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    • Operations Research

    Operations Research Courses Online

    Study operations research for solving complex organizational problems. Learn about optimization, simulation, and decision analysis techniques.

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    Explore the Operations Research Course Catalog

    • I

      IBM

      IBM DevOps and Software Engineering

      Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Istio, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Continuous Integration, Software Development Life Cycle, Linux Commands, Agile Software Development, Unit Testing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Application Deployment, Test Driven Development (TDD), Gherkin (Scripting Language), Jenkins, Kubernetes, Bash (Scripting Language), Cloud Services, Git (Version Control System), DevOps, Jupyter, Grafana

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      59K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Data Science: Foundations using R

      Skills you'll gain: Rmarkdown, Exploratory Data Analysis, Version Control, Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Science, Data Visualization, Statistical Programming, Ggplot2, Big Data, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Visualization Software, Data Integration, Knitr, Data Analysis, Data Import/Export, Data Sharing, Statistical Reporting

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      48K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • A

      American Psychological Association

      Psychological Research

      Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Descriptive Statistics, Quantitative Research, Plot (Graphics), Scientific Methods, Graphing, Research Design, Data Presentation, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability & Statistics, Research, Statistical Inference, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Research Methodologies, Correlation Analysis, Data Collection, Law, Regulation, and Compliance

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      224 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • G

      Google

      Foundations of Cybersecurity

      Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Security Controls, Cyber Attacks, Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), Security Strategy, Security Awareness, Cyber Risk, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Information Assurance, Data Ethics, Network Analysis, Personally Identifiable Information

      Build toward a degree

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      33K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • G

      Google

      Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User

      Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Desktop Support, Linux, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, Linux Administration, Remote Access Systems, System Monitoring, Command-Line Interface, User Accounts, Systems Administration, Windows PowerShell, Technical Support and Services, File Management, Linux Commands, Software Installation, Identity and Access Management, Authorization (Computing)

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      29K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Virginia Darden School Foundation

      IBM & Darden Digital Strategy

      Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking, Digital Transformation, Business Strategy, Cloud Computing Architecture, Competitive Analysis, Cloud Services, Business Transformation, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Big Data, Cloud Platforms, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Apache Hadoop, Product Lifecycle Management, Business Technologies

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      44K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Business Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: People Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Business Intelligence, Human Resource Strategy, Financial Data, Marketing Analytics, Analytics, Talent Management, Financial Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Human Resources Management and Planning, Peer Review, Business Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Customer Insights, Workforce Planning, Demand Planning

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      18K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • G

      Google

      Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate

      Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Story, Ideation, Usability, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Research, Design Thinking, Human Centered Design, Competitive Analysis, Persona Development

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      16K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      D

      Deep Teaching Solutions

      Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Strategies, Time Management, Human Learning, Willingness To Learn, Mental Concentration, Creativity, Persistence, Problem Solving, Self-Discipline, Stress Management, Self-Awareness

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      92K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • G

      Google

      Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks

      Skills you'll gain: Threat Management, Cybersecurity, Cyber Risk, Risk Management, Incident Response, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Controls, Information Systems Security, Enterprise Security, Risk Analysis, Information Assurance, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Auditing, Compliance Auditing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Amsterdam

      Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences

      Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Scientific Methods, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Probability Distribution, Research, Correlation Analysis, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Research Reports, Science and Research, Probability, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Sample Size Determination, Statistical Methods, Social Sciences

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • G

      Google

      Google AI Essentials

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Productivity Software, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Security Awareness, Business Workflow Analysis, Innovation, Automation, Workflow Management, Information Privacy, Human Computer Interaction, Content Creation, Natural Language Processing, Complex Problem Solving

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      11K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Operations Research learners also search

    Operations Management
    Operations Analytics
    Business
    Management
    Business Management
    Business Development
    Project Management
    Business Projects
    1…567…349

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular operations research courses

    • IBM DevOps and Software Engineering: IBM
    • Data Science: Foundations using R: Johns Hopkins University
    • Psychological Research: American Psychological Association
    • Foundations of Cybersecurity: Google
    • Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User: Google
    • IBM & Darden Digital Strategy: University of Virginia Darden School Foundation
    • Business Analytics: University of Pennsylvania
    • Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate: Google
    • Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects: Deep Teaching Solutions
    • Play It Safe: Manage Security Risks: Google

    Skills you can learn in Business Strategy

    Modeling (25)
    Market (economics) (21)
    Plan (19)
    Planning (16)
    Strategic Management (16)
    Business Model (13)
    Operations Management (13)
    Analytics (12)
    Evaluation (12)
    Project Management (11)
    Supply Chain (10)
    Decision-making (9)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Operations Research

    Operations research is the use of statistical analysis and mathematical optimization techniques to help organizations solve problems and improve decision-making. The ability to harness vast amounts of data on day-to-day operations has created opportunities to rigorously optimize processes for cost, quality control, inventory management, and other goals, making operations research an important part of many businesses.

    The tools of operations research are similar to those of other fields relying heavily on quantitative analysis and statistics. Operational data is input into programs such as Microsoft Excel and Solver, R, and Python, where mathematical optimization techniques such as linear programming (LP) are applied to find the best solution for business problems. Monte Carlo simulations and other probabilistic analyses may also be used to discover areas of sensitivity and risk.

    These data-driven insights are typically applied according to process management and process improvement frameworks such as Six Sigma and Lean, which strive to reduce variation and eliminate waste in operations.‎

    Operations research is a core competency of careers in operations management, supply chain management, and logistics. This skill is particularly highly valued by businesses in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and other industries where companies must compete to deliver goods and services with complex supply chains in cost-sensitive markets.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analysts earned a median annual salary of $84,810 in 2019. These jobs are also expected to grow much faster than jobs in the rest of the economy, due to the explosive growth in the availability of operations data along with the increasing importance of adopting these data-driven approaches to remain competitive in many industries. Operations research analysts typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in technical and quantitative fields such as engineering, computer science, analytics, or mathematics, as few schools offer degrees in operations research specifically.‎

    Certainly. Coursera offers courses and Specializations on operations research and related topics such as supply chain and operations management, operational analytics, and statistical research. Offered by excellent schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Melbourne, and Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, these courses give you the opportunity to learn remotely on a flexible schedule and a lower tuition than on-campus students. Whether you’re a student or mid-career professional looking to add new skills to your repertoire, Coursera gives you the opportunity to optimize your operations research education to fit your specific needs.‎

    The skills and experience that you might need to already have before starting to learn operations research may include knowledge of mathematical and engineering methods, understanding of the fundamentals of business, and some background in linear programming, a math technique to solve systems of linear constraints. All of these can help you fully grasp the basics of operations research. Furthermore, having a background that includes computer algorithms and optimization techniques can help you to better analyze optimization problems in computer science, civil engineering, economics, and management. This multifaceted field is also linked with machine learning, as some operations researchers are sampling machine learning methods to test various metrics in a particular optimization process.‎

    The kind of people who are best suited for operations research work are often quantitative thinkers who are detailed and analytical. These people use mathematics formulas to help companies study labor needs, cost scenarios, product distribution, and other factors. In doing this work, they need to be curious, methodical, rational, and logical. Because operations researchers understand how algorithms, math, and statistics may impact workflows, budgets, employee staffing, and profitability, they also tend to be the kind of people who are investigative in nature, using their intellect and curiosity in the work.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Operations Research, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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