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What does OR stand for?

OR stands for Operational Research, which is a way of using analytical methods to help make better decisions. Its methods can be used by almost all organisations, groups and individuals. It uses methods such as logic and mathematical modelling to analyse complex situations, giving decision makers of all types the power to make more effective decisions. Organisations may seek a wide range of operational improvements - for example, greater efficiency, better customer service, higher quality or lower cost. Whatever the organisation’s aim, OR can offer the flexibility and adaptability to provide objective help. By using available data it can:

• give a better understanding of what is going on,
• enable a full range of options to be considered, and
• produce precise estimates of outcome and risk.

Furthermore, once better decisions have been made, OR people are often central to the implementation of the proposed change.

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