Location: Home » OR competencies

Competencies needed for OR

An ability to analyse issues of concern incisively, and to develop effective and systematic methods to resolve them persuasively, is more important than familiarity with mathematical techniques. Staff at more senior levels need to have knowledge and experience of a range of OR and statistical methods. At all levels, OR Analysts are expected to make effective use of computing technology and software.

Listed below are competencies relevant to working in government OR. These lists are not comprehensive; some people recruited to government OR initially have little experience of them and will have been appointed because they can demonstrate that they have the analytical and numerate abilities and the personal qualities required.

Operational Research:

Modelling and estimation
Simulation
Linear and mathematical programming
Optimising techniques
Soft systems
Business process re-engineering
Output and performance measurement
Risk assessment

Statistics:

Statistical methods in research
Prediction and forecasting
Hypothesis testing
Time series analysis
Multiple regression
Sampling and survey design
Correlation and regression analysis

Numerical/Computing:

Spreadsheets
Databases
Statistical packages (e.g., SAS, SPSS)
Graphics packages
Visual Basic

Projects and problem solving:

Defining aims and objectives
Problem structuring
Project management
Resource management

Teamworking and outside interests:

Leadership
Working collaboratively
Motivating and encouraging others

Training

All departments offer a variety of training opportunities. As a new recruit, you'll follow an individually tailored training plan. This may include an induction course, training in the department's computer systems, on-the-job training, technical courses in the skills needed for specific projects, and courses designed to foster management and personal skills.

You will be encouraged to develop your professional expertise by giving talks at conferences and preparing papers for publication. We may sponsor you to take a part-time MSc in Operational Research.

Back to site navigation links