| | FAQs | FUQs |
|---|
| 1 | What exactly is OR? |
This is a controversial question. Even the Encyclopeia of OR does not provide a clear answer. (Very) Roughly, OR is the
science of decision making. For more details see our own What is OR? page. |
| 2 | Where can I get a copy of the final exam? |
The script of the 2005 final exam is not ready yet. You'll get a copy of it sometime in June 2005. We shall discuss this matter in the last lecture. |
| 3 | Are there any "computer programming" tasks in this subject? |
No. There are no computer programming tasks in this subject. However, we provide a number of on-line modules that you
might want to use to practice some of the things that we preach about in class. These modules will also be useful to you in checking some of
the assignments that you'll have to submit. We also provide information on where you can get free copies of commercial OR software that may
help you solve some of the problems we discuss in class. |
| 4 | I cannot attend one of the lectures (time clash). What should I
do? |
Do not panic. We typically have 5-6 students with time clashes. Our records show that most of them survive the subject.
The best thing for you to do is talk to the lecturer about this. |
| 5 | What is the passing rate in this subject? |
About 80%. |
| 6 | Someone told me that if one completes the OR specialization, he/she
usually gets a very nice job with a nice company car. Is this true? |
Some of the students who completed our OR stream got very good jobs. Some got nice company cars. The bottom line is: OR
is a good area of specialization as far as jobs are concerned, especially for students with Honours Degrees. |
| 7 | Why do we have to learn the mathematics of OR? Aren't we going to use software packages to solve OR problems on the job? |
Many aspects of OR are mathematical in nature and therefore it is necessary to understandthe mathematics of OR in order to
make full use of commercial OR software packages. There are of course some commercial software packages that can be used as "black boxes" in
the context of some practical problems but to be a good OR analysts you have to understand some of the mathematical details behind the
commercial software packages. In fact, a solid understanding of the basic mathematical content of commercial OR packages can give you a
teremendous advantage on the job. This is an important issue. It will be discussed in class. |
| 8 |
Do I really have to go to the Maths and Stats library to use the reserved reference book? |
This is highly recommended. In fact, if you plan to specialize in OR then think about purchasing a proper OR text book
and use it in this subject. If you do not like the reference book we recommend for this subject, have a look in the library at other popular
OR text books. |
| 9 | What part of the Lecture Notes are examinable? |
The rule is very simple and is spelled out clearly in the Lecture Notes: Everything is the lecture note is examinable, except for
sections that are clearly marked as Non Examinable. |
| 10 | Is it true that you are vegetarian? If so, how come you are a bit overweight? |
I have been vegetarian for over 36 years. I used to be really skinny. But I stopped playing tennis 15 years ago and it
shows. Many thanks for the compliment anyhow! |
| 11 | Why do we get only 10% (of the total mark) for the weekly
assignments? |
The weekly assignments are typically very short and straightforward. Furthermore, they deal with the material we discuss
in class and are similar to the questions that appear in the final exam. So all in all, you got a very good bargain here! |
| 12 | Why do you wear your sun glasses on your head? |
Because otherwise I lose them in no time. |
| 13 | Why don't you have a mobile phone? |
For the same reason that I do not have a TV set at home. |
| 14 | Why don't you have a TV set at home? |
For the same reason that I do not have a mobile phone. |
| 15 | I found a copy of the 1954 Lecture Notes in Lygon Street. Can I use it this year or do I have to purchase a new set?
| You can definitely use old Lecture Notes this year. But observe that, unlike wine, notes do not improve with age. In particular, if you do use old notes, please note possible changes in the page numbers and other minor/major changes (mostly editorial). |
| 16 | You often refer to pets in your lectures? Am I allowed to bring my pet (cat) to
the Monday lectures?
| No. As you know, the lecture theatres on campus are Pet Free Zones. Needless to say, I'll be delighted to meet it
sometime after/before the lecture! |
| 17 | Can I submit my weekly assignments electronically?
| Perhaps you can, but assignments submitted this way will not be marked. |
