How do airlines schedule flights, logistics companies route deliveries, and supermarkets manage stock?

Many of these challenges are examples of linear programming problems – and one algorithm has dominated their solution for decades: the Simplex Method.

Widely regarded as one of the most important algorithms ever developed, the Simplex Method has helped organisations save vast amounts of time, money and resources.

But despite its remarkable success, one question has puzzled mathematicians for decades: why does it work so well in practice?

In this episode, Dr Sophie Huiberts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) explores one of optimisation’s biggest open questions: why is the Simplex Method so much faster than theory often predicts?

We also discuss Sophie’s research journey and how she brings her values and social awareness into her work as a mathematician.

Our host is Professor Kate Smith-Miles – Director of the OPTIMA ARC Training Centre, and a Professor of Applied Mathematics at The University of Melbourne.

Episode webpage:  https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/simplex-method/