Topic One: Introduction to Operations Research

1.1. Definition of Operations Research

 Operations research is a discipline that uses mathematical modelling,

statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to help make better
decisions and solve complex problems in organizations.
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1.2. History of Operations Research

 Operations Research came into being during World War-II (1939 -

1945).

 During this war military management of England had called up on a

team of scientists to study the problems related to air and land defense
of the country.

 The team had to come out with the plans that could make the optimal
utilization of limited available resources.
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 The research work done by this team on military operations was

named as (OR) operations research.

 After the end of world war, industrial managers got attracted

towards Operational Research teams for finding solutions to their
complex executive-type problems.

 Operational Research club of Britain was formed in 1948, which

in 1954 become the Operational Research Society.
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 The Operations Research Society in America was formed in 1952.

 The first international conference on operations research was held at

oxford university in 1957.

 Today, the utilization of operational research techniques has spread

out from army to a wide range of departments at all levels.
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1.3. Components of Operations Research

Mathematical programming

 Operations research uses various mathematical programming

techniques, such as linear programming, integer programming, and
dynamic programming, to optimize decision-making processes.

Statistics and algorithms

 Operations research relies heavily on statistics and algorithms, which

are part of the overall field of mathematics.
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Problem Formulation

 This involves identifying and defining the objective of the study.

 It includes specifying the variables, constraints, and the

relationships between them.

Optimization

 It refers to the process of finding the best solution to a problem

from all feasible solutions.

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1.5. Limitation of Operations Research

Non-Quantifiable variables:

OR can give an optimum solution to a problem if all the variables

are quantified. But, all variables in a system cannot be quantified.

Time and Cost:

To implement OR in an organization, it consumes more time and

cost.
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Distance b/n Manager and OR Specialist:

A manager is unable to understand the complex nature of Operations

Research. Thus there is a big gap between the two personnel.
 Topic Two: Linear Programming

2.1. Basic Concepts in Linear Programming

 Linear programming is a mathematical technique used to optimize a

linear objective function subject to a set of linear constraints.

 It is a mathematical technique for finding optimal solutions to

problems that can be expressed using linear equations &
inequalities.
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Components of LP

Objective Function

 This is the function that needs to be maximized or minimized.

 For instance, in a profit maximization problem, the objective

function might be to maximize the total revenue or profit.
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Components of LP

Decision Variables

These are variables that represent quantity of things which can be

produced, sold or consumed.
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Components of LP

Constraints

These are Limitations or restrictions on the availability of resources for

the system. ( Factors that affect the production, sale and consumption of
good and service.
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Components of LP

Non-negativity Constraints: all decision variables should always take

non-negative values.