Department of Operational Sciences: Research Areas

Operations Research

Mathematical Programming and Optimization (including linear, nonlinear, network, discrete, combinatorial, multi-objective programming, scheduling, and project, program and campaign planning)

Stochastic Operations Research (including stochastic processes, reliability theory, queueing models, stochastic dynamic programming)

Simulation (including input modeling, output analysis, variance reduction, and high-level architecture)

Applied Statistics (including response surface methodology, statistically designed experiments, statistical quality control, and multivariate statistics)

Decision Analysis (including multicriteria decision making, value-focused thinking, and multiattribute utility theory)

Areas are subject to change based on the Operations Research faculty composition. Students considering a program in Operations Research should consult the Department regarding their general research interests before making decisions. It is imperative (particularly for Ph.D. students) that the research interest is well supported to ensure timely completion of the degree.

Logistics Management

Transportation planning and analysis, strategic mobility, facility location modeling

Inventory models, reparable inventory models, supply chain management, time series forecasting, collaborative forecasting

Operations management, business process improvement, theory of constraints, capacity management, scheduling

Cost analysis, econometric analysis and modeling

Public policy analysis, public policy models

Information technologies

Multivariate analysis techniques, meta-heuristics, simulation analysis, survey development, evolutionary algorithms

These areas are subject to change based on the Logistics Management faculty composition. Candidates should consult the Department regarding their general research interests before making decisions regarding their program. It is imperative that candidate's research interests be well supported to ensure timely completion of the degree. Synergism with Air Force and other DOD organizations leading to sponsored, cooperative research efforts is encouraged. Such cooperative efforts lead to research results that are directly related to ongoing activities in the military logistics community.