GNNs

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and their applications in Production Control and Operations (P&OC). Participants will learn the fundamental concepts, architectures, and training techniques of GNNs, enabling them to develop and deploy graph-based models for various tasks relevant to production scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.

• Understand the concepts and motivation behind Graph Neural Networks

• Represent and manipulate graph-structured data using Python libraries

• Implement and train various GNN architectures, such as Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) and Graph Attention Networks (GATs)

• Apply GNNs to solve node classification, edge prediction, and graph classification tasks in P&OC

• Design and develop GNN-based solutions for production scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain optimization

1. Introduction to Graph Neural Networks in P&OC

• Overview of graphs and their applications in Production Control and Operations

• Limitations of traditional machine learning approaches for graph-structured data

• Introduction to Graph Neural Networks and their advantages

• Hands-on exercises: Representing and visualizing production networks and supply chains using Python libraries (e.g., NetworkX, PyTorch Geometric)

2. Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) for P&OC

• Spectral and spatial graph convolutions

• GCN architecture and propagation rules

• Training GCNs using backpropagation and gradient descent

• Hands-on exercises: Implementing and training GCNs for production scheduling and inventory management

3. Graph Attention Networks (GATs) and Message Passing in P&OC

• Attention mechanisms in graph neural networks

• GAT architecture and attention-based message passing

• Comparison of GATs with GCNs and other GNN variants

• Hands-on exercises: Implementing and training GATs for supply chain optimization and demand forecasting

4. Advanced GNN Architectures and Techniques for P&OC

• Graph Recurrent Neural Networks (GRNNs) for capturing temporal dependencies in production data

• Graph Autoencoders (GAEs) for unsupervised learning and anomaly detection in production networks

• Sampling techniques for large-scale graphs (e.g., GraphSAGE, Cluster-GCN)

• Hands-on exercises: Implementing advanced GNN architectures and techniques on P&OC datasets

5. GNNs for P&OC Applications

• Case studies of GNNs in production scheduling and resource allocation

• Inventory management and demand forecasting using GNNs

• Supply chain optimization and risk assessment with GNNs

• Hands-on exercises: Developing a GNN-based solution for a specific P&OC use case

6. Deployment and Future Directions in P&OC

• Deploying GNN models in production environments for P&OC applications

• Scaling GNN training and inference for large-scale production networks and supply chains

• Hybrid approaches combining GNNs with other machine learning techniques

• Future research directions and open challenges in GNNs for Production Control and Operations

• Hands-on exercises: Deploying a GNN model using a cloud platform (e.g., AWS, GCP)

• Strong understanding of linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory

• Proficiency in programming with Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)

• Familiarity with basic machine learning concepts and techniques

• Knowledge of graph theory and network analysis is beneficial but not required

• Knowledge of production control and operations management principles