15.099 Special Seminar in Operations Research Readings in Optimization

Spring 2008 Course Announcement

February 3, 2008

Optimization and the Internet

Each semester, the Ph.D. Readings in Optimization seminar attempts to addresses an advanced subject matter, usually topical, optimization that is of interest to a number of students and faculty. In keeping with this tradition, this semester the seminar will focus on the Internet. The seminar will cover optimization issues that arise both in the design and operation of Internet as well as in use for applications such as e-commerce and on-line auctions.

Format. In each session, one or more students or a faculty member will have the responsibility to lead the discussion. Typically, each session will cover one or two papers from the literature (published or working papers). Discussion leaders have the responsibility for preparing a conference quality presentation (with overheads) and for preparing a handout of transparencies for the class. Therefore, the seminar provides a friendly setting for not only examining a technical topic, but also for developing presentational skills and practicing teaching. The seminar is intended to be an informal forum for discussion and for interaction among the student and faculty participants, and works best when everyone contributes. Since we are collectively exploring an advanced topic, the discussion leader need not feel that he or she must have a complete grasp of everything being presented—often coming to class with questions about a technical point leads to the most lively discussion and greatest learning.

Organizational Session. We will hold a first organizational session on Friday, February 8 from 10:00-11:00 in Room E40-106. If you cannot attend the organizational session and would like to participate in the seminar, please contact the instructor at magnanti "at" mit.edu.