has already outpaced supply. And a
Monster.com article, “Job Skills That Lead to Bigger Paychecks,” named SAS as the skill
that nets the biggest paycheck.

If you’re a student or independent learner, knowing SAS is a great way to safeguard your
future. If you’re an educator, teaching SAS is a great way to attract top students and equip
tomorrow’s workers with the skills they’ll need to succeed.
COIN ( OR tool)

Computational Infrastructure for Operations Research (COIN-OR), is a project that

aims to "create for mathematical software what the open literature is for mathematical
theory." The open literature (e.g., a research journal) provides the operations research (OR)
community with a peer-review process and an archive.

The COIN-OR project is managed by the COIN-OR Foundation, Inc., a non-profit

educational foundation. They are also building an open-source community for operations
research software in order to speed development and deployment of models, algorithms, and
cutting-edge computational research, as well as provide a forum for peer review of software
similar to that provided by archival journals for theoretical research.

Statistics and Computation from Free OR Softwares

1. R Project

Replaces: SAS, SPSS

R is a free and open source statistical computing environment that holds its own against some of
the most established proprietary statistical environments. R is available on all operating systems
and is free for download. R also has a community driven library of add-on packages that are
also freely available and cover almost any statistical, mathematical, or optimization need.

Also a great reference manual for those switching from SAS to R is SAS and R: Data
Management, Statistical Analysis, and Graphics
2. RapidMiner

Replaces: KnowledgeSEEKER

RapidMiner is a data mining software with a graphical front-end. RapidMiner is suitable for most
data mining and data transformation needs.

Mathematical Programming and Optimization

3. GLPK

Replaces: AMPL

GLPK is a GNU/free software linear programming software kit. GLPK is intended for large-scale
linear programming, mixed integer programming. GLPK is based on GNU MathProg (or GMPL)
which is considered a subset of the AMPL syntax. GLPK also has its own solver.

4. Symphony

Replaces: CPLEX, Gurobi

Symphony is a mixed integer linear programming solver developed under COIN-OR. Symphony
is a flexible framework that offers many methods to customize solver capabilities given problem
sets.

5. OpenSolver

Replaces: Excel Solver

OpenSolver is a linear an integer optimizer alternative to the Excel Solver in Microsoft Excel.
OpenSolver is based on the COIN-OR CBC engine. Unlike the Excel Solver there is no software
limits to the size of the problem that can be solved.

Related Applications of OR Softwares

Name License Description

nonlinear optimization framework, using automatic

ADMB BSD
differentiation.

ASCEND GPL mathematical modelling chemical process modelling system.

 testing environment for optimization and linear
CUTEr GPL
algebra solvers.

software package featuring a high-level programming

GNU Octave GPL language, primarily intended for numerical computations;
well recognized free alternative to MATLAB.

parallel deterministic global MINLP solver. Octeract Engine

Octeract Octeract
Community is a full version of the solver that is free to use
Engine Community EULA
for any purpose.

cross-platform numerical computational package and a high-

Scilab CeCILL level, numerically oriented programming language with free
numerical optimization framework.

Proprietary OR softwares for Potential use in Public Health

• AIMMS – optimization modeling system, including GUI building facilities.
• ALGLIB – dual licensed (GPL/commercial) constrained quadratic and nonlinear optimization
library with C++ and C# interfaces.
• Altair HyperStudy – design of experiments and multidisciplinary design optimization.
• AMPL – modelling language for large-scale linear, mixed integer and nonlinear optimization.
• ANTIGONE – a deterministic global optimization MINLP solver.
• APMonitor – modeling language and optimization suite for large-scale, nonlinear, mixed
integer, differential and algebraic equations with interfaces to MATLAB, Python, and Julia.
• Artelys Knitro – large scale nonlinear optimization for continuous and mixed-integer
programming.
• ASTOS – AeroSpace Trajectory Optimization Software for launcher, re-entry and generic
aerospace problems.
• BARON – optimization of algebraic nonlinear and mixed-integer nonlinear problems.
• COMSOL Multiphysics – a cross-platform finite element analysis, solver
and multiphysics simulation software.
• COPT Cardinal Optimizer - a mathematical high-performance optimization solver for large-
scale problems including LP, MIP, SDP, (MI)SOCP, convex (MI)QP and convex (MI)QCP
• CPLEX – solver for linear and quadratic programming with continuous or integer variables
(MIP).
• FEATool Multiphysics – FEA GUI Toolbox for MATLAB.
• FICO Xpress – solver for linear and quadratic programming with continuous or integer
variables (MIP).
• FortMP – linear and quadratic programming.
• FortSP – stochastic programming.
• GAMS – General Algebraic Modeling System.
• Gurobi Optimizer – solver for linear and quadratic programming with continuous or integer
variables (MIP).
• HEEDS MDO – multidisciplinary design optimization using SHERPA, a hybrid, adaptive
optimization algorithm.
• IMSL Numerical Libraries – linear, quadratic, nonlinear, and sparse QP and LP optimization
algorithms implemented in standard programming languages C, Java, C# .NET, Fortran, and
Python.
• IOSO – (Indirect Optimization on the basis of Self-Organization) a multiobjective,
multidimensional nonlinear optimization technology.
• Kimeme – an open platform for multi-objective optimization and multidisciplinary design
optimization.
• LINDO – (Linear, Interactive, and Discrete Optimizer) a software package for linear
programming, integer programming, nonlinear programming, stochastic programming, and
global optimization. The "What's Best!" Excel add-in performs linear, integer, and nonlinear
optimization using LINDO.
• LIONsolver – an integrated software for data mining, analytics, modeling Learning
and Intelligent OptimizatioN and reactive business intelligence approach.
• modeFRONTIER – an integration platform for multi-objective and multidisciplinary
optimization, which provides a seamless coupling with third party engineering tools, enables
the automation of the design simulation process, and facilitates analytic decision-making.
• Maple – linear, quadratic, and nonlinear, continuous and integer optimization. Constrained
and unconstrained. Global optimization with add-on toolbox.
• MATLAB – linear, integer, quadratic, and nonlinear problems with Optimization Toolbox;
multiple maxima, multiple minima, and non-smooth optimization problems; estimation and
optimization of model parameters.
• MIDACO a lightweight software tool for single- and multi-objective optimization based
on evolutionary computing. Written in C/C++ and Fortran with gateways to Excel, VBA, Java,
Python, Matlab, Octave, R, C# and Julia.
• Mathematica – large-scale multivariate constrained and unconstrained, linear, quadratic and
nonlinear, continuous and integer optimization.
• ModelCenter – a graphical environment for integration, automation, and design optimization.
• MOSEK – linear, quadratic, conic and convex nonlinear, continuous and integer optimization.
• NAG – linear, quadratic, nonlinear, sums of squares of linear or nonlinear functions; linear,
sparse linear, nonlinear, bounded or no constraints; local and global optimization; continuous
or integer problems.
• NMath – linear, quadratic and nonlinear programming.
• Octeract Engine – a deterministic global optimization MINLP solver. Octeract Engine
Community is free to use, and paid plans exist for additional features.
• OptimJ – Java-based modeling language. Premium Edition includes support for Mosek and
CPLEX solvers.
• Optimus platform – a process integration and design optimization platform developed by
Noesis Solutions.
• optiSLang – software solutions for CAE-based sensitivity analysis, optimization and
robustness evaluation.
• OptiY – a design environment providing modern optimization strategies and state of the art
probabilistic algorithms for uncertainty, reliability, robustness, sensitivity analysis, data-
mining and meta-modeling.
• OptiStruct – award-winning CAE technology for conceptual design synthesis and structural
optimization.
• PottersWheel – parameter estimation in ordinary differential equations (MATLAB toolbox,
free for academic use).
• pSeven – software platform for automation of engineering simulation and analysis,
multidisciplinary optimization and data mining, developed by DATADVANCE.
• SAS – a software suite developed by SAS Institute for advanced analytics (statistics,
forecasting, machine learning, optimization, etc.), business intelligence, customer
intelligence, data management, risk management, and many more.
• SmartDO – multidisciplinary global design optimization, specialized in computer-aided
engineering (CAE). using the direct global search approaches.
• SNOPT – large-scale optimization problems.
• The Unscrambler X – product formulation and process optimization software.
• TOMLAB – supports global optimization, integer programming, all types of least squares,
linear, quadratic and unconstrained programming for MATLAB. TOMLAB supports solvers
like CPLEX, SNOPT, KNITRO and MIDACO.
• VisSim – a visual block diagram language for simulation and optimization of dynamical
systems.
• WORHP – a large-scale sparse solver for continuous nonlinear optimization.

OR Free ware for academic use

• AIMMS
• AMPL
• APMonitor – free for academic and commercial use alike,
with Julia, Python and MATLAB integrations.
• ASTOS
• CPLEX
• Couenne – An open source solver for the deterministic global optimization of MINLPs
licensed under the Eclipse Public License.
• FICO Xpress
• Galahad library
• GEKKO Python
• Gurobi Optimization - free for academic users
• LIONsolver
• MIDACO – a software package for numerical optimization based on evolutionary computing.
• MINTO – integer programming solver using branch and bound algorithm; freeware for
personal use.
• MOSEK – a large scale optimization software. Solves linear, quadratic, conic and convex
nonlinear, continuous and integer optimization.
• OptimJ – Java-based modeling language; the free edition includes support for
lp_solve, GLPK and LP or MPS file formats.
• PottersWheel – parameter estimation in ordinary differential equations (free MATLAB toolbox
for academic use).
• Pyomo – collection of Python software packages for formulating optimization models.
• WORHP
Summary of e Course

OR is a distinctive instrument leading to great benefits to health system end users at low cost.
Its worth has been well-recognized nationally and internationally. Concerned efforts are
required from partners and stake holders that include faculty from medical and research
schools, health policy makers, program managers, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, public
health specialists, and health economists who all should join hands to execute quality OR to
answer public health system relevant problems and solve them timely. Operational research
(OR) is a relatively new, applied branch of mathematics, which helps provide a scientific
base for the management and problem-solving. At present, its application in public health
issues is gaining importance both nationally and internationally, particularly in program
management and policy making. It is an interdisciplinary team approach that requires
managers and researchers to work together toward identification of the problems and
implementation of optimal solutions. There is rising importance accorded by international
and national agencies to invest resources in OR and guide program implementation in public
health, and the global fund to fight TB, AIDS, and malaria allows up to 10% of each grant to
be allocated for OR.

Furthermore, translating the outcomes into practice lead to a better health system in terms of
4A's – accessibility, affordability, availability, acceptability – bridging the prevailing
disparities. OR is thus a scientifically proved efficient weapon which has previously helped in
winning wars and been successfully used to overcome many implementation bottlenecks of
various programs and if used appropriately with best intentions can pave our path toward the
attainment of positive health.

References:

1. Mehak Jain, Mudita Shah, Naman Sadh, Naomi Marfatia, Nishit Khandelwal.
Applications of Operations Research Techniquesin Healthcare. International Journal
of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 9, Issue 1, January-2018 708

2.Sumit Malhotra1, Sanjay P. Zodpey2 Operations Research in Public Health Indian

Journal of Public Health, Volume 54, Issue 3, July-September, 2010

3.Bradley et al. Operations research in global health: a scoping review with a focus on the
themes of health equity and impactHealth Research Policy and Systems (2017) 15:32

4.Kumar G. Public Health Panorama of Operational Research: A Narrative Review. Int J

Prev Med. 2019 Apr 17;10:43.