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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: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      DevOps, Cloud, and Agile Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Kanban Principles, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cloud Solutions, Agile Project Management, Cloud-Native Computing, User Story, Sprint Retrospectives, CI/CD, Test Driven Development (TDD), Scrum (Software Development)

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      12K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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

      IBM

      Generative AI for Mobile App Developers

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, AI Personalization, Mobile Development, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Cloud Applications, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Development

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.8K reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      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, Peer Review, Business Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Customer Insights, Workforce Planning, Demand Planning, Customer Analysis

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

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of London

      Understanding Research Methods

      Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Research, Surveys, Investigation, Writing

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8.4K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      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, User Flows, Persona Development

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      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, Technical Support and Services, File Management, Linux Commands, Software Installation, Identity and Access Management, Authorization (Computing), Virtualization

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Y

      Yale University

      A Law Student's Toolkit

      Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Case Law, Civil Procedures, Policy Analysis, Learning Strategies, Economics

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Survey Data Collection and Analytics

      Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Sample Size Determination, Surveys, Survey Creation, Research Methodologies, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Interviewing Skills, Data Integration, Data Ethics, Research Design, Stata, R Programming, Data Quality, Statistical Modeling, Qualitative Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Programming, Data Cleansing

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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

    • D

      Deep Teaching Solutions

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

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

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

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • 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

    • DevOps, Cloud, and Agile Foundations: IBM
    • Generative AI for Mobile App Developers: IBM
    • Business Analytics: University of Pennsylvania
    • Understanding Research Methods: University of London
    • Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate: Google
    • Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User: Google
    • A Law Student's Toolkit: Yale University
    • Survey Data Collection and Analytics: University of Michigan
    • IBM AI Product Manager: IBM
    • Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects: Deep Teaching Solutions

    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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