What is Operational Research?

In a nutshell, operational research (O.R.) is the discipline of applying appropriate analytical methods to help make better decisions.

By using techniques such as mathematical modelling to analyse complex situations, operational research gives executives the power to make more effective decisions and build more productive systems based on:

• More complete data
• Consideration of all available options
• Careful predictions of outcomes and estimates of risk
• The latest decision tools and techniques

A uniquely powerful approach to decision making
You’ve probably seen dozens of articles and ads about solutions that claim to enhance your decision-making capabilities.

O.R. is unique. It's best of breed, employing highly developed methods practiced by specially trained professionals. It’s powerful, using advanced tools and technologies to provide analytical power that no ordinary software or spreadsheet can deliver out of the box. And it’s tailored to you, because an O.R. professional offers you the ability to define your specific challenge in ways that make the most of your data and uncover your most beneficial options.

To achieve these results, O.R. professionals draw upon the latest analytical technologies, including:

• Simulation Giving you the ability to try out approaches and test ideas for improvement
• Optimisation Narrowing your choices to the very best when there are virtually innumerable feasible options and comparing them is difficult
• Probability and Statistics Helping you measure risk, mine data to find valuable connections and insights, test conclusions, and make reliable forecasts

Already at work around you
O.R. has enhanced organisations and experiences all around us. From better scheduling of airline crews to the design of queues at Disney theme parks. From two-person start-ups to FTSE100 leaders. From global resource planning decisions to optimising hundreds of local delivery routes. All benefit directly from O.R. Shouldn't you?

To learn more about what operational research is and how it works, go to More Resources.

Ready to find out how O.R. can create significant value to you and your organisation? Go to What It Can Do for You.