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Glite Dictionary
operations research

operations research

1 6.1
Study that uses math to find the best way to solve problems in organisations
  • noun
  • /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənz rɪˈsɜːrʧ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : investigación de operaciones
  • The purpose of the AI and OR for Social Good workshop was to explore and promote the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research (OR) for purposes of social good.

Examples

  • Ms. Duyanovich received her B.S. in mathematics from California State University, Stanislaus, in 1976, and her M.S. in operations research from Stanford University in 1978.

    Academic text (1996)

  • A paper in Transportation Science examines how to find a parking space using operations research methodologies.

    Blog text (34)

  • In addition, basic and advanced courses in operations research and mathematical modeling were also considered quite relevant in the attainment of specific job positions.

    Academic text (2012)

  • It became the prototype for many similar organizations specializing in operations research and systems analysis.

    Academic text (1992)

  • The course is divided into four three-week periods, one each for description and graphics, correlation and regression, tests of statistical inference, and operations research methods.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Dutifully, Drummond outlined the contributions that computing might make to aspects of architectural planning in four areas: operations research, systems simulation, linear programming, and queuing theory.

    Academic text (2003)

  • After graduating from Yale in 1963 and earning a Ph.D. in operations research from Johns Hopkins, Malone, by 1970, was running a division of General Instrument Corp., a pioneer in the cable-TV industry.

    Blog text (29)

  • The study of operations research provides valuable insights for organizations seeking to optimize their operations.

  • Many companies use operations research techniques to improve their supply chain efficiency.

  • The field of operations research helps organizations analyze complex problems and find effective solutions.

Synonyms

systems analysis
vsoperations research
  • Specialized
2 4.5

Careful study of how parts work together to find problems and make improvements

focuses on using mathematical tools to find the most efficient solutions
mathematical programming
vsoperations research
  • Specialized
6.8

Using math to choose the best option within given limits for schedules or costs

is broader, applying many mathematical methods to solve organizational problems

How Managerial

executive
533 4.5
industrial management
  • Specialized
4.5
supervision
134 3.0
operations research
  • Specialized
1 6.1
shop floor
  • Specialized
3 3.4

Surface Forms

operations research singular
operations researches plural

Morphology

operations + research

A B1 learner who knows 'operations' and 'research' can reasonably infer that this means research into operations or how operations are carried out, so the basic compositional sense is accessible. However, the specific technical sense — a mathematical/optimization discipline using complex methods — is specialized and not fully predictable from the constituents, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Operations research began in World War II, when scientists watched military operations and used careful research to find better ways to move ships and planes. So today operations research means using careful study and math to make complex systems 'work better'.