Academic MajorsOperations Research and Computer Analysis
The Operations Research and Computer Analysis (ORCA) major provides graduates with a background in mathematics, statistics, and computers. The primary focus of the Operations Research and Computer Analysis (ORCA) major at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy is to enable cadets to conceptualize and describe reality using the tools of mathematics and statistics, develop appropriate models, derive solutions using computer technology, apply the solutions to specific Coast Guard and other real world problems and to effectively communicate solutions.
While the ORCA major emphasizes the practical application of mathematics, statistics, and computer techniques to "real world" problems, the central thrust of the program continues to be the understanding of mathematical concepts. In addition to courses concentrating on the tools of operations research, the Department of Mathematics offers numerous other courses covering the fundamentals of mathematical reasoning and analysis. Use of the computer as a tool in the analysis of data is essential to the major. Our graduates have a strong background in computer programming as well as experience utilizing a number of software packages including Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Minitab, ProModel, and Mathematica, along with other statistics, forecasting, optimization, and simulation packages.
All cadets majoring in Operations Research and Computer Analysis also take a project-oriented capstone course during the spring semester of their senior year. It is an opportunity for the cadets to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom. Cadets can work individually or as part of a team on projects submitted by various Coast Guard units. The cadets are required to work with project sponsors to define the problem to be investigated and to use the appropriate statistical, operations research and computer techniques to solve the problem. These projects continue to benefit the Coast Guard at large by attacking problems encountered across the fleet and by strengthening the connectivity between the Academy and the service. Recent cadet projects include:
- Optimization of External Bulk Item Heavy Weather Storage Plans at the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center
- Forecasting Ideal Year Groups
- Recruit Training Center Scheduling Tool
- Predicting Cuban Migration Based on Environmental Factors: An Approach Using Empirical Distributions
- General Detail: An Analysis of the Enlisted Support Allowance
- Aviation Repair and Supply Center, Shop 242: A Resource Allocation Study
- Analysis of the Selective Reenlistment Bonus
- U. S. Coast Guard Drug Interdiction Model
- U. S. Coast Guard HH-65 Transition Course Student Output
- Response Boat Mix Allocation for San Francisco Bay
- Chase Hall Schematic Program
- U. S. Coast Guard Academy Admissions Model Assessment
- U. S. Coast Guard Academy Web-Enabled Applications
Furthermore, the Department of Mathematics sponsors a Senior Summer Internship Program. This program is designed as an opportunity for professional growth for senior cadets who have displayed exceptional abilities both academically and militarily. Summer Internship Programs are designed to expand the cadets' knowledge of the Operations Research and Computer Analysis major and their understanding of the role of the Coast Guard. Summer 2003 internships were offered at the Coast Guard's Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) in Elizabeth City, NC, the Office of Workforce Planning at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, and the Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma, CA.
ORCA applications abound in the Coast Guard and every other complex organization. They are present in resource allocation decisions, policy analysis, equipment replacement determinations, personnel assignment processes, tactical operational decisions, and nearly every facet of Coast Guard operations. Within every complex organization, and particularly in the Coast Guard, the tools of Operations Research are absolutely necessary for continuous improvement and effective decision-making.