Free Operations Research Course by IIT Madras Prof. G. Srinivasan | 8-Week Guide
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 327 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Management Studies, Managerial Economics, Minor in Management, Operations |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Power of Optimal Decision-Making: A Guide to IIT Madras's Operations Research Course
In a world brimming with complex challenges—from streamlining supply chains to optimizing resource allocation—how do managers and engineers make the best possible decisions? The answer often lies in Operations Research (OR), a powerful discipline that applies advanced analytical methods to solve complex problems. If you've ever wanted to master this critical skill set, a remarkable opportunity awaits you.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through its popular NPTEL program, offers a comprehensive 8-week course titled "Introduction to Operations Research." This course, designed and delivered by the esteemed Professor G. Srinivasan, provides a rigorous yet accessible gateway into the world of analytical decision-making.
Why Study Operations Research?
Operations Research is the science of better. It combines theories from mathematics, statistics, and probability with specialized algorithms to model complex systems, analyze data, and recommend optimal solutions. Its applications are vast and impactful:
- Supply Chain & Logistics: Minimizing transportation costs and delivery times.
- Manufacturing: Optimizing production schedules and inventory levels.
- Finance: Portfolio optimization and risk management.
- Healthcare: Improving hospital resource allocation and patient scheduling.
- Telecommunications: Designing efficient network routes.
This course equips you with the foundational tools to tackle such problems, making you a valuable asset in any data-driven field.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. G. Srinivasan
Learning from an expert is crucial. This course is taught by Prof. G. Srinivasan from the Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras. With over 25 years of teaching and research experience, his expertise in OR and Supply Chain Management is unparalleled. Prof. Srinivasan is also a renowned author and his NPTEL video lectures on Operations Research are already hugely popular among students nationwide, known for their clarity and depth.
Course Structure & What You Will Learn
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course is structured into eight detailed units, delivered through engaging video lectures (15-20 minutes each) and reinforced with practical assignments.
| Week | Unit Title | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linear Programming (LP): Terminology & Formulations | Understanding OR, defining decision variables, objective functions, and constraints. |
| 2 | Graphical & Algebraic Solutions to LP | Solving two-variable problems graphically and algebraically. |
| 3 | Simplex Algorithm | Mastering the core algorithm for solving LP problems (Algebraic, Tabular, Matrix methods). |
| 4 & 5 | Duality | Writing dual problems, understanding primal-dual relationships, economic interpretation, and the Dual Simplex algorithm. |
| 6 | Transportation Problem | Special LP model for minimizing distribution costs from multiple sources to destinations. |
| 7 | Assignment Problem | Special LP model for optimally assigning tasks to agents (e.g., jobs to machines). |
| 8 | Software Solutions & Sensitivity Analysis | Solving LPs using tools like Solver and interpreting how changes affect the optimal solution. |
By the end of this course, you will be proficient in understanding, formulating, and solving Linear Programming problems, and applying these techniques to classic OR models like Transportation and Assignment problems.
Who Should Enroll?
The course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Management, Engineering, Commerce, and Economics.
- Professionals seeking to add quantitative decision-making skills to their profile.
- Anyone preparing for competitive exams or higher studies that involve quantitative techniques.
- Learners pursuing a Minor in Management or similar interdisciplinary programs.
As Prof. Srinivasan states, the course is intended for "Any Interested Learners," requiring only a basic mathematical aptitude and a curious mind.
Recommended Textbooks
To deepen your understanding, the course references several authoritative texts, including the instructor's own book:
- "Operations Research: Principles and Applications" by G. Srinivasan (PHI Learning).
- "Operations Research: An Introduction" by Hamdy A. Taha (Pearson).
- "Operations Research: Principles and Practice" by Ravindran, Phillips and Solberg (Wiley India).
- "Operations Research: Concepts and Cases" by Hillier and Liberman (McGraw-Hill).
Take the First Step Towards Mastering Optimization
IIT Madras's "Introduction to Operations Research" is more than just an online course; it's a gateway to a systematic way of thinking. In just eight weeks, under the guidance of a veteran professor, you can acquire a skill set that directly enhances your analytical capabilities and career prospects. Whether you aim to optimize business processes, tackle engineering challenges, or simply satisfy an intellectual curiosity about how complex decisions are made, this course provides the perfect foundation.
Ready to make optimal decisions? Explore this NPTEL course today and embark on your journey to mastering Operations Research.
Enroll Now →