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OR from 0 to 1 is an asynchronous, free 7-day email course that teaches you the fundamentals of Operations Research without any prior knowledge.
Unlike other courses, you won't learn hard mathematics or complex algorithms - you'll learn how to apply OR techniques to real-world challenges, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Perhaps you've seen the impact OR can have in business, logistics, or resource planning and dream of wielding such tools to make data-driven decisions. This course demystifies OR, breaking it down into digestible, actionable steps, so you can move from dreaming to doing.
Whether it was struggling with the mathematical foundations or failing to translate theory into practical solutions, you're not alone. This course is tailored to guide you back on track. With hands-on exercises and clear explanations, it'll help you navigate the OR landscape confidently.
You're putting in the effort but feel like you're not making the impactful strides you're capable of. By focusing on real-world problems, practical exercises, and optimization models, you'll refine your skills and apply OR principles more strategically.
#1 Struggle to identify optimization opportunities
Identifying where and how to apply OR techniques within a business context is a significant hurdle. Without a clear understanding of how to spot optimization opportunities, potential improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and overall competitiveness are overlooked. This not only limits personal career growth but also the potential value you can bring to your organization.
#2 Difficulty translating theoretical OR concepts into practicall applications
A common struggle is bridging the gap between theory and practice. Many learners find it challenging to see how OR methods can be applied to real-world problems they encounter in their work. This disconnect not only hampers their ability to leverage OR for impactful decision-making but also diminishes their confidence in suggesting OR-based solutions to stakeholders.
#3 Overwhelming complexity of Operations Research methodologies
Many aspiring OR professionals feel daunted by the sheer breadth and depth of Operations Research. The perceived barrier to entry can discourage even the most enthusiastic learners. This overwhelm stems from not knowing where to start, fear of the mathematical rigor involved, and the difficulty of seeing how abstract concepts apply to tangible business problems.
This free 7-day email course is designed to demystify Operations Research, presenting it in a structured, digestible format. This course breaks down complex methodologies into understandable components, ensuring that you not only grasp the theory but also see how each element fits into the bigger picture.
Through games and hands-on exercises, this course guide learners in translating theoretical concepts into practical applications. By the end of the course, you'll have solved actual OR problems, boosting your confidence in using these techniques in your professional environments.
This course provides tools and frameworks that help you identify potential optimization problems in your work settings. By teaching you what signs to look for and how to approach problem formulation, the course empowers you to become proactive problem-solver, capable of leveraging OR to drive business improvements.
I've been immersed in the Operations Research industry for over a decade since I started my PhD, working closely with businesses to:
Throughout my career, I published scientific papers around solving optimization problems in warehouses, spoke at international conferences, and worked in a wide range of industries and companies (from consultancy to big corp and startup).
My journey was fueled by a passion for problem-solving and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. I've experienced firsthand the challenges of mastering OR techniques and the profound impact they have on businesses and careers.
This personal transformation motivates me to share my knowledge and empower you to achieve your goals in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Day 1: Demystifying Operations Research
Overview of Operations Research and key problems OR solves in business. And more importantly: first game to play!
Day 2: Identifying optimization problems at your company
Techniques for identifying potential optimization problems at different layers of management, with examples. Aaaaand... Second exercise! This second game will accompany you for the next days too.
Day 3: Fundamentals of optimization
Detailed explanation of the building blocks of an optimization model, identifying each part so you can easily translate business problems into mathematics. You'll use this knowledge to start building a mathematical model for the previous exercise.
Day 4: Solving optimization problems
Step-by-step guide to finish the formulation of the exercise, solving it graphically but also automatically. This is a crucial step since you will see if your previous assumptions on the problem were correct.
Day 5: What if...?
Start getting the most out of optimization with sensitivity analysis, simulating different scenarios and understanding solutions to your problem. And the third game-exercise is introduced here!
Day 6: The Slick Oil Game
Now things start moving faster, and you'll be prompted to translate the game into data and mathematics to automatically solve it with the tools you already know.
Day 7: Recap and farewell party
Relax, this is the end of your journey... Or the beginning of a new exciting one! You'll see your evolution through the course and what could be your next steps depending on your needs.
Included Assets
Length of Materials
It's FREE! 😃
I recommend dedicating approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour per day to engage with the course content, complete the exercises, and participate in the community discussions. This allows for a deep dive into each day's topic while accommodating the busy schedules of professionals.
The course is designed to cater to a wide range of participants, from beginners who are just getting started with Operations Research to those who have some experience but are looking to deepen their understanding and apply OR techniques more effectively. Regardless of your current level, the course structure ensures you gain valuable insights and practical skills.
The timeframe for seeing tangible results can vary depending on your level of engagement with the course, the complexity of the optimization problems you tackle, and how you apply the techniques in your professional or personal projects. However, participants often report gaining a deeper understanding and improved problem-solving skills by the end of the 5-day course, with further benefits realized as they continue to apply their learnings.