Effective supply chain management relies heavily on advanced computational methods to tackle complex optimization problems. Typically coming from large-scale applications, supply chain optimization problems demand robust mathematical approaches to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
This seminar focuses on computational methods used in supply chain optimization, with an emphasis on algorithms and models used in practice. Topics include mixed-integer programming and heuristic methods tailored to supply chain challenges such as transportation, production planning, and warehouse management.
Each student will be assigned a research paper focusing on a specific computational approach in supply chain optimization. You will be expected to prepare a presentation that explains the method in detail and answer questions on the topic. Additionally, you will submit a written summary and a critical review of the assigned paper.
This seminar will be co-hosted by Dr. Jakob Witzig, AI & Optimization Algorithm Architect at SAP's Supply Chain Optimization Unit and Gregor Hendel, Senior Software Engineer at FICO.
The slides from the initial meeting can be found here.
Requirements
Basic knowledge in mathematical optimization is a requirement; specifically, linear programming and basic graph algorithms should be known.
Knowledge of integer programming is a plus but not required.
Dates
First meeting: Introduction and paper assignment
04.04.2025, 15:30-16:30 in room 4359, at ZIB, FU campus.
Second meeting: Short talks
02.06.2025, 16:00-18:00, location tba
Third meeting: Seminar talks
17.07.2025, 9:00-18:00, in room 2006, at ZIB, FU campus. Ground floor, round building, main entrance.
Organization
At the first meeting we will shortly discuss the topic in general and distribute the assignments, i.e., papers.
At the second meeting, you are supposed to give a short, introductory talk (at most 5 minutes) on your topic.
To pass, you are required to hand in a short summary of your talk (LaTeX, 5 pages) and a 0.5-1 page review.
The summary has to be sent to your advisor by e-mail two weeks before the third meeting (July 3rd).
It will be graded and handed back to you before the final meeting in order to provide a first feedback.
The seminar itself will take place on one day at the end of the semester.
Talks should be prepared for 40 minutes, including 10 minutes for questions and discussions.
Having submitted the summary on time is a requirement for giving the final presentation.
Your final grade will be composed of 60% from the evaluation of your presentation, 30% of the quality of your summary and 10% for your paper review.
It should go without saying that attendance at all meetings, including all other presentations, is mandatory.
Assignments
The paper selection is not yet finalized. The below papers are examples of what will be covered at the seminar;
you might use the abstracts to compile a shortlist of papers to make your final choice from.