Real-World O.R./M.S. Applications in Journals

In this paper, we present the results of a study of real-world applications of O.R./M.S. as seen in journals. Five leading journals in the field are surveyed, and real-world application articles are classified using a two dimensional framework consisting of orientation and decision. The orientation dimension separates strategically oriented applications with long-term implications and tactically oriented applications with medium- and short-term implications. The decision dimension refers to the type of decision in the application-largely structured or largely unstructured. The major O.R./M.S. topics are placed in the resulting four quadrants, and articles published in the four most recent volumes of the five journals are classified. Based on the results of this survey, the thrust and shortcomings of implementation research are discussed. Some measures for enhancing publication of field-based research are also proposed.     

O.R. in the National Coal Board

The organisation and philosophy of the ‘Area Service’ of the National Coal Board's Operational Research Executive is described, with special reference to factors which assist the Executive's O.R. scientists to develop good working relationships with managers.     

The Art of Course Planning: Soft O.R. in Action

This article is a case study described from two viewpoints: that of an analyst and that of a ‘decision-maker’. It describes the use of two ‘soft O.R.’ methods in helping the members of a university O.R. group to plan revisions to a postgraduate Diploma course, resulting in the implementation of an improved course. One author conducted the exercise while the other was a member of the client group. Given that case studies are usually written by the analyst alone, it is hoped that a client's eye-view will be useful as feedback for practitioners and can also introduce some of the concepts and terminology of soft O.R. to those engaged in more mathematical O.R. activities.     

O.R. Involvement in the Allocation of a Major Contract

This paper describes North Thames Gas O.R. Department's involvement in the allocation of a contract covering the operational work on the Region's gas distribution network. This network is approx. 12,500 miles (20,000 km) in length and requires constant attention, such as additions, repairs to or replacements of parts of the network. Fifty percent of this work is currently carried out by the Region's own labour, the rest being undertaken by private contractors working under the terms of a contract for a defined period, normally 2 or 3 years. Between 15 and 20 contractors are initially invited to tender for the contract. Their tenders are then evaluated and the contract awarded to a number of the contractors, subject to the Region's financial and operational constraints.The O.R. Department's involvement with the contract (which has a current value of £20m per year) includes:

1. 1)
   checking the rates paid under the contract for pricing consistency;
    
2. 2)
   devising computer models to evaluate the contractors' tenders;
    
3. 3)
   assisting in the allocation of the contract.
    

     

O.R. and Public Expenditure Planning and Control

The problems of public expenditure planning and control to which O.R. can make a contribution are identified. Suggestions are made for research by those in O.R. both within government and in universities. Recent work in the Treasury on financial models and information systems are discussed in terms of how such work might be applied elsewhere and extended to include measures of achievement. The topics covered include planning for uncertainty and theory development by O.R. in models of inflation and social justice.     

Corporate Planning and Its Use of O.R. in the N.C.B.: A Personal View

Moving from Operational Research to Corporate Planning within one organisation is a rather modest change, which nevertheless leads to a different perspective. While still an advisory function, Corporate Planning, to be successful, has to maintain itself at the centre of a `messy' system tackling `messy' problems. Holding on to a clear strategy in such circumstances is not only difficult but vital. The success of the strategy depends on its robustness and ability to adapt to new circumstances. Recent debates in the O.R. literature have focused on the importance of robustness and the nature of uncertainty using the paradigms of rational and bureaucratic processes. This is a useful perspective from which to view our activities and the relative roles of Operational Research and Corporate Planning, either separately or together. The term `mature' O.R. is used to differentiate research that has been built up over many years in the N.C.B. from the problem solving activity often used to characterise O.R. The challenge is to prevent maturity developing into old age.     

O.R. Education — A Survey of Young O.R. Workers

This paper presents the results of a survey into O.R. education that was conducted with the help of those attending the Young O.R. Conference (YOR II) held at Nottingham University in March 1982. The results of a workshop debate held at the conference into the direction of O.R. education are also discussed.The conclusions drawn are that O.R. education in this country appears to be quite successful but that it is failing to deal satisfactorily with a number of issues. These issues relate to keeping up-to-date with changes in computer technology and their impact upon O.R. workers; the teaching of methodology to deal with ill-defined problems; preparation for the political and working environment of organizations; and the fostering of desirable personal characteristics.     

A Constantly Evolving O.R. Team

The aim of this paper is to present the activities of the Operational Research team of the Paris Transport Authority (the R.A.T.P.), but without going into the technical details of methods and results. The paper is in three parts:

• - general information on the O.R. team and its environment;
• - the history of its activities;
• -its present and future tendencies.

     

Pricing Policy Models: A Case Study in Practical O.R.

A simple but robust and widely applicable approach to determining the price discount to use during periodic sales promotions is described. The approach provides an illustration of O.R. methodology, and it is discussed in the context of a problem formulation exercise used for O.R. courses. This discussion clarifies alternatives and provides cautionary notes for those wishing to implement the approach.     

A review of O.R. practice in Spain

Summary First, a brief history of the development of Operations Research practice in Spain is presented. Secondly, and this forms the bulk of the paper, the most relevant OR applications in Spain, reported in the specialized literature, are commented in some detail. We have adopted the application-oriented classification criteria of IAOR, which allows us to distinguish those subjects that have been tackled more frequently. Finally the fluctuating role played by the university OR groups in providing advice to firms and public and private institutions is considered.     

O. R. in Defence

Journal of the Operational Research Society -     

Lessons for O.R. from A.I.: A Scheduling Case Study

This paper compares operational research (O.R.) with the currently fashionable topic of artificial intelligence (A.I.) at a detailed level. A.I. concepts, techniques and history are summarized, and O.R. and A.I. approaches compared. A case study-the development of a potential aid to scheduling repair jobs on RAF squadrons—is described. The paper shows where A.I. concepts and techniques were used in the prototype program, known as the Fault Identification & Expediting Repair (FIXER) system. Finally, some lessons for O.R. are drawn.