VORMS

Virtual studies Operations Research/Management Science (Virtual OR/MS)

Operations Research/Management Science as an interdisciplinary subject is globally part of most business science courses of study including business engineering and information systems. It´s subject matter is computer–based models and methods of supporting decision making based on quantitative approaches. As the subject is often associated with the supply of services it is to some extent taught within the scope of other subjects, like production management and information systems.

VORMS offers web-based, multimedia learning modules for the subject OR/MS that can be flexibly combined. Consequently, it is possible for individual courses of studies to offer a greater variety of topics and tailor teaching offers to specific needs. Modules provide manifold options for interacting and problem-based, explorative learning.

Within the framework of a standard offer the VORMS learning modules were combined into a complete field of studies that in the majority of cases (depending on specific examination regulations) provide elective components as well.

So far, the standard offer comprises seven courses of different size corresponding to 12 semester periods per week (SWS) or some 18 ECTS. Depending on the examination regulations of the particular higher institute of learning 8 to 12 semester periods per week are selected from the standard offer. Nevertheless, single courses or learning modules can be taken as well.

Courses offered are as follows:

• VORMS-105 Basic Principles of Optimisation Systems: 2 SWS, 3 ECTS, Lecturer Suhl (Paderborn), Content: Modelling Techniques, Linear and Mixed-Integer Optimisation, Problems in Networks, Transportation Planning, etc.
• VORMS-110 Simulation: 2 SWS, 3 ECTS, Lecturer Voß (Hamburg), Content: Concepts and Technologies of Discrete Simulation, Probabilistic Theory, Statistics
• VORMS-115 Meta-Heuristics: 1 SWS, 1,5 ECTS, Lecturer Voß (Hamburg), Content: Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Tabu Search, etc.
• VORMS-205 Game Theory: e SWS, 3 ECTS, Lecturer Reiß (Paderborn), Content: Game Theory, non-linear Systems, Dual Theory etc.
• VORMS-210 Optimisation Systems in Production and Logistics: 2SWS, 3 ECTS, Lecturers Habenicht (Stuttgart) /Wäscher (Magdeburg), Content: Supply Chain Management, Industrial Services Management, Multicriterial Decisions
• VORMS-305 Case Studies in OR/MS: Optimisation in Production Engineering: 1 SWS, 1,5 ECTS, Lecturer Haehling von Lanzenauer (Hamburg), Content: various practice-related case studies
• VORMS-310 Exercise Course Operations Research: 2 SWS, 3 ECTS, Lecturer Werners (Bochum), Content: Exercises in methods of areas covered in the other courses

Additionally, the purely virtual course

• VORMS-100 Introduction to Operations Research: 1 SWS, 1,5 ECTS, Lecturer Suhl (Paderborn)

provides students and anyone interested, who does not want to apply for the whole field of studies, with an overview of relevant technologies and applications. It is possible, even though more difficult, to study the field completely self-directed. The blended-learning mode, however, provides didactically based supportive elements, like residential appointments, exercises, group working, discussion boards and e-mail tutoring that, according to experience, tend to motivate students exceedingly.

Technically, VORMS is based on XML supporting flexible presentation and search mechanisms. Learning units are created designed and defined according to the IEEE Learning Object Metadata Standard. The VORMS teaching offers are being continuously enhanced.

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