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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

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Generative AI for Digital Marketing

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Digital Advertising, Email Marketing, OpenAI, Digital Marketing, Marketing Automation, AI Personalization, Marketing Analytics, Advertising Campaigns, Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Content Creation, Keyword Research, Search Engine Optimization, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Copywriting, Image Analysis

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.7K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      I

      IBM

      IBM AI Product Manager

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, New Product Development, Product Management, Product Lifecycle Management, Product Development, Innovation, Product Roadmaps, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Product Planning, Commercialization, Product Strategy, Project Management Life Cycle, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Stakeholder Engagement, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Stakeholder Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      26K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Amsterdam

      Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences

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

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.7K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      Cisco Learning and Certifications

      Security Operations Center (SOC)

      Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Threat Detection, Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Incident Response, Security Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Attacks, Event Monitoring, Network Monitoring, Automation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      272 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts

      Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, User Experience Design, Usability, Presentations, User Research, User Experience, Design Research, Research Design, User Centered Design, Research Methodologies, Prototyping, Interviewing Skills, Information Privacy

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IE Business School

      Market Research and Consumer Behavior

      Skills you'll gain: Survey Creation, Surveys, Market Research, Business Research, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Strategies, Research Design, Data Analysis, Research Reports, Market Analysis, Research Methodologies, Experimentation, Customer Analysis, Focus Group, Business Marketing, Decision Making

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.8K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Q

      Queen Mary University of London

      Market Research

      Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Proposal Development, Market Research, Research Reports, Data Collection, Research Design, Research Methodologies, Data Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Survey Creation, Statistical Analysis, Surveys, Correlation Analysis, Quantitative Research, Research, Science and Research, Market Analysis, Focus Group, Regression Analysis, Content Performance Analysis

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      458 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Amsterdam

      Qualitative Research Methods

      Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Interviewing Skills, Social Sciences, Research, Research Methodologies, Scientific Methods, Data Collection, Research Design, Report Writing, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      N

      Novartis

      Clinical Trials: Good Clinical Practice

      Skills you'll gain: Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Healthcare Ethics, Patient Education And Counseling, Record Keeping, Medical Science and Research, Regulatory Compliance, Document Management, Medical Privacy, Patient Safety, Risk Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      506 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      AI Foundations for Everyone

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), OpenAI, Workflow Management, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Governance, Automation, Application Deployment, Business Transformation, IBM Cloud, Applied Machine Learning, Program Development, Computer Vision

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

      Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Clinical Research, Qualitative Research, Data Synthesis, Scientific Methods, Research Methodologies, Data Collection, Biostatistics, Analysis, Quantitative Research, Risk Analysis, Statistical Methods, Epidemiology, Statistical Analysis

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.5K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      R

      Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

      Supply Chain Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: Demand Planning, Competitive Intelligence, Strategic Sourcing, Competitive Analysis, Procurement, Market Intelligence, Purchasing, Supplier Management, Supply Chain, Inventory Management, Supply Management, Vendor Management, Management Consulting, Data Collection, Inventory Control, Business Consulting, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control Systems, Forecasting, Supplier Performance Management

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Operations Research learners also search

    Operations Management
    Operations Analytics
    Business
    Management
    Business Management
    Business Development
    Project Management
    Business Projects
    1…567…340

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

    • Generative AI for Digital Marketing: IBM
    • IBM AI Product Manager: IBM
    • Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences: University of Amsterdam
    • Security Operations Center (SOC): Cisco Learning and Certifications
    • Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts: Google
    • Market Research and Consumer Behavior: IE Business School
    • Market Research: Queen Mary University of London
    • Qualitative Research Methods: University of Amsterdam
    • Clinical Trials: Good Clinical Practice: Novartis
    • AI Foundations for Everyone: IBM

    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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