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    • Operations Research

    Operations Research Courses Online

    Study operations research for solving complex organizational problems. Learn about optimization, simulation, and decision analysis techniques.

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    Explore the Operations Research Course Catalog

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      Operations Research (1): Models and Applications

      Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Process Optimization, Business Modeling, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, Production Planning, Inventory Management System, Microsoft Excel, Scheduling, Linear Algebra

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      541 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      Operations Research (2): Optimization Algorithms

      Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms, Process Optimization, Engineering Calculations, Program Implementation, Mathematical Software, Computational Thinking, Operational Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Decision Making, Calculus

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      149 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      Operations Research (3): Theory

      Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Network Model, Statistical Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Machine Learning, Transportation Operations, Process Optimization, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Algorithms

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      91 reviews

      Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Introduction to Operations Management

      Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Operational Efficiency, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Lean Methodologies, Workflow Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Capacity Planning, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Statistical Process Controls, Process Flow Diagrams, Resource Utilization, Root Cause Analysis

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • R

      Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

      Supply Chain Management

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Sourcing, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Demand Planning, Procurement, Supplier Relationship Management, Forecasting, Process Improvement, Supplier Management, Operations Management, Customer Demand Planning, Purchasing, Production Process, Supply Management, Operational Efficiency, Warehouse Management, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory and Warehousing, Inventory Management System, Transportation, Supply Chain, and Logistics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      15K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Operations Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Analytics, Demand Planning, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Operational Analysis, Business Operations, Risk Analysis, Forecasting, Operations Management, Simulation and Simulation Software, Process Optimization, Decision Making, Decision Tree Learning, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft Excel, Probability Distribution

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • I

      Illinois Tech

      Operations and Process Management

      Skills you'll gain: Process Improvement, Process Management, Business Process, Business Process Management, Process Analysis, Business Process Improvement, Performance Improvement, Quality Improvement, Process Mapping, Quality Management, Workflow Management, Return On Investment, Change Management, Risk Management, Business Technologies, Project Management, Pareto Chart, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      146 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Macquarie University

      Excel Skills for Business

      Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Data Visualization, Excel Macros, Data Validation, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Cleansing, Data Modeling, Financial Forecasting, Predictive Modeling, Financial Modeling, Workflow Management, Finance, Data Management, Business Intelligence Software, Consolidation, Data Integrity, Data Entry

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      62K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • R

      Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

      Supply Chain Operations

      Skills you'll gain: Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Operations Management, Production Process, Six Sigma Methodology, Operational Efficiency, Quality Improvement, Kanban Principles, Continuous Improvement Process, Inventory Control, Inventory Management System

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • G

      Google

      Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions

      Skills you'll gain: Spreadsheet Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Data Presentation, Business Analysis, Expectation Management, Quantitative Research, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      34K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      D

      Duke University

      Oil & Gas Industry Operations and Markets

      Skills you'll gain: Market Dynamics, Energy and Utilities, Operating Cost, Transportation Operations, Production Process, Supply Chain, Market Data, Market Trend, Cost Estimation, Global Marketing, Market Analysis, International Finance, Natural Resource Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.2K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      AI For Everyone

      Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Market Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Team Building, Machine Learning, Strategic Thinking, Data Science, Needs Assessment, Deep Learning, Business Ethics, Artificial Neural Networks, Engineering Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      48K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Operations Research learners also search

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    1234…339

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular operations research courses

    • Operations Research (1): Models and Applications: National Taiwan University
    • Operations Research (2): Optimization Algorithms: National Taiwan University
    • Operations Research (3): Theory: National Taiwan University
    • Introduction to Operations Management: University of Pennsylvania
    • Supply Chain Management: Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
    • Operations Analytics: University of Pennsylvania
    • Operations and Process Management: Illinois Tech
    • Excel Skills for Business: Macquarie University
    • Supply Chain Operations: Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
    • Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions: Google

    Skills you can learn in Business Strategy

    Modeling (25)
    Market (economics) (21)
    Plan (19)
    Planning (16)
    Strategic Management (16)
    Business Model (13)
    Operations Management (13)
    Analytics (12)
    Evaluation (12)
    Project Management (11)
    Supply Chain (10)
    Decision-making (9)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Operations Research

    Operations research is the use of statistical analysis and mathematical optimization techniques to help organizations solve problems and improve decision-making. The ability to harness vast amounts of data on day-to-day operations has created opportunities to rigorously optimize processes for cost, quality control, inventory management, and other goals, making operations research an important part of many businesses.

    The tools of operations research are similar to those of other fields relying heavily on quantitative analysis and statistics. Operational data is input into programs such as Microsoft Excel and Solver, R, and Python, where mathematical optimization techniques such as linear programming (LP) are applied to find the best solution for business problems. Monte Carlo simulations and other probabilistic analyses may also be used to discover areas of sensitivity and risk.

    These data-driven insights are typically applied according to process management and process improvement frameworks such as Six Sigma and Lean, which strive to reduce variation and eliminate waste in operations.‎

    Operations research is a core competency of careers in operations management, supply chain management, and logistics. This skill is particularly highly valued by businesses in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and other industries where companies must compete to deliver goods and services with complex supply chains in cost-sensitive markets.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analysts earned a median annual salary of $84,810 in 2019. These jobs are also expected to grow much faster than jobs in the rest of the economy, due to the explosive growth in the availability of operations data along with the increasing importance of adopting these data-driven approaches to remain competitive in many industries. Operations research analysts typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in technical and quantitative fields such as engineering, computer science, analytics, or mathematics, as few schools offer degrees in operations research specifically.‎

    Certainly. Coursera offers courses and Specializations on operations research and related topics such as supply chain and operations management, operational analytics, and statistical research. Offered by excellent schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Melbourne, and Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, these courses give you the opportunity to learn remotely on a flexible schedule and a lower tuition than on-campus students. Whether you’re a student or mid-career professional looking to add new skills to your repertoire, Coursera gives you the opportunity to optimize your operations research education to fit your specific needs.‎

    The skills and experience that you might need to already have before starting to learn operations research may include knowledge of mathematical and engineering methods, understanding of the fundamentals of business, and some background in linear programming, a math technique to solve systems of linear constraints. All of these can help you fully grasp the basics of operations research. Furthermore, having a background that includes computer algorithms and optimization techniques can help you to better analyze optimization problems in computer science, civil engineering, economics, and management. This multifaceted field is also linked with machine learning, as some operations researchers are sampling machine learning methods to test various metrics in a particular optimization process.‎

    The kind of people who are best suited for operations research work are often quantitative thinkers who are detailed and analytical. These people use mathematics formulas to help companies study labor needs, cost scenarios, product distribution, and other factors. In doing this work, they need to be curious, methodical, rational, and logical. Because operations researchers understand how algorithms, math, and statistics may impact workflows, budgets, employee staffing, and profitability, they also tend to be the kind of people who are investigative in nature, using their intellect and curiosity in the work.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Operations Research, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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