Module: Operations Research Methods

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Operations Research Methods
Module Code	MEC1045 (ITS: MM485)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce the fundamentals of the field of engineering and scientific practice of Operations Research. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills in formulating and analysing mathematical models for deterministic and stochastic optimisation problems subject to a set of constraints with particular emphasis on manufacturing planning problems. Students will participate in the following learning activities: they will attend weekly lectures and tutorials, participate in a group assignment and present for end of semester examination

Learning Outcomes

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2. Formulate a mathematical model consisting of an objective function and a set of constraints to represent an optimisation problem
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4. Solve deterministic Operations Research problems such as linear programming, integer programming, dynamic programming and inventory control problems using appropriate algorithms
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6. Conduct sensitivity analysis of the solutions derived from solving linear progamming problems
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8. Solve stochastic Operations Research problems such as stochastic inventory control, markovian analysis and queuing theory problems using appropriate algorithms
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10. Develop and solve optimisation models using MS Excel Solver

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Formal timetabled lectures
Laboratory	24	Timetabled labs to support lecture series
Assignment Completion	36	Model development and testing and report preparation
Independent Study	91.5	including examination time and preparation
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	20382	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	30%	Examination Weight	70%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	John Geraghty	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	Formulate and solve mathematical models using technquies studied in this module and report and interpret results	30%	Week 1
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

Taha, Hamdy A: 2007, Operations Research - An Introduction,
Hillier, F.S. and Lieberman, G.J.: 2010, Introduction to Operations Researc, Ninth Ed, McGraw-Hill,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None