GCRI · Mathematics, statistics and data
Optimisation and operations research
Optimisation and operations research develop mathematical methods for allocating resources and making decisions under constraints. They support planning and logistics in complex, interconnected systems. Systems Science and Modelling stewards this page for the Nexus Consortium.
01Contents
Optimisation and operations research in six parts.
In this dossier6 parts
- 01The methodWhat optimisation and operations research covers
- 02Reference practiceOptimisation is used in planning, operations and allocation
- 03In systemic risk workOptimal for one future, fragile in another
- 04Applied inPlatforms that apply this method
- 05StewardshipWho maintains this page
- 06SourcesWhere this page’s references lead
02The method
What optimisation and operations research covers.
- 01
Core methods
linear and integer programming; stochastic programming; robust optimisation; network flow models; queueing analysis; heuristic and metaheuristic search.
- 02
Data and instruments
demand and capacity data; cost and constraint data; network topology; scenario sets; operational records.
- 03
Validation
Solutions are checked for feasibility, tested through simulation and compared with historical decisions. Sensitivity analysis examines how results change with parameters.
- 04
Limits
Optimal solutions can be fragile when assumptions are wrong. Objectives may omit values that are hard to quantify.
- 05
Use in risk decisions
Optimisation supports prepositioning of supplies, network investment and recovery sequencing. Robust formulations help choose options that perform acceptably across many scenarios.
03Reference practice
Optimisation is used in planning, operations and allocation.
| Reference | What it sets |
|---|---|
| Capacity expansion planning | Energy and water infrastructure |
| Robust and stochastic optimisation | Decisions under uncertainty |
| Humanitarian logistics | Prepositioning and distribution |
04Process
How the process runs.
Process
Optimisation and operations research: N-1 contingency assessment
The EU System Operation Guideline names contingency lists, analysis and handling; Nexus describes no N-1 process, so only these steps are shown.
01 Inputs
- 01Network state and modelRecord · The system operatorThe analysis starts from the operating state and network model of the system operator. Their content is set by that operator.
02 Assessment
- 02Contingency listRecord · The system operatorThe System Operation Guideline lists contingency lists as a named step. The list contents are set by the operator and are not stated here.
- 03Contingency analysisModel · The system operatorThe System Operation Guideline lists contingency analysis as a named step. The method, tools and limits are not stated here.
- 04Contingency handlingStep · The system operatorThe System Operation Guideline lists contingency handling as a named step. What it requires is not stated here.
03 Operator
- 05Operators decide; the programme controls no gridActor · The operatorWater and power operators decide any real-world change to their systems. Exercises give the programme no control of operational technology.
A national mission · Decision rightsOutline of an externally published process, not a Nexus process and not a record of operation. The published Nexus documents describe no N-1 assessment. No programme runs one and every programme is at service level R0.
05In systemic risk work
Optimal for one future, fragile in another.
Optimised systems often remove slack that provides resilience. Robust and stochastic optimisation trade some efficiency for performance across many futures. In risk work the objective function and constraints are policy choices that should be visible.
- Make objectives and constraints explicit.
- Test solutions across scenarios.
- Value redundancy explicitly.
- Applications on Systems Modelling and Energy Nexus.
06Applied in
Platforms that apply this method.
- Food NexusInstitutionGCRI
- Energy NexusInstitutionGCRI
- Disaster Resilience and RecoveryInstitutionGCRI
- Critical InfrastructureInstitutionGCRI
- Trade and Strategic ResourcesInstitutionGCRI
- Data and ComputeInstitutionGCRI
- Advanced Industry and RoboticsInstitutionGCRI
- Disaster and Crisis GovernanceInstitutionGRF
- Systems Science and ModellingInstitutionGCRI
07Stewardship
Who maintains this page.
Systems Science and Modelling stewards optimisation and operations research: it keeps this description current and reviews how the method is applied across the platforms.
08Sources
Where this page’s references lead.
The bodies and documents this page is read against. Status and editions change; each link goes to the issuing body.
09Questions
Questions and answers.
Why does one institution host every method page?
GCRI hosts the STEM Commons so that each method has one canonical description. Platforms link to it rather than repeat it, which keeps definitions consistent.
How do I suggest a correction to a method page?
Write to the integrity concern form with the passage and the reason.
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