Operation Research: Introduction, Historical Background

Operations research (OR) is a multidisciplinary field of study that uses mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and computational algorithms to solve complex problems related to the optimization of decision-making processes. OR originated during World War II, when the military needed to solve problems related to logistics, transportation, and communication.

Historical Background:

During the Second World War, the Allied forces were facing serious logistical problems. There were shortages of supplies, long waiting times for troops, and inefficient use of transportation. To solve these problems, the military began to use mathematical models and statistical analysis to improve logistics and transportation. This approach was called “operations research” and it quickly proved to be highly effective.

After the war, OR began to be used in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications. OR techniques have been used to improve production efficiency, optimize supply chain management, develop scheduling systems, and solve other complex problems in various industries.

Today, OR is an established field of study with its own research institutes, academic programs, and professional organizations. OR professionals work in a wide range of industries, including government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. The field continues to evolve, with new techniques and technologies being developed to address the complex problems of the modern world.

Scope of Operation Research

The scope of operations research (OR) is very broad and encompasses a wide range of applications across different fields. Some of the key areas where OR is used are:

Optimization: OR techniques are used to optimize complex systems and processes, such as supply chains, transportation networks, manufacturing operations, and financial portfolios.

Decision Analysis: OR helps decision-makers to analyze alternatives and make informed decisions based on the available data and models.

Simulation: OR techniques are used to simulate real-world situations and test the impact of different scenarios on the system under consideration.

Forecasting: OR techniques are used to forecast future events, such as demand for products, stock prices, or weather patterns.

Game Theory: OR is used to analyze competitive situations, such as auctions, negotiations, and pricing strategies.

Stochastic Modeling: OR uses probabilistic models to analyze systems that involve uncertainty, such as queuing systems, inventory management, and risk management.

Linear Programming: OR techniques are used to solve complex optimization problems involving linear equations.

Nonlinear Programming: OR techniques are used to solve optimization problems that involve nonlinear equations.

Multi-Criteria Decision Making: OR helps decision-makers to evaluate alternatives based on multiple criteria and conflicting objectives.

Network Analysis: OR is used to analyze complex networks, such as social networks, transportation networks, and communication networks.

Overall, the scope of OR is very broad, and it encompasses a wide range of techniques and applications that are used to solve complex problems across different fields.