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Introducing optimization techniques to students: An exam case distribution model

Vanhoucke, Mario
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Publication Type
Journal article
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2010
Journal
INFORMS Transactions on Education
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Publication Volume
10
Publication Issue
2
Publication Begin page
53
Publication End page
61
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Abstract
In this paper, an integer programming (IP) model is presented to assign MBA and undergraduate students to groups to solve an exam case in an operations research (O.R.) course. It is assumed that the students have a basic understanding of mathematical programming and are now ready to build their first real-life model in class. Thanks to the direct link with the student's situation and the immediate repercussion on the exam assignment, students can quickly understand the problem and are willing to help to define the problem in class. The example illustrates many O.R.-related issues, such as the balance between problem complexity and solution quality, and the need for dynamic rather than static models. Thanks to its simplicity and practicality, this exercise is an ideal tool to make the often complex domain of O.R. more accessible.
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