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Principles of Optimization Spring 2011

Course: Math 364 (3 credits)

Times: TuTh 9:10 10:25Location: Fulmer 150

Instructor: Tom Asaki (tasaki@wsu.edu, 509-335-3135), Neill 228Office Hours: M 9:3011:30, T 10:3512:00 and by appointment

Required Text: Understanding and Using Linear Programming Matousek and Gartner

Description

Optimization techniques are applied to model and solve problems from business, engi-neering, sciences, sports, and many other areas. This course will give an introduction tolinear (LP) and integer programming (IP) optimization methods. Emphasis will be givento: model formulation; solution methods; geometric and mathematical interpretations;basic theoretical results and concepts; sensitivity analysis; and software implementation.Examples, formulations, descriptions, derivations, and clarications will often differ fromthe text presentation. I encourage you to attend all lectures, both for the benet of yourgrade and your understanding.

Grade Basis

Your course grade will be based on three requirements: a series of homework assignments,a modeling/computational project, and a nal exam. Each component will score a possible100. Your nal score will be a 40%-30%-30% (weighted sum of your three componentscores with your best score being given the greatest weight. Your nal grade is determinedby your nal score according to the standard (90-80-70-60) scale.

Homework

There will be a variety of homework problems for you to complete during the semester.Each multiple-problem assignment will have a maximum score of 100 points. Your totalhomework score is the percentage of possible points awarded. Your task is to provide thesolution a process of attaining the answer that demonstrates that you understand theconcepts discussed in class and in the reading. A full score is not usually a trivial task; itis attained by

1 Neatness. I should not have to decipher your work.

2 Clarity. I believe that English is an important part of Mathematics.

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3 Explanation. You must provide a level of detail beyond the typical homework qualityexpectations. You are demonstrating what you know, not simply providing ananswer.

4 Concepts. You must incorporate and correctly apply key concepts.

5 Correctness. The solution should attain the given answer, or another valid answer.

These requirements (and my grading standards) take some students by surprise. Thisis why I am being careful to explain my expectations. I will provide some examples of sufficiently detailed homework solutions.

Feel free to discuss your work with anyone, but please turn in your own work. Alsofeel free to discuss your solutions with me before you turn them in. Each assignment isdue in class on or before the date indicated in the class schedule. No late homework willbe accepted without a reasonable and documented excuse. This policy is designed to helpkeep the class moving forward together.

Project

Each student will complete a modeling and software implementation project. The projectwill involve the use of freely available software LP/IP solvers and typically requires partsof several days to complete and additional time to write up results. It is due Thursday,April 21 10:25AM. I will not accept late submissions. The project will be scored by thefollowing measures:

90-100 : extended application of creative/interesting nature(beyond stated project requirements!)

80-89 : fulfilled all requirementspresentation is clear and neatdemonstrated grasp of all key concepts

70-79 : fulfilled most requirmentspresentation marginally clear and neatgrasp of most key concepts

60-69 : fulfilled few requirementspresenation is of limited clarity and neatnessgrasp of only a few key concepts

Final Exam

There will be a single comprehensive nal exam. You are allowed free use of the texts,your own notes, homework assignments, and any other notes supplied by me. You are notallowed to use a computer or any other electronic device except a calculator for performingarithmetic. The exam questions will be derived from homework, lectures, and assignedreading. They are designed to test your ability to apply concepts and methods both tofamiliar situations and to similar but new situations. If you take the time to understand

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Academic Integrity

Please note that we take extremely seriously the universitys policy on the need for aca-demic honesty in all your work. Any form of dishonesty in an assignment will lead to azero on an assignment and we reserve the right to give a grade of F for the course as well.

If needed, Student Conduct will be contacted.WSU Academic Dishonesty and Procedures .

WSU Safety Measures

Washington State University is committed to maintaining a safe environment for its fac-ulty, staff, and students.

Campus Safety Plan.Emergency Information .

Students with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class,please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC). All accommodations MUST be ap-proved through the DRC. Please stop by or call 509-335-3417 to make an appointmentwith a disability specialist.

DRC Website

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