In this course the student will learn to solve both linear and non-linear constrained optimization problems.

Optimisation problems arise in all fields that econometricians encounter, such as operations research, game theory, statistics, micro- and macroeconomics and finance. The aim of this course is to show the methodology for solving constraint optimisation problems both for linear and non-linear problems. These methodologies are also known as Linear and Non-Linear Programming, respectively. The following topics and techniques will be treated: the standard simplex method, duality, sensitivity analysis, the primal-dual simplex method, the network simplex method, first and second order necessary and sufficient conditions, the Lagrangian-function, Kuhn-Tucker conditions and constraint qualification. Besides this, special attention is paid to the application of these methodologies in practical problems.

Course book.
Vanderbei, R.J., Linear Programming: Foundations and Extensions, 4th ed., Springer, 2014 (ISBN 978-1-4614-7629, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-7630-6).

Basic algebra (for linear programming), and advanced calculus (for nonlinear programming).
Exchange students need to be aware that very specific pre-knowledge is required for this course. A solid background in mathematics is necessary. Students should be aware of the following concepts: Algebra: working knowledge of vector computing and matrices (including inverse matrices). Linear equations, and find the solutions of a set of equations etc.
Function theory on the level of optimisation of functions of multiple variables under side conditions (Lagrange multipliers)

An advanced level of English.