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.