Optimization and Entrepreneurship
Seminar
Basic Information
| Given by: | Andreas Karrenbauer |
|---|---|
| Time: | Tuesday, 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM |
| Room: | 021 in E1.4 (MPII Building) |
| First Meeting: | October 20 |
| Credits: | 7 credit points |
| Prerequisites: | core course Optimization recommended |
| Registration: | Please register to the mailing list if you would like to participate or even just to be updated about this seminar. Registration to the mailing list is not binding and does not replace the official registration according to your study program. The capacity is limited to 15 participants. If the number of registrations exceeds this limit, there will be an entry test. If necessary, the modality of the entry test will be announced at the first meeting on October 20th. Note that registration to the mailing list is mandatory for participants but does not automatically entitle them to participate. |
Description
Optimization problems occur everywhere. In this seminar, we will investigate this claim from the perspective of an entrepreneur. Starting from an idea for an optimization problem, we will discuss all aspects relevant for successfully founding a viable company. That is, we will discuss not only useful mathematical methods from the optimization toolbox but also economic and legal facets of enduring enterprises. To this end, each participant must first make a pitch for a business idea or for their valuable skills they could contribute to one. Then, project teams will be formed around the best business ideas and matching skills and interests. The members of each team will sign a memorandum of understanding that they will cooperate on their project with the goal of jointly founding a company after the end of the course. To motivate and emphasize the seriousness of this goal, an independent jury will award the best project a prize of 500 euros (provided by Freunde der Saarbrücker Informatik e.V.) to cover some of the costs for the incorporation of an enterprise.
Grading:
The grade for this seminar will heavily depend on active participation throughout the semester, a final presentation, and a final report.
Disclaimer:
The successful participation in and grading of this seminar is separate from and unrelated to any seminar participant's choice to remain involved in a resulting enterprise. The latter will follow after the end of the seminar and may incur costs.
Schedule
| Date | Topics | Literature |
|---|---|---|
| Oct, 20 | Kick-Off Meeting | Slides |
| Oct, 27 | Pitches | Slides |
| Nov, 3 | Validation, Team formation | Slides |
| Nov, 10 | Validation | Slides |
| Nov, 17 | Interviews, Integer Programming | Slides |
| Nov, 24 | Pre-Sell, Integer Programming | Slides |
| Dec, 1 | Concierge, Business Models | Slides |
| Dec, 8 | Canvas, Branch and Bound | Slides |
| Dec, 15 | Optimization Models | Slides |
| Jan, 5 | IP Solvers | Slides |
| Jan, 12 | Financial Management | Slides |
| Jan, 19 | Funding and Legal | Slides |
| Jan, 26 | Implementation | Slides |
| Feb, 2 | Workflow | Slides |
| Feb, 9 | Wrap-Up | Slides |