What is operational research?
Operational research (also known as 'management science') is the application of scientific methods to management problems. It aims to provide a rational basis for decision-making by understanding and structuring complex situations. This often involves building mathematical models to predict system behaviour and thereby assist the planning of changes to the system.
Operational research originated in Britain during World War II when it was used to apply mathematical techniques to the planning of military operations. Since then it has become recognised as an important input to decision-making in business, industry and government.
Operational research in government
As an OR analyst in a government department, you will be part of a small professional team, working closely with colleagues, administrators and specialists from other disciplines. You will have a great deal of contact with your clients - senior people within the department, and sometimes government ministers.
OR groups in all departments have a varied workload, which requires a creative approach. You'll use modern computers and the latest software packages to help you face up to the intellectual challenges posed by the steady flow of new projects. Although classic OR techniques are employed, there is also a need to develop innovative ways to tackling and solving new problems as they arise.
Since work can focus on controversial topics, a professional, objective and nonpolitical stance is essential.
Example projects include:
- Developing systems for assessing and testing drugs smuggling risks, and allocating resources in the best way to meet them.
- Assessing options and monitoring new initiatives for raising standards and effectiveness in schools.
- Working with the Highways Agency and the Met Police to design and analyse experiments with the density of traffic cameras.
- Planning the use of screening (for instance for cervical cancer) to improve public health.
- Developing a resource allocation model for police forces.
- Analysing the impact of prospective tax changes on different sections of society.
See the profiles page for more examples of the kind of work that government operational researchers do.
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