575.408 Optimization Methods for Public Decision Making
This course is an introduction to applied operations research, that is, the development of optimization and simulation models intended to help people make decisions involving complex problems. The concepts and tools that we work with include linear and nonlinear optimization, dynamic programming, multiobjective optimization, integer programming, stochastic programming and Markov decision processes. The material is presented in an environmental engineering relevant context, with practical engineering problems frequently serving as both the motivation and the means through which the concepts of the course are taught. Such problems span a diverse array of timely issues involving water and air pollution control, logistical planning, and resource allocation.