Operations Research

Operations Research: Theory and Practice

N.V.S Raju

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781000702408
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Civil Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

This book 'Operations Research: Theory and Practice' provides various concepts, theoretical and practical knowledge and develops the techno-managerial skills in the field of engineering. All the angles and approaches of operations applicable to both industrial and institutional needs are presented. It also provides an insight into the historical development of Operations Research. Examples and problems from usual situations that occur in industries are presented wherever necessary.
Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

1 Chapter

Operations Research – An Overview

Chapter Outline

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Origin and Development of OR Models

1.2 Operations Research: Some Definitions

1.3 Phases (or Steps) of Operation Research Method (Modeling)

1.4 Operation Research Models: Classification

1.4.1 Classification Based on Structure

1.4.2 Classification Based on Purpose and Nature

1.4.3 Based on Certainty

1.4.4 Based on Time Reference

1.4.5 Based on Method of Solution

1.5 Application Models of Operation Research

1.6 Significance and Applications of OR in Industrial Problems

1.7 Characteristic Features of Operations Research Model (Or Merits of Operations Research Models)

1.7.1 Distinct Direction in Decision Making

1.7.2 Scientific Approach

1.7.3 Objective Orientation

1.7.4 Inter - Disciplinary Team Approach

1.7.5 Compatible to Digital Computer

1.7.6 Consideration of All Factors

1.8 Limitations (Demerits) of Operations Research

1.8.1 Impossibility and Infeasibility

1.8.2 For Intangible Situations

1.8.3 Distance Between Managers (Decision Maker) and Operation Researcher

Review Questions

Objective Type Questions

Fill in the Blanks

Answers

1.0 Introduction

“Science that aids decision making is Operations Research which is tested and implemented through appropriate modelling.”

We take several decisions in our daily life. Most of these decisions are taken by common sense. But the decisions taken by mere common sense sometimes may mislead or confuse us. Also, such decisions may neither provide any evidential support nor stand on any scientific base. Therefore, it has become necessary for managers and engineers to believe in the science that provides the evidential support and scientific base.

Operations Research (OR) is one such science that provides better solutions to the managers, engineers and any practitioners with better solutions. This science came into existence during World War II. Though it was first employed for military operations, its applications are extended to any field on the earth in some form or other.

Thus OR is considered as the science that deals with decision making and this book deals with formulating, analysing, testing and application of various OR models.

1.1 Origin and Development of OR Models

The term, “Operations Research” was first coined by Mc Closky and Trefthen in 1940 in a small town, Bowdsey of United Kingdom.

The name operations research was given to this subject because it has started with the research of (military) operations. During world war - II, the military commands of UK and USA engaged several teams of scientists to discover tactical and strategic military operations. Their mission was to formulate specific proposals and to arrive to the decisions that can optimally utilize the scarce resources to acquire maximum possible level of effective results. In simple words, it was to uncover the methods that can yield greatest results with little efforts. Thus it has gained popularity and was called “an art of winning the war without actually fighting it”.

Following the end of the war, the success and encouraging results of British teams have attracted industrial managers to apply these methods to solve their complex problems. The first method in this direction was simplex method (LPP) developed in 1947 by G.B. Dantzig, USA. Since then several scientists have been developing this science in the interest of making operations to yield high profits or least costs.

Now, this science has become universally applicable to any area such as transportation, hospital management, agriculture, libraries, city planning, financial institutions, construction management and so forth. In India, many industries have been realising the advantages by implementing the OR models.

A few to quote in this regard are Delhi Cloth Mills, Indian Airlines, Indian Railways, Hindustan Liver Ltd., (HLL), Tata Iron & Steel Co., (TISCO), Fe...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page
• Preface
• Acknowledgement
• Table of Contents
• CHAPTER 1 Operations Research – An Overview
• CHAPTER 2 Formulation of Linear Programming Problems
• CHAPTER 3 Graphical Solution of LPP
• CHAPTER 4 Simplex Method
• CHAPTER 5 Transportation Problem
• CHAPTER 6 Assignment Problem
• CHAPTER 7 Inventory Management
• CHAPTER 8 Queue Models (Waiting Lines)
• CHAPTER 9 Sequencing
• Chapter 10 Replacement Analysis
• CHAPTER 11 Game Theory
• Chapter 12 Dynamic Programming