0% found this document useful (0 votes)
25 views15 pages

Explain What Operation Research Is

Operation Research (OR) is a scientific decision-making approach that utilizes mathematical models, statistics, and algorithms to optimize processes and improve efficiency. It follows a structured technique involving problem definition, data collection, model development, solution derivation, validation, implementation, and feedback. Key applications include resource allocation, supply chain management, and transportation optimization.

Uploaded by

zaincreative14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
25 views15 pages

Explain What Operation Research Is

Operation Research (OR) is a scientific decision-making approach that utilizes mathematical models, statistics, and algorithms to optimize processes and improve efficiency. It follows a structured technique involving problem definition, data collection, model development, solution derivation, validation, implementation, and feedback. Key applications include resource allocation, supply chain management, and transportation optimization.

Uploaded by

zaincreative14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 15

1. Explain what Operation Research is.

Definition:

Operation Research (OR) is a scientific approach to decision-making.

It uses mathematical models, statistics, and algorithms to solve problems and optimize

processes.

The goal is to improve efficiency and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Key Features:

1. Interdisciplinary: Combines mathematics, engineering, and economics.

2. Problem-Oriented: Focuses on specific business or operational problems.

3. Quantitative: Uses numerical data to provide solutions.


4. Optimization: Finds the best solution among alternatives.

Applications:

1. Resource Allocation: Assigning limited resources efficiently (e.g., manpower,

machines).

2. Supply Chain Management: Optimizing logistics and inventory.

3. Scheduling: Timetabling for industries or education.

4. Transportation: Route optimization for cost reduction.

5. Finance: Portfolio selection and risk management.


Importance:

1. Enhances decision-making.

2. Reduces costs and improves productivity.

3. Provides better predictions through models.

4. Helps organizations adapt to dynamic environments.

---

2. Describe the stages of Operations Research's scientific technique.

Introduction:
Operations Research follows a structured, scientific process to solve complex problems

systematically.

Stages:

1. Problem Definition:

Identify and understand the problem clearly.

Define objectives and constraints.

Example: Reducing transportation costs in logistics.

2. Data Collection:

Gather relevant data for analysis.

Includes costs, time, resources, and market trends.


3. Model Development:

Build a mathematical or simulation model of the problem.

Example: Linear programming for cost minimization.

4. Solution Derivation:

Solve the model using appropriate methods or algorithms.

Methods include simplex method, dynamic programming, etc.

5. Validation and Testing:

Verify if the solution works under real-world conditions.

Adjust the model if needed.


6. Implementation:

Apply the solution in real-world scenarios.

Monitor and refine the solution over time.

7. Feedback and Control:

Analyze outcomes and check if objectives are met.

Make adjustments for continuous improvement.

Benefits of Following These Stages:

1. Reduces risks in decision-making.


2. Ensures solutions are practical and efficient.

3. Provides clarity and structure to problem-solving.

---

3. Linear programming: What is it? What are the main presumptions and

limitations?

Definition:

Linear programming (LP) is a mathematical method used to find the optimal solution for

a problem under given constraints.

It deals with maximizing or minimizing a linear objective function.

Key Components:
1. Objective Function: The goal (e.g., maximize profit, minimize cost).

2. Decision Variables: The unknowns to solve for (e.g., production levels).

3. Constraints: The limitations (e.g., resource availability).

Presumptions:

1. Linearity: Relationships between variables are linear.

2. Certainty: All data and parameters are known and constant.

3. Additivity: Total outcomes are the sum of individual contributions.

4. Non-Negativity: Decision variables cannot be negative.


Limitations:

1. Simplicity: Cannot handle complex, non-linear problems.

2. Certainty Assumption: Unrealistic in dynamic environments.

3. Limited Scope: Only works for problems with clear constraints.

4. Computational Limitations: Large-scale problems may require significant

computational power.

Applications:

1. Product mix optimization.


2. Resource allocation in manufacturing.

3. Logistics and supply chain optimization.

---

4. What is duality in LPP? Explain its applications.

Definition:

Duality in Linear Programming is a concept where every linear programming problem

(called the primal) has a corresponding problem (called the dual).

The solution of the dual problem provides insights into the solution of the primal

problem.

Key Points:
1. Primal and Dual Relationship:

If the primal problem seeks to maximize, the dual seeks to minimize.

Constraints in the primal become variables in the dual and vice versa.

2. Duality Theorem:

If one of the problems (primal or dual) has an optimal solution, the other also has an

optimal solution, and their objective function values are equal.

Applications:

1. Sensitivity Analysis: Evaluating the impact of changes in constraints or coefficients.

2. Economic Interpretation: Provides a cost or value interpretation of constraints.


3. Resource Valuation: Helps understand shadow prices of resources.

4. Verification: Ensures the primal problem's solution is accurate.

---

5. What are the methods of obtaining the basic feasible solution in the

Transportation Problem?

Introduction:

Transportation problems aim to minimize the cost of transporting goods from multiple

sources to multiple destinations. Basic feasible solutions satisfy supply and demand

constraints.

Methods:

1. North-West Corner Method:


Start allocation from the top-left corner of the cost matrix.

Allocate as much as possible and move to the next cell.

Simple but not necessarily optimal.

2. Least Cost Method:

Allocate starting from the cell with the least cost.

Reduces total transportation cost early in the process.

3. Vogel’s Approximation Method (VAM):

Calculate penalties for each row and column (difference between the smallest and

second smallest costs).

Prioritize allocation where the penalty is highest.


Produces near-optimal solutions.

Steps in Each Method:

1. Balance the supply and demand (add dummy rows/columns if needed).

2. Follow the method’s rules for allocation.

3. Check if all constraints are satisfied (supply = demand).

Applications:

1. Logistics and distribution planning.

2. Cost minimization in supply chains.


3. Scheduling and workforce allocation.

You might also like