Profile

The department for Discrete Optimization and Logistics under the direction of Professor Dr. Nickel belongs to the Institute for Operations Research (IOR) and was founded on April 1st, 2009.

Our main focus lies on the systematic conception, development and application of mathematical optimization models for practically relevant processes. These processes may occur in different domains, e.g. in logistics or in health care. Due to the practically oriented process modelling, a high degree of complexity will be encountered. Therefore a wide range of optimization methods, e.g. combinatorial or dynamic approaches, have to be incorporated into the solution strategies.

Furthermore, projects carried out in collaboration with companies yield precious information about the possible fields of applications of the developed procedures. It can be observed that many of the tested procedures result in an improvement of the companies processes.