Business Analytics for Decision Making

I: STARTERS

Introduction
The Computational Problem Solving Cycle
Example: Simple Knapsack Models
An Example: The Eilon Simple Knapsack Model
Scoping Out Post-Solution Analysis
Parameter Sweeping: A Method for Post-Solution Analysis
Decision Sweeping
Summary of Vocabulary and Main Points
For Exploration
For More Information

Constrained Optimization Models: Introduction and Concepts
Constrained Optimization
Classification of Models
Solution Concepts
Computational Complexity and Solution Methods
Metaheuristics
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Linear Programming
Introduction
Wagner Diet Problem
Solving an LP
Post-Solution Analysis of LPs
More than One at a Time: The 100% Rule
For Exploration
For More Information

II: OPTIMIZATION MODELING

Simple Knapsack Problems
Introduction
Solving a Simple Knapsack in Excel
The Bang-for-Buck Heuristic
Post-Solution Analytics with the Simple Knapsack
Creating Simple Knapsack Test Models
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Assignment Problems
Introduction
The Generalized Assignment Problem
Case Example: GAP 1-c5-15-1
Using Decisions from Evolutionary Computation
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

The Traveling Salesman Problem
Introduction
Problem Definition
Solution Approaches
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Vehicle Routing Problems
Introduction
Problem Definition
Solution Approaches
Extensions of VRP
For Exploration
For More Information

Resource-Constrained Scheduling
Introduction
Formal Definition
Solution Approaches
Extensions of RCPSP
For Exploration
For More Information

Location Analysis
Introduction
Locating One Service Center
A Na¿ve Greedy Heuristic for Locating n Centers
Using a Greedy Hill Climbing Heuristic
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Two-Sided Matching
Quick Introduction: Two-Sided Matching Problems
Narrative Description of Two-Sided Matching Problems
Representing the Problem
Stable Matches and the Deferred Acceptance Algorithm
Once More, in More Depth
Generalization: Matching in Centralized Markets
Discussion: Complications
For More Information

III: METAHEURISTIC SOLUTION METHODS

Local Search Metaheuristics
Introduction
Greedy Hill Climbing
Simulated Annealing
Running the Simulated Annealer Code
Threshold Accepting Algorithms
Tabu Search
For Exploration
For More Information

Evolutionary Algorithms
Introduction
EPs: Evolutionary Programs
The Basic Genetic Algorithm (GA)
For Exploration
For More Information

Identifying and Collecting Decisions of Interest
Kinds of Decisions of Interest (DoIs)
The FI2-Pop GA
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

IV: POST-SOLUTION ANALYSIS OF OPTIMIZATION MODELS

Decision Sweeping
Introduction
Decision Sweeping with the GAP 1-c5-15-1 Model
Deliberating with the Results of a Decision Sweep
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Parameter Sweeping
Introduction: Reminders on Solution Pluralism and Parameter Sweeping
Parameter Sweeping: Post-Solution Analysis by Model Re-Solution
Parameter Sweeping with Decision Sweeping
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Multiattribute Utility Modeling
Introduction
Single Attribute Utility Modeling
Multiattribute Utility Models
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Data Envelopment Analysis
Introduction
Implementation
Demonstration of DEA Concept
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

Redistricting: A Case Study in Zone Design
Introduction
The Basic Redistricting Formulation
Representing and Formulating the Problem
Initial Forays for Discovering Good Districting Plans
Solving a Related Solution Pluralism Problem
Discussion
For Exploration
For More Information

V: CONCLUSION

Conclusion
Looking Back
Revisiting Post-Solution Analysis
Looking Forward

Resources
A.1 Resources on the Web

Bibliography

Index

Biography

Steven Orla Kimbrough, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

Hoong Chuin Lau, School of Information Systems, Singapore Management University, Singapore