Welcome to "Applied Operations Research and Optimization with Python," a comprehensive guide designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make better, more informed decisions in both the business world and the public sector. This book demonstrates the power of operations research—a discipline that stands at the intersection of mathematics, economics, and computer science—applied through Python, a language renowned for its simplicity and powerful libraries.

Operations research is the art and science of decision-making, providing a set of analytical tools to solve complex problems that involve making choices. In this book, we explore a variety of these tools, such as linear programming, network analysis, integer programming, and simulation. Each technique is not only explained theoretically but also demonstrated through practical Python examples.

Through this book, you will discover how to apply operations to real-world scenarios. For example, you will learn how to determine the optimal mix of products to maximize profits while considering production constraints, how to devise cost-efficient transportation routes to distribute goods, and how to allocate financial aid effectively. These are just a few illustrations of the countless applications of operations research in everyday private and public sector decisions.

Python, with its simplicity and an extensive range of libraries, is powerful programming language that can be used to build real-world operations research tools at scale. This book assumes some familiarity with Python, but it is crafted to be accessible, providing detailed guidance at every step. We leverage Python's powerful libraries like PuLP and pandas to model and solve optimization problems, translating theoretical concepts into actionable insights.