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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

      IBM AI Engineering

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Generative AI, Keras (Neural Network Library), Deep Learning, Jupyter, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI Agents, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Tensorflow, Python Programming, Verification And Validation, Artificial Neural Networks

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      20K reviews

      Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Davis

      Market Research

      Skills you'll gain: Surveys, Survey Creation, Focus Group, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Data Synthesis, Market Research, Proposal Writing, Data Storytelling, Statistical Analysis, Presentations, Discussion Facilitation, Marketing Analytics, Statistical Methods, Marketing, Research Methodologies, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Market Analysis, Business Research

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Foundations of Cybersecurity

      Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Security Controls, Cyber Attacks, Security Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Incident Response, Cyber Risk, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Information Assurance, Data Ethics, Network Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      Build toward a degree

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      34K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      A

      American Psychological Association

      Psychological Research

      Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Quantitative Research, Plot (Graphics), Scientific Methods, Graphing, Research Design, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Healthcare Ethics, Probability & Statistics, Research, Statistical Inference, Statistics, Sample Size Determination, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Research Methodologies, General Science and Research, Correlation Analysis

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      233 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Electric Industry Operations and Markets

      Skills you'll gain: Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Market Dynamics, Operating Cost, Plant Operations and Management, Operational Efficiency, Environmental Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Dispatching

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      User Experience Research and Design

      Skills you'll gain: UI/UX Research, Surveys, Qualitative Research, Usability Testing, User Experience Design, User Experience, User Research, User Story, Prototyping, Wireframing, User Centered Design, Survey Creation, Sampling (Statistics), Design Research, Interaction Design, Ideation, A/B Testing, Conceptual Design, User Interface (UI), Test Case

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.2K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design

      Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, User Research, User Experience Design, User Centered Design, Usability, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cross Platform Development, Prototyping, Wireframing, Sprint Planning

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      73K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Business Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Return On Investment, Operational Efficiency, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Human Capital, Go To Market Strategy, Process Analysis, Branding, People Management, Financial Reporting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Accounting, Financial Modeling, Balance Sheet, Consumer Behaviour, Human Resource Strategy, Marketing Planning, Peer Review, Analysis

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

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      Status: New AI skills
      New AI skills
      G

      Google

      Google Cybersecurity

      Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Network Security, Threat Management, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Hardening, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, Professional Networking, Vulnerability Assessments, Bash (Scripting Language), Operating Systems, Security Controls, Debugging, Interviewing Skills, Python Programming

      Build toward a degree

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      51K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • N

      NVIDIA

      AI Infrastructure and Operations Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, Deep Learning, Network Infrastructure, Tensorflow, Hardware Architecture, Machine Learning, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Data Centers, Computer Architecture, Data Storage

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      354 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      G

      Google

      Technical Support Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Desktop Support, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Operating Systems, Help Desk Support, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Software Documentation, End User Training and Support, Computer Networking, Information Technology, Computer Architecture, Technical Communication, Linux, Microsoft Windows

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      160K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      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 Wrangling, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Programming, Ggplot2, Big Data, Git (Version Control System), Data Integration, Knitr, Data Analysis, Data Sharing, Statistical Reporting

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      48K 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
    1234…340

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

    • IBM AI Engineering: IBM
    • Market Research: University of California, Davis
    • Foundations of Cybersecurity: Google
    • Psychological Research: American Psychological Association
    • Electric Industry Operations and Markets: Duke University
    • User Experience Research and Design: University of Michigan
    • Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design: Google
    • Business Foundations: University of Pennsylvania
    • Google Cybersecurity: Google
    • AI Infrastructure and Operations Fundamentals: NVIDIA

    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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