72519 - Problem Solving: Optimization Methods and Algorithms

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Docente: Aristide Mingozzi
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: MAT/09
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Cesena
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Computer Science and Engineering (cod. 8614)

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide to students methodological and algorithmic knowledge to develop innovative software solutions in the areas of production planning and of supply chain.
More specifically, the course intends to provide to students the skills of analysis, modeling and solving real life complex problems.

Course contents

During the course the following topics will be carried out:

Models and mathematical formulations of practical problems
Production scheduling
Project scheduling with resource constraints
Routing on networks
Design of distribution networks

Exact methods in integer linear programming
cutting planes
lagrangian relaxation
branch-and-cut methods

Dynamic Programming
Two-dimensional cutting stock problem
New state space relaxation methods
TSP with time windows

Decomposition methods
Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition
A new decomposition method for integer programming
Using decomposition to solve integer programming problems with fixed costs
Column-generation methods

Heuristic methods
Heuristics with guaranteed worst-case
Methods based on local search

Application of the methods to real cases in the following areas
Distribution logistics
Scheduling of production systems

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes from the teacher.

L.A. Wolsey, 1998. Integer Programming, Wiley
Scientific articles on various topics of the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical exercises held by the teacher.
During the course, will be organized seminars conducted by experts in the field.
Each topic will be accompanied by case studies to highlight its practical applications.
Lectures supplemented with examples and exercises.

Assessment methods

Each individual student will be asked to develop a solution method for a specific problem.
In the oral examination the student must describe the methods and algorithms used to solve the problem assigned to him.

Teaching tools

Over the course will use materials provided by the teacher, such as transparencies and handout.
Will be done using a video projector.
The lessons will be conducted using both slides available at the website of the course is using Blackboard for clarification on specific topics.

Office hours

See the website of Aristide Mingozzi