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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of Operations Research (OR) in managerial decision-making?
What is the primary role of Operations Research (OR) in managerial decision-making?
Why is it difficult for decision-makers to evaluate every alternative solution?
Why is it difficult for decision-makers to evaluate every alternative solution?
When do decision-makers increasingly turn to quantitative methods?
When do decision-makers increasingly turn to quantitative methods?
What is considered the historical starting point of Operations Research as a formal discipline?
What is considered the historical starting point of Operations Research as a formal discipline?
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According to the provided content, which factor increases the complexity of managerial decision-making in today's environment?
According to the provided content, which factor increases the complexity of managerial decision-making in today's environment?
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What is the goal of using Operations Research techniques in decision-making?
What is the goal of using Operations Research techniques in decision-making?
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What is required for solving real-life problems according to the provided content?
What is required for solving real-life problems according to the provided content?
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What are the consequences of a decision-maker choosing the wrong markets and products?
What are the consequences of a decision-maker choosing the wrong markets and products?
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What was the primary reason for the formation of Operations Research groups during the war?
What was the primary reason for the formation of Operations Research groups during the war?
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What was the major objective of Operations Research during the war?
What was the major objective of Operations Research during the war?
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After the war, what was the most significant step taken by Operations Research specialists that led to its widespread use?
After the war, what was the most significant step taken by Operations Research specialists that led to its widespread use?
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Which of the following does NOT represent one of the factors behind the rapid development of Operations Research after World War II?
Which of the following does NOT represent one of the factors behind the rapid development of Operations Research after World War II?
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What is a key characteristic of the Operations Research approach, particularly when dealing with conflicting objectives?
What is a key characteristic of the Operations Research approach, particularly when dealing with conflicting objectives?
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What does the term 'global optimum' refer to in the context of Operations Research?
What does the term 'global optimum' refer to in the context of Operations Research?
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Which of these options was developed during the post-war period advancement of Operations Research techniques?
Which of these options was developed during the post-war period advancement of Operations Research techniques?
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Which of the following is an essential element for Operations Research in practical decision analysis, according to the text?
Which of the following is an essential element for Operations Research in practical decision analysis, according to the text?
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What is the primary focus of an operations research team when making decisions?
What is the primary focus of an operations research team when making decisions?
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Which of the following best describes the 'objectivistic approach' in operations research?
Which of the following best describes the 'objectivistic approach' in operations research?
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What is considered the major premise of Operations Research?
What is considered the major premise of Operations Research?
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Why are computers often necessary in operations research?
Why are computers often necessary in operations research?
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Why is the study of human factors considered important in Operations Research?
Why is the study of human factors considered important in Operations Research?
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What is a model in the context of operations research?
What is a model in the context of operations research?
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Why do models in operation research not represent every aspect of reality?
Why do models in operation research not represent every aspect of reality?
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Which of the following details might be excluded from a model of a factory’s material flow?
Which of the following details might be excluded from a model of a factory’s material flow?
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What is the primary goal of the operations research (OR) approach when analyzing a problem within an organization?
What is the primary goal of the operations research (OR) approach when analyzing a problem within an organization?
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A decision that is beneficial to a single organizational section but not necessarily the entire organization is referred to as what?
A decision that is beneficial to a single organizational section but not necessarily the entire organization is referred to as what?
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Which of the following best describes operations research (OR)?
Which of the following best describes operations research (OR)?
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What is another term often used to refer to the field of operations research?
What is another term often used to refer to the field of operations research?
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According to the Operations Research Society of America, what is the focus of operations research?
According to the Operations Research Society of America, what is the focus of operations research?
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What is the purpose of developing a scientific model of a system in operations research, according to the Operations Research Society (UK)?
What is the purpose of developing a scientific model of a system in operations research, according to the Operations Research Society (UK)?
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What does Operations Research aim to identify when addressing conflicts between various departments?
What does Operations Research aim to identify when addressing conflicts between various departments?
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In operations research, a 'global optimum' refers to which of the following?
In operations research, a 'global optimum' refers to which of the following?
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What primary purpose do descriptive models serve?
What primary purpose do descriptive models serve?
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How do normative models differ from descriptive models?
How do normative models differ from descriptive models?
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Which of the following would be classified as a static model?
Which of the following would be classified as a static model?
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What distinguishes a dynamic model from a static model?
What distinguishes a dynamic model from a static model?
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What is a fundamental characteristic of deterministic models?
What is a fundamental characteristic of deterministic models?
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How are dynamic models used differently than static models?
How are dynamic models used differently than static models?
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In the context of modeling, what does 'parameters' refer to?
In the context of modeling, what does 'parameters' refer to?
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Which type of model is used to identify the 'best' solution given resource limitations?
Which type of model is used to identify the 'best' solution given resource limitations?
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What is a key characteristic of a probabilistic (stochastic) model?
What is a key characteristic of a probabilistic (stochastic) model?
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In a probabilistic model, what impacts the dependent variable when independent variables are changed?
In a probabilistic model, what impacts the dependent variable when independent variables are changed?
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Which of the following best describes the purpose of a heuristic model?
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a heuristic model?
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What distinguishes an analytical model from other types of models?
What distinguishes an analytical model from other types of models?
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How does a simulation model typically arrive at a solution?
How does a simulation model typically arrive at a solution?
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What is a noted advantage of simulation models?
What is a noted advantage of simulation models?
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Which of these is a main benefit of using models for complex problem solving?
Which of these is a main benefit of using models for complex problem solving?
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Why might a model of a factory layout be preferred over physically building it?
Why might a model of a factory layout be preferred over physically building it?
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Flashcards
Operations Research (OR)
Operations Research (OR)
The use of mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze and solve complex problems, especially in business and industry.
Decision-Making
Decision-Making
The process of choosing the best option from a set of possible alternatives. It involves assessing the pros and cons of each option and selecting the one that best meets the desired outcome.
Quantitative Approach
Quantitative Approach
Using quantifiable data and methods to analyze decisions, rather than relying solely on intuition or experience.
Potential Outcomes
Potential Outcomes
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Computer Aided Decision Making
Computer Aided Decision Making
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Evaluating Alternatives
Evaluating Alternatives
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Uncertainty in Decision Making
Uncertainty in Decision Making
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Combined Quantitative & Qualitative Approach
Combined Quantitative & Qualitative Approach
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What is Operations Research (OR)?
What is Operations Research (OR)?
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When did Operations Research emerge?
When did Operations Research emerge?
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What is an OR team?
What is an OR team?
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What is a Global Optimum?
What is a Global Optimum?
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What factors contributed to the growth of OR after World War II?
What factors contributed to the growth of OR after World War II?
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What is the Operations Research approach?
What is the Operations Research approach?
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What is the objective of using the OR approach?
What is the objective of using the OR approach?
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When is the OR approach particularly useful?
When is the OR approach particularly useful?
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Suboptimal Decision
Suboptimal Decision
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Global Optimum
Global Optimum
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Resolving Conflicts of Interest
Resolving Conflicts of Interest
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Scientific Model in OR
Scientific Model in OR
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OR helps management make better decisions
OR helps management make better decisions
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Systematic analysis in OR
Systematic analysis in OR
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Holistic Approach
Holistic Approach
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Objectivistic Approach
Objectivistic Approach
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Model in Operations Research
Model in Operations Research
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Computer Use in OR
Computer Use in OR
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Human Factors in OR
Human Factors in OR
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OR and Decision Making
OR and Decision Making
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Model Abstraction
Model Abstraction
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Descriptive Models
Descriptive Models
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Normative (Optimization) Models
Normative (Optimization) Models
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Static Models
Static Models
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Dynamic Models
Dynamic Models
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Deterministic Models
Deterministic Models
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Probabilistic Models
Probabilistic Models
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System Models
System Models
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Simulation Models
Simulation Models
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Probabilistic (Stochastic) Models
Probabilistic (Stochastic) Models
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Heuristic Models
Heuristic Models
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Analytical Models
Analytical Models
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Model as an Aid for Analysis
Model as an Aid for Analysis
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Uncertain Outcomes in Probabilistic Models
Uncertain Outcomes in Probabilistic Models
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Predicting Patterns in Probabilistic Models
Predicting Patterns in Probabilistic Models
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Real-World Examples of Probabilistic Models
Real-World Examples of Probabilistic Models
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Study Notes
Introduction to Operations Research (OR)
- Decision-making in modern business is complex due to uncertainty and competition.
- OR is a quantitative approach to decision-making, aiding in evaluating alternatives.
- OR uses various techniques to predict outcomes of different courses of action.
- Effective decision-making requires both quantitative and qualitative information.
- Evaluating alternatives can be difficult due to the large number of possibilities and complex information.
- OR increasingly leverages computers for optimal solutions to decision problems with numerous options.
History of Operations Research
- OR emerged during World War II to optimize resource allocation in military operations.
- Groups of mathematicians, economists, statisticians, engineers, and others addressed strategic and tactical military problems.
- Post-war, OR concepts were applied to civilian problems in business, industrial, and research sectors.
- Economic and industrial growth post-WWII aided the growth and application of OR.
- Significant advancements in OR include linear programming, simplex method, statistical quality control, dynamic programming, queueing theory, and inventory theory.
Nature and Significance of Operations Research
- OR is useful for balancing conflicting objectives (goals/interests) in decision-making.
- OR aims to find the "global optimum"—the best solution for the entire organization—rather than a solution benefiting only certain parts of the organization.
- OR attempts to analyze the interrelationships among organizational components to develop optimal solutions.
- These solutions may not be favored by all departments but are optimal for the overall organization.
Operation Research Definitions
- OR, often shortened to "OR", is also known as "operational research," "management science," "Decision Science" and other similar terms.
- OR is applying scientific principles to large-scale problems in business, government, and defense.
Features of Operations Research Approach
- OR uses interdisciplinary teams (specialists in various fields) addressing multifaceted problems.
- OR attempts to evaluate decision-making by understanding multiple aspects (e.g., economic, political, social, psychological).
- OR is concerned with solving problems in an organized and systematic manner (holistic approach).
- To achieve the best decision possible, an organization's goals and objectives are considered, and a measure of desirability or effectiveness is defined to compare alternative courses of action.
Models and Modeling in Operations Research
- Models often simplify real-world problems, abstracting from detail and focusing on key aspects.
- Models aim to represent essential aspects of a situation or activity.
- Models in operations can be classified based on:
- Structure (physical or symbolic)
- Purpose (Descriptive, predictive, or normative)
- Time reference (static or dynamic)
- Certainty (deterministic or probabilistic)
- Models are used to assist decision-making, providing a systematic and efficient way to analyze problem complexities.
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Description
This quiz explores the principles and applications of Operations Research (OR) in managerial decision-making. It covers the challenges decision-makers face, the historical development of OR, and its significance in today's complex business environment. Test your understanding of how OR affects choices in markets and products.