Programme des cours 2016-2017
MQGE0001-6  
Operations Research
Durée :
45h Th
Nombre de crédits :
Bachelier en ingénieur de gestion5
Bachelier en sciences mathématiques6
Master en sciences mathématiques, à finalité5
Nom du professeur :
Yves Crama
Langue(s) de l'unité d'enseignement :
Langue anglaise
Organisation et évaluation :
Enseignement au premier quadrimestre, examen en janvier
Unités d'enseignement prérequises et corequises :
Les unités prérequises ou corequises sont présentées au sein de chaque programme
Contenus de l'unité d'enseignement :
Operations research relies on mathematical modeling to formulate and to analyze complex decision problems faced by individuals or organizations. OR models and techniques are found at the core of numerous IT tools used in everyday life and in managerial decision support systems, e.g., GPS-based routing systems, airline reservation and pricing software, production planning and scheduling systems, financial investment optimization systems, etc. In order to make a sensible use of OR tools, the manager needs to understand their full potential as well as their limitations. By getting the most out of these tools, companies may be able to develop innovative solutions and to improve their competitive position.
As such, the course directly relates to one of the main intended learning outcomes of the bachelor's programme in business engineering, namely, the ability to use analytical and IT tools in order to address management problems.
The course offers an introduction to some of the most successful models and techniques used in operations research:


  • linear programming: modeling, simplex method, sensitivity analysis, duality;
  • integer progamming: modeling, branch-and-bound algorithms;
  • queueing theory: basic features, arrival and service processes, M/M/c models;
  • simulation : basic principles, random generators, analysis of results;
  • network models; shortest paths, project scheduling.
As time allows, other models such as decision analysis and multicriteria decision-making may also be covered.
The course is illustrated by numerous examples and applications from logistics, production management, finance, arising in various profit or non-profit service industries.
Acquis d'apprentissage (objectifs d'apprentissage) de l'unité d'enseignement :
Key Learning Outcomes addressed by the course:
  • Establish a strategy in order to optimize the value chain of an organization, taking into account its scientific and technological context, and demonstrating a critical mind and scientific precision.
  • Take charge of the everyday management of a company, an organization or a project,taking into account its scientific, technological and entrepreneurial dimensions, ensuring a good interface between its technological and managerial aspects, and capitalizing on the characteristics of a digitalized world.
  • Plan and implement the performance and quality control in a company, an organization or a project, using the appropriate analytical tools.  
More specifically, the students are expected to
  • Acquire familiarity with the mathematical modeling approach to decision-making, and with fundamental models and methods used in operations research.
  • Be able to reconstruct and to interpret the output of simple models.
  • Be able to recognize situations where OR techniques can be successfully applied and to formulate simple models.
  • Gain some understanding of the inherent limitations of the mathematical modeling approach.
Savoirs et compétences prérequis :
Mathematics (linear algebra, matrix algebra), probability theory and statistics (concept of random variable, classical distributions, expected value, variance, etc.).
Activités d'apprentissage prévues et méthodes d'enseignement :
A1. Lectures.
A1. Readings (lecture notes and case studies).
A2. Numerical exercises. A2. Computer labs.
A3. Computer-based project: formulation and solution of a small case.
Mode d'enseignement (présentiel ; enseignement à distance) :
Face-to-face lectures and practice sessions.
Lectures recommandées ou obligatoires et notes de cours :
Lecture notes: Y. Crama, Operations Research, ULg, 2013.

Additional material to be found on the virtual campus Lol@:
  • articles: A Business Executive's Guide to Modern OR, OR The Productivity Engine, Queueing at Vancouver Airport, etc.
  • PowerPoint slides
  • exercises
Modalités d'évaluation et critères :
Based on: - written examination in January (90%). - modeling project (10%).
Stage(s) :
Remarques organisationnelles :
The course is taught in English .
Contacts :
Instructor: Prof. Y. Crama HEC Liège (Building N1) Email : Y.Crama@ulg.ac.be Teaching assistant: E. Rodriguez-Heck HEC Liège (Building N1)  Room 334 Email: elisabeth.rodriguezheck@ulg.ac.be