Operations Research Overview

A field of applied mathematics focused on using analytical methods to enhance decision-making.

Operations Research (OR) aims to find the best possible solutions for problems, considering the limitations of available resources.

OR utilizes modeling, statistics, optimization, and other mathematical techniques to analyze problems and guide decision-making.

OR originated during military efforts before World War II and has expanded to address challenges in various industries.

Techniques like simulation, optimization, queueing theory, and decision analysis are used in OR to solve complex problems.

Due to its computational and statistical nature, OR has close ties to computer science and analytics.

OR practitioners evaluate the suitability of various techniques based on the problem's nature, goals, and limitations, and can also develop new methods.

Major sub-disciplines of OR include logistics & supply chain management, healthcare operations, financial modeling, and more.

A scientific method of using quantitative data to help make decisions about operations.

The study and application of mathematical models to analyze and optimize complex systems, like those found in industries and government.

A mathematical theory used to study strategic decision-making in situations with competing interests.

A value representing the average outcome of a situation based on probabilities of different events, as used in Game Theory.

A branch of mathematics that involves the study of arrangements and combinations of objects.

A mathematical concept used to find the optimal quantity of goods to order to minimize inventory costs.

The theory that military movements and outcomes can be analyzed using mathematical equations, describing how troops interact in battles.

The use of OR techniques to analyze and improve the efficiency of early warning radar systems, like Chain Home.

The analysis of operating personnel's behavior alongside equipment and systems to improve overall efficiency.

The study of how to organize and move goods and resources efficiently to meet demand.

The use of OR techniques to develop optimal training schedules for military personnel.

The use of OR to optimize shipping routes and protect merchant ships from enemy attacks, like German U-boats.

The use of OR to analyze the effectiveness of different aircraft camouflage schemes.

The analysis of the effectiveness of depth charges, used against submarines, based on the depth at which they are triggered.

The use of OR to improve the accuracy of submarine attacks by targeting those closest to the surface.

The practice of using scientific methods to improve decision-making in military operations.

Changing the depth at which submarines were targeted from 100 feet to 25 feet.

It led to a substantial increase in the sinking rate of U-boats.

Analyzing data from returning bombers to determine the most vulnerable areas on the aircraft.

The initial findings were flawed because they only considered aircraft that had successfully returned.

The areas untouched by damage on returning bombers were likely the most critical areas because damage to those areas would have resulted in the aircraft's loss.

Calculating the optimal bomber formation density to balance collision risks with night fighter attacks.

The ratio of outputs to inputs, such as the number of bombs dropped per flying hour.

By analyzing exchange rates, OR could determine the most effective allocation of resources.

Operational research doubled the on-target bomb rate for B-29s by increasing training ratios.

Operational Research revealed that wolf-packs of three submarines were the most effective size for maximizing target engagement.

Operational Research applied its principles to civilian sectors, expanding its impact beyond military applications.

The development of the Simplex Algorithm for linear programming in 1947.

Establishing scientific societies and journals dedicated to Operational Research.

The transfer of NATO headquarters from France to Belgium in the 1960s led to the establishment of the Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE) at the Catholic University of Leuven, significantly impacting the field's development in Belgium.

The development of computers in the 1960s and 1970s enabled OR to handle problems with hundreds of thousands of variables and constraints, significantly enhancing its capabilities.

A core element of modern operations research, 'analytics' relies on stochastic variables, requiring the ability to generate truly random numbers, which cybernetics also needs.

The research approach of operations research, focusing on mathematical modeling, has been criticized for lacking a strong empirical basis, with a lack of data collection guidance in textbooks.

Management science is an interdisciplinary field that applies operations research models to business problems, aiming to optimize decisions and enhance organizational performance.

Management science leverages scientific methods, including mathematical modeling, statistics, and algorithms, to guide management decisions and help organizations achieve their goals.

The techniques of management science extend beyond business to military, medical, public administration, charitable, political, and community groups, highlighting its wide applicability.

Management science is also involved in strategic planning, decision support, and problem structuring methods, encompassing areas where traditional quantitative modeling may not be suitable.

The International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS) is a global umbrella organization representing national OR societies worldwide, promoting collaboration and sharing best practices.

IFORS's establishment in 1960 played a crucial role in the institutionalization of operations research, stimulating the founding of national OR societies in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

IFORS organizes international conferences every three years, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among operational researchers from different parts of the world.

The Association of European Operational Research Societies (EURO) is a regional group under IFORS, bringing together OR societies across Europe, fostering collaboration and cooperation.

INFORMS, a US-based organization, promotes the OR profession through initiatives like the 'Science of Better' website, showcasing OR's applications and benefits in solving real-world problems.