2021 February Inside OR

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This issue: In this edition of Inside OR we deep dive into OR in Local Government, Bob Scotts look back at The OR Societies Events during 2020 and clever COVID strategies. We also pay tribute to John Bowers and you can read the response from the editor in relation A-level grades. There are updates about our events, training, plus much more...

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Small nation, clever COVID strategy

Togo, occupying a narrow strip of land on Africa’s west coast about two-thirds the size of Ireland, has struggled to build a stable country and economy. Although it is a major exporter of phosphates, it is still dependent on foreign aid and a large part of its just under 9 million population are “informal workers”.

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Coming soon to a place near you? OR in local government

Local Government probably isn’t a big blip on your radar but it directly affects you; where you live; how you and your family members live; and, your access to resources and opportunities, as well as your health and wellbeing. So, shouldn’t it be guided more by Operational Research? COVID-19 has shown people the extent to which their local councils really matter, doing things that central government fails at; applying local knowledge, mobilising support quickly, reflecting local needs and circumstances. Councils are equipped with data as never before and after a decade of austerity and facing the challenges posed by the COVID epidemic, they are in desperate need of relatively cheap, smart ways of improving services and improving local engagement.

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Protecting and maintaining supply chains

The logistics industry has been under significant pressure during the coronavirus pandemic, both in terms of keeping the UK supplied with goods to function, as well as coping with the disruption to staffing levels caused by sickness and selfisolation.

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