Information

(note marks cannot be released during exam time)

Overview

This coursework is worth 60% of the overall module assessment, 40% is allocated to the submission of files as explained below and 20% is allocated to an open book test in Moodle about the submitted coursework.

The files to be submitted are a spreadsheet optimization model, an LP-Solve optimization model, and a demonstration video. Submitting a preliminary demonstration video is optional as explained below.

The coursework test will follow a similar approach to the weekly workshop tests in the module. Some questions will be about your understanding of the submitted coursework and some questions will be about modifications to the problem and model. Questions in the test will also ask to show your model(s) before and after the required modifications within the submitted videos of the changes you make to the model(s). The questions could refer to any of the topics covered in the module, but answers will be required to be with reference to your submitted coursework.

Requirements and Specifications

Part 1 – Spreadsheet Model

Refer to the Lost Baggage Distribution optimization problem described in section 12.27 of the following book in the reading list:

Model Building in Mathematical Programming. H.P. Williams, Wiley, 5th edition, 2013.

Hard copies of the above book are available from the University libraries, but electronic copies of the relevant chapters are available in Moodle.

The optimization model for this problem is given in section 13.27, while a reference optimal solution is described in section 14.27. Study the description, optimization model and reference optimal solutions for this problem to make sure you understand them well.

Develop an Excel spreadsheet model to solve the Lost Baggage Distribution optimization problem. The spreadsheet model should execute with no errors, even if the model is not complete or does not produce the correct optimal solution. Make sure to include appropriate labels and comments in the spreadsheet model to clarify the approach. Also include annotations and comments in the spreadsheet model to clearly illustrate the corresponding algebraic model being implemented, whether it follows the model given in the book or not. Good principles of spreadsheet modelling should be followed whenever possible.

Part 2 – LP Solve Model

Develop an LP-Solve model to solve the Lost Baggage Distribution optimization problem. The LP-Solve model should execute with no errors, even if the model is not complete or does not produce the correct optimal solution. Make sure to include appropriate comments in the LP-Solve model to clarify the algebraic formulation. Also include the algebraic compact notation as comments in the LP-Solve model to clearly illustrate the correspondence between each algebraic expression and the constraints implemented in the LP-Solve model. Explain the correspondence of your LP-Solve model to the algebraic model provided in the book and to your Excel spreadsheet model. If you use any programming scripts or other tools to assist you in typing the LP-Solve model, you should explain this in the final video.

Part 3 – Demonstration Videos

You may develop a preliminary demonstration video of maximum 3 minutes duration to provide evidence of your early work in understanding the problem, the model and the reference solution in the book. The video should present work-in-progress on your spreadsheet model and any reflexions that you have made so far. Please aim to keep the size of the file as small as possible while still ensuring good viewing quality. The maximum file size allowed for the video is 30MB. Make sure to select in advance suitable software to record your video without exceeding the maximum file size.

You should develop a final demonstration video of maximum 15 minutes duration that describes the design and use of your spreadsheet model, the implementation of the LP- Solve model as well as the correspondence between the two models. The demonstration video should clearly explain in a logical and coherent way, the implementation of the spreadsheet and LP-Solve models with references to the algebraic model. The video should also describe how the spreadsheet model was designed (layout, calculations, solver settings, etc.) and how it can be used to understand the solution found. The video may also describe any issues, additional insights, reflections, clarifications about your work, and refer to the early work in the preliminary video if that was submitted. There is no need to describe the given optimization problem but references to it and the LP-Solve algebraic model might be needed.

It is required that you appear in the video and holding your student ID card, for the entire duration of the video (preferred), or at least for a few seconds at the beginning of the video. This is to confirm your identity as the person presenting the video. Any appropriate software may be used for producing the video, but please make sure the video file can be played in standard media players and/or Internet browsers. Please aim to keep the size of the file as small as possible while still ensuring good viewing quality. The maximum file size allowed for the video is 150MB. Make sure to select in advance suitable software to record your video without exceeding the maximum file size.

Getting Started

Read the Lost Baggage Distribution problem description in section 12.27 of the above book (pdf available in Moodle) . Read the model outline for this problem in section 13.27 of the above book (pdf available in Moodle) . Aim to achieve a clear understanding of the optimization problem and suggested model. Then, make a decision on whether you will submit the optional preliminary video by the deadline stated below.

Recommendations

The purpose of this coursework is to assess your ability to understand and interpret an optimization problem and to implement the corresponding optimization model. If there is any element of the problem that is not entirely clear to you, please attempt to interpret such element in the best way you can and explain your rationale in the demonstration video(s). The given algebraic model for the problem might not be described in full detail and hence you will have to achieve an understanding of the model. If your optimization model or optimal solution do not correspond to the ones given in the book for whatever reason, then please explain as appropriate. Although you should endeavour to provide  the correct model, this does not mean that all marks will be lost because of your model not finding the correct optimal solution.

Submission Instructions

The electronic submission via Moodle consists of the following files (please upload separate files, NOT compressed files):

1. Preliminary demonstration video presenting work-in-progress on your spreadsheet

model, please name the file as cw-early-baggage-ID replacing ID with you own 8-digit student ID. Submitting this file is not mandatory as explained below.

2. Excel file for the spreadsheet model, please name the file as cw-baggage-ID replacing ID with your own 8-digit student ID.

3. LP-Solve file for the algebraic model, please name the as file cw-baggage-ID replacing ID with you own 8-digit student ID.

4. Final demonstration video presenting your final optimization models, please name the file as cw-baggage-ID replacing ID with you own 8-digit student ID.

The submission deadline for the preliminary video file is Friday 12 December 2025 at 15:00 hrs. This optional submission is an opportunity for you to provide evidence of your understanding and early process in undertaking this coursework.

The submission deadline for the final models and video files is Wednesday 7 January 2026 at 15:00 hrs. If submitting after this date, a penalty of 5 marks (the standard 5% absolute) out of the 100 marks available will be applied for each late working day, unless an extension has been granted as per the extenuating circumstances procedure.

The date/time for the test is Friday 9 January 2026 at 15:00-16:00 hrs. The test can be taken from any location, but it is advisable to have good Internet connection and a quiet environment because some recording will be required during the test. If a student anticipates problems with taking the coursework test at the specified date/time, they should get advice in advance from the module convenor.

Assessment Criteria

Learning outcomes

The coursework and associated test pursuit the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge and Understanding

•    Algebraic models for linear and discrete optimization problems.

•     Post-optimality analysis and multi-objective optimization.

Intellectual Skills

•    Analytical methods to identify components of optimization problems.

•     Developing algebraic and spreadsheet models of optimization problems.

•     Reasoning and evaluation of solutions to optimization models.

Professional Practical Skills

•     Use of algebraic and spreadsheet optimization software to solve optimization problems in a range of application domains.

•     Critical evaluation of computer optimization models and their solutions.

•    Application of optimization as an AI technique for decision-making.

Transferable Skills

•     Critical thinking

•     Problem solving

•     Communication skills

•     Computational and mathematical skills.

Marking criteria

In respect of the submitted files (40%), marks will be awarded for correctness and quality of the work as follows:

Correct Spreadsheet Model (30 marks): this refers to the spreadsheet model being fully correct in terms of modelling and solving the optimization problem, any innovative modelling mechanisms implemented, and the correspondence to the LP-Solve model.

Quality of Spreadsheet Model (20 marks): this refers to layout and presentation of the spreadsheet model for clarity and usability, any additional features developed to enhance the visualisation of the model and the solution, any additional features developed to enhance the implementation and usability of the model.

Correct and Clear LP-Solve Model (20 marks): this refers to the LP-solve model being fully correct and clear in terms of modelling, the lp-solve model solving the optimization problem correctly, and the correspondence to the spreadsheet model.

Quality of Demonstration Video (30 marks): this refers to the effectiveness and the visual quality of the video in explaining the optimization models, the optimal solutions obtained, any issues/insights/reflections that enhance the demonstration, video following the given guidelines. The submission of the preliminary demonstration video can be used to enhance the quality of the reflections made in the final video.

In respect of the coursework test (20%), marks for each question will be awarded for correctness and clarity.

The number of points will be shown for each question for a total of 20. Each of the questions should be answered independently from the other questions, that is, any changes asked in a question should be applied to the original submitted spreadsheet optimization model. For each of the questions, the answer should be provided as explained below.

A video of maximum 2 minutes explaining and showing the modifications and result, referring to the appropriate parts of the spreadsheet model that you submitted. It is required that you appear in the video and holding your student ID card, for the entire duration of the video (preferred), or at least for a few seconds at the beginning of the video. This is to confirm your identity as the person presenting the video. The maximum file size is 250MB set by Moodle, but you should produce videos that are the smallest size and clear enough to avoid long uploading times.

You are not allowed to communicate with other students or another person by any means while the test is ongoing.