Homework #1: The MCM Assignment

Due Date: 9/05/12

Objectives

  1. Introduction to and recruitment for MCM
    After you’ve completed this assignment, you should know the basic rules and judging criteria for the Contest. You should also have a feel for the level and types of problems that appear in the Contest.
  2. Introduction to O.R. problems
    While completing this assignment, you will see a variety of open-ended, realistic problems in the field of Operations Research. These examples will augment the examples from the text.
  3. Introduction to components of O.R. solutions
    After you’ve completed this assignment, you should use the MCM outline (as appropriate) in your own solutions.

Assignment

Read one MCM Outstanding solution paper and the accompanying professional response. Summarize the problem, the conclusions, and any strengths or weaknesses of the solution. Summarize and respond also to the professional’s remarks.

Recommended Problems

Airport Scheduling (1989)

Snowplows (1990)

Steiner Trees (1991)

Emergency Power Restoration (1992)

Coal Tipple Operations (1993)

Communications Network (1994)

Faculty Salaries (1995)

Contest Judging (1996)

Lawful Capacity (1999)

Radio Channel Assignments (2000)

Air Traffic Control (2000)
Airline Overbooking (2002)

Gamma Knife Treatment (2003)

Quick Pass System (2004)
Tollbooths (2005)

The Sweet Spot (2010)

Papers are published in Issue Number 3 of the appropriate Volume of The UMAP Journal, published by The Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP). These are available in the Seminar Room (HS 119), but only “on closed reserve.” Please don’t remove them from the building; if you leave the Seminar Room with one, please leave a note.

You might also find it interesting and illuminating to read contest entries submitted by SU students. These are kept on file in the department. Do not write your summary of these papers, however; choose a paper from the official COMAP publication.

You should all learn the history behind the Snowplow Problem; a quick study of the maps included with the solutions should give you a strong hint.

Grading Criteria (all weighted approximately equally):

  1. Your writing clearly communicates what you know.
  2. Your summary of the problem, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses of the solution is complete.
  3. Your response to the professional is complete, including your opinion of the value of her remarks.
  4. Your paper shows a basic understanding of the rules of contest.