Transportation Analytics

The module covers different transportation problems for decision support in linear optimization. This contains methodology for solving logistics problems using algorithms. The module covers both, the theory and the implementation of the solution methods in a computer language. Specifically, the module covers the topics: • Traveling Salesman Problem, • Vehicle Routing Problem, • Network Design Problem • Maritime Logistics

Students will be able to model transportation, routing and network design problems as mixed- integer linear program Further, they will be able to implement and to solve these problems to provide practical decision support and to understand the concepts and methods behind commercial decision support software. They can contribute an own part to a team’s work output. They recognize potential conflicts in working together as a team and they reflect upon these considering varying conditions.

The grading is based on assignments which consist of an implementation and a written report (15 pages). Students work in groups on the assignments. Students demonstrate their ability within a team to manage resources, and deadlines through timely submission of the tasks. Students demonstrate that they are able to complete the tasks of their assignment in a team environment. In the written report students demonstrate that they can understand, model, implement, and evaluate logistics problems. Accompanied with the report, models have to be implemented to conduct numerical analyses, which will be handed in as a digital appendix. With the analyses students show that they can implement the methods. Every student will be graded individually based on the written report and the implementation.

The module requires a solid knowledge in linear optimization. The course “Modelling, Optimization, and Simulation” is required.

In lectures, students learn to understand the theory of transportation problems. In the integrated exercise sessions, students learn the use and the implementation of these problems. For solving the exercises, they are provided with the necessary software, such as Java or Xpress. In addition, student groups will work on assignments throughout, they will submit as a report and the implementation itself.