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PhD Program - Course Descriptions
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| OPIM-900: Foundations of Decision Processes |
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| This course is an introduction to research on normative, descriptive and
prescriptive models of judgment and choice under uncertainty. A normative
model is a basis for advice, a guide to what thoughtful people would do upon
reflection if they were able to process information perfectly. A descriptive
model explains actual behavior, which may deviate from a normative model
because individuals may not be thoughtful in their judgment and choice
processes and have difficulty processing information. Prescriptive models are
guides for improving judgment and decision making processes based on our
understanding of actual behavior (descriptive models).
We study descriptive models because they tell us how people are likely to err,
and suggest methods for aiding them. Descriptive analyses may also cast doubt
on whether the normative models are really acceptable as a basis for advice.
We will be studying the underlying theory of decision processes as well as
applications in individual, group and organizational choice. Guest speakers
will relate the concepts of decision processes and behavioral economics to
applied problems in their area of expertise.
As part of the course there will be a theoretical or empirical term paper on
the application of decision processes to each student’s particular area of
interest. For empirical work you may want to formulate a specific hypothesis
for pre-testing through a controlled laboratory experiment or a field survey.
More detailed data collection and analysis should be postponed to the
following semester or for a summer paper. Each student will work with a
Research Buddy from the class who will help critique the project.
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| OPIM-904: Experimental Economics |
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| Many theories in economics can be tested usefully in experiments in which
researchers control parameters that are uncontrolled in natural settings.
This course presents the theory of the experimental method and validity along
with several examples of experimental testing: simple competitive equilibrium,
intertemporal competitive equilibrium, asset markets, futures markets,
bargaining models, tournaments, reputation-building in repeated games, etc.
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| OPIM-906: Proseminar in OPIM Research |
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| OPIM-910: Concepts of Math Programming |
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| Introduction to mathematical programming for PhD students who would like to be
intelligent and sophisticated consumers of mathematical programming theory but
do not plan to specialize in this area. Integer and nonlinear programming are
covered, including the fundamentals of each area together with a sense of the
state-of-the-art and expected directions of future progress. Cross-listed with ESE 504. |
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| OPIM-913: Advanced Linear Programming and Interior Point Methods |
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| Linear programming (LP) is a branch of Optimization in which one studies the
maximization (or minimization) of a linear function subject to linear equality
and/or inequality constraints. LP has wide ranging applications from diverse
areas such as Economics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Medicine,
Finance, Mathematics, as well as every branch of Engineering. It is also the
starting point from which one studies more general constrained optimization
problems. The course covers the theory of linear programming, the "classical''
LP algorithms (like the primal, dual and primal-dual versions of the simplex
method), and the new "interior-point'' algorithms that have emerged in the
past twenty years or so. Toward the end of the course more general
optimization problems are briefly discussed including quadratic programming
and convex optimization. A broad spectrum of applications will be presented. |
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| OPIM-914: Advanced Non-Linear Programming |
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| The course is an introduction to research on normative, descriptive and prescriptive models of judgement and choice under uncertainty. We will be studying the underlying theory of decision processes as well as applications in individual group and organizational choice. Guest speakers will relate the concepts of decision processes and behavioral economics to applied problems in their area of expertise. As part of the course there will be a theoretical or empirical term paper on the application of decision processes to each student's particular area of interest.
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| OPIM-915: Advanced Graph Theory |
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| Deals mainly with algorithmic and computational aspects of graph theory.
Topics and problems include reachability and connectivity, setcovering, graph
coloring, location of centers, location of medians, trees, shortest path,
circuits, traveling salesman problem, network flows, matching, transportation,
and assignment problems.
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| OPIM-916: Advanced Integer Programming |
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| Many optimization models include either integer or 0-1 decision variables. The integrality requirements make the problems much harder to solve than the corresponding continuous optimization problems. The course provides students with a variety of analytical and algorithmic tools for approaching such hard problems. Emphasis is on modeling, as well as on approximate (heuristic), and exact (iterative and enumerative) methods. |
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| OPIM-920: Empirical Research in Operations Management |
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| Empirical research in Operations Management has been repeatedly called for over the last 10-15 years, including calls made from the academic thought leaders in the field as well as by many of the editors of the top academic journals. Remarkably though, most researchers in the field would be pressed to name even three empirical papers published in such journals like Management Science or Operations Research. But, has there really been so little published related to empirical Operations Management (you might be surprised to learn that all five bullets listed above has been addressed by Management Science papers)? What types of problems in operations are interesting and worthwhile studying from an empirical viewpoint? How can one get started with an empirical research project in Operations Management? These are the questions that are at the heart of this course.
Specifically, the objective of this course is to (a) expose doctoral students to the existing empirical literature and (b) to provide them with the training required to engage in an empirical study themselves.
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| OPIM-930: Stochastic Models |
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| This course introduces mathematical models describing and analyzing the
behavior of processes that exhibit random components. The theory of stochastic
processes will be developed based on elementary probability theory and
calculus. Topics include random walks, Poisson processes, Markov chains in
discrete and continuous time, renewal theory, and martingales. Applications
from the areas of inventory, production, finance, queueing and communication
systems will be presented throughout the course. |
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| OPIM-931: Stochastic Processes II |
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| Extension of the material presented in OPIM930 to include Markov decision
processes, queuing theory, stochastic modeling and optimization. Cross-listed with STAT 901.
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| OPIM-932: Queuing Theory |
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| Discrete-state stochastic processes: Markov chains, Markov processes, birth-
death processes; M/M/I queue and variants; M/G/I queue and G/M/n queues;
priority queues: preemptive and non-preemptive; Networks of queues; jackson
networks, BMCP networks, Kelly networks; Little's formula; Dynamic optimization of queues.
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| OPIM-934: Dynamic Programming and Stochastic Models |
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| Reviews the theoretical foundations of dynamic programming, stochastic
control,and Markov decision processes. Applications in the area of production
and inventory, finance, and marketing will be explored. Course requirements
include homework, exercises and a research paper.
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| OPIM-940: Operations Management |
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| Concepts, models, and theories relevant to the management of the processes required to provide goods or services to consumers in both the public and private sectors. Includes production, inventory and distribution functions, scheduling of service or manufacturing activities, facility capacity planning and design, location analysis, product design and choice of technology. The methodological basis for the course includes management science, economic theory,organization theory, and management information system theory.
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| OPIM-941: Distribution Systems Seminar |
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| Seminar on distribution systems models and theory. Reviews current research in
the development and solution of models of distribution systems. Emphasizes
multi-echelon inventory control, logistics management, network design, and
competitive models. |
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| OPIM-943: Retail Operations |
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| OPIM-950: Perspectives on Information Systems |
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| Provides doctoral students in Operations and Information Management and other
related fields with a perspective on modern information system methodologies,
technologies, and practices. State-of-the-art research on frameworks for
analysis, design, and inplementation of various types of information systems
is presented. Students successfully completing the course should have the
skills necessary to specify and implement an information system to support a
decision process. During spring 2008, OPIM 950 will meet with OPIM 325, plus
meet an additional hour to be arranged. Our focus will be on metaheuristics
for management science applications, with an emphasis on metaheuristics for
constrained optimization and on agent-based modeling. See the posted syllabus
for OPIM 325 for further information. Interested students should contact the
instructor before the beginning of the semester.
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| OPIM-951: Seminar on Logic Modeling |
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| Seminar on the elements of formal logic necessary to read and contribute to
the Logic modeling literature, as well as the implementation principles for
logic models. The primary topics include elements of sentence and predicate
logic, elements of modal logics, elements of semantics, mechanical theorem
proving, logic and database, nonmonotonic reasoning, planning and the frame
problem, logic programming, and metainterpreters.
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| OPIM-952: Computational Game Theory |
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| OPIM-960: Research Seminar in Information Technology |
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| Explores economic issues related to information technology, with emphasis on
research in organizational or strategic settings. The course will follow a
seminar format, with dynamically assigned readings and strong student
contribution during class sessions (both as participant and, for one class, as
moderator.)
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| OPIM-961: Research Seminar in ISSE |
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| This is the advanced doctoral-level research research in information strategy
and economics that builds on the foundations developed in OPIM960. Much of
the content will be focused on current research areas in information strategy
such as the information and organizational economics, information technology
and firm performance, search cost and pricing, information and incentives,
coordination costs and the boundary of the firm, and the economics of
information goods (including pricing and intellectual property protection).
In addition, promising empirical approaches such as the use of intelligent
agents for data collection or clickstream data analysis will be discussed.
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| OPIM-989: Topics in OPIM |
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| OPIM-990: Masters Regular Tuition |
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| OPIM-995: Dissertation |
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