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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 IT Scrum Master

      Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Software Development, User Story, Sprint Retrospectives, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Kanban Principles, Development Environment, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Hardware, Agile Project Management, Software Development Tools, Software Architecture, Software Design, Sprint Planning, Cloud Computing, Backlogs, Cloud-Native Computing, Programming Principles

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9.2K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      Advanced Learning Algorithms

      Skills you'll gain: Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Ethics, Decision Tree Learning, Tensorflow, Artificial Intelligence, Supervised Learning, Deep Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Artificial Neural Networks, Performance Tuning

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      D

      Duke University

      Medical Neuroscience

      Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Anatomy, Medical Science and Research, Psychology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Pharmacology

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.9K reviews

      Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    • M

      Meta

      Meta React Native

      Skills you'll gain: React Native, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Unix Commands, Restful API, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, SQL, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience, Mobile Development, Design Research, React.js, Web Development Tools

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      10K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      G

      Georgia Institute of Technology

      Introduction to User Experience Design

      Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, Prototyping, User Centered Design, Usability, Requirements Analysis, UI/UX Research, Interaction Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Usability Testing, User Research

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Writing in the Sciences

      Skills you'll gain: Grant Writing, Peer Review, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Writing, Journals, Scientific Methods, Editing, Research, Media and Communications, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Intuit

      Intuit Academy Bookkeeping

      Skills you'll gain: Reconciliation, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Inventory Accounting, Payroll, Bookkeeping, QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Payroll Administration, Inventory Control, Payroll Processing, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Depreciation, Fixed Asset, Payroll Tax, Property Accounting, Financial Analysis, Sales Tax, Ledgers (Accounting), Accounting

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.3K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Generative AI Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, OpenAI, Data Ethics, Large Language Modeling, Leadership and Management, Business Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Business Ethics, Legal Risk, IBM Cloud, Google Cloud Platform, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Artificial Neural Networks, Business Development, Deep Learning, Content Creation, Business Transformation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.5K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      DeepLearning.AI

      Convolutional Neural Networks

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Deep Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Tensorflow, Applied Machine Learning, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Artificial Intelligence, Data Processing, Algorithms

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      42K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Data Structures and Algorithms

      Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Network Routing, Program Development, Debugging, Network Model, Bioinformatics, Operations Research, Data Storage, Development Testing, Test Engineering, Software Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Test Case, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Epidemiology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      17K reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • G

      Google

      Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security

      Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Hardening, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Network Architecture, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, TCP/IP, Vulnerability Assessments, Computer Networking, Cyber Attacks, Network Infrastructure, Firewall, Cloud Computing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.2K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • G

      Google

      Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing

      Skills you'll gain: Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Google Ads, Online Advertising, Target Audience, Digital Marketing, Digital Advertising, Persona Development, Web Analytics and SEO, Keyword Research, Pay Per Click Advertising, Marketing, Customer Engagement, Customer Acquisition Management, Advertising, Marketing Strategies, Lead Generation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Operations Research learners also search

    Operations Management
    Operations Analytics
    Business
    Management
    Business Management
    Business Development
    Project Management
    Business Projects
    1…101112…334

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

    • IBM IT Scrum Master: IBM
    • Advanced Learning Algorithms: DeepLearning.AI
    • Medical Neuroscience: Duke University
    • Meta React Native: Meta
    • Introduction to User Experience Design : Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Writing in the Sciences: Stanford University
    • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping: Intuit
    • Generative AI Fundamentals: IBM
    • Convolutional Neural Networks: DeepLearning.AI
    • Data Structures and Algorithms: University of California San Diego

    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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