Episode 96: Making Better Decisions with ML and Optimisation
From Value Driven Data Science by Dr Genevieve Hayes
March 4, 2026 · 26 min · Episode 96
About this episode
This episode discusses how combining machine learning with decision optimisation can enhance business value and improve decision-making.
Data scientists use optimisation every day when training machine learning models, without even thinking about it. But there's another type of optimisation - that many data scientists are unaware of - that can be used to dramatically boost the business value of your ML outputs. This second layer transforms predictions into optimal decisions, and it's where the real impact often happens. In this episode, Dr. Tim Varelmann joins Dr. Genevieve Hayes to explain how combining machine learning with decision optimisation creates solutions that go far beyond prediction, helping stakeholders make better decisions in uncertain environments. You'll discover: How decision optimisation differs from ML parameter tuning [02:19] Why combining predictions with optimisation multiplies value [13:36] The mindset shift needed to think in optimisation terms [22:59] How to spot immediate optimisation opportunities in your work [23:42] Guest Bio Dr Tim Varelmann is the founder of Bluebird Optimization and holds a PhD in Mathematical Optimisation. He is also the creator of Effortless Modeling in Python with GAMSPy , the world’s first GAMSPy course. Links Get Tim's 3 Step Guide to Add Optimisation to Your…
People in this episode
Host: Dr Genevieve Hayes
Guest: Dr. Tim Varelmann
Topics covered
- machine learning
- decision optimisation
- business value
- data science
- optimisation opportunities
Keywords
- optimisation
- machine learning
- decision making
- data science
- business value
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Bluebird Optimization
Products: Effortless Modeling in Python with GAMSPy
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