Operations research (OR) is an analytical method used to solve problems and make decisions by breaking problems down into basic components and solving them through defined mathematical steps. OR has many applications in fields like transportation, manufacturing, the military, and government for problems involving scheduling, facility location, health services, and more. It uses techniques like simulation, network analysis, and game theory to develop potential solutions, analyze alternatives, and test solutions in real-world situations.

1. OPERATIONS RESEARCH
BY
PRINCY J
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

2. Introduction
Operations research (OR) is an analytical
method of problem-solving and decision-making
that is useful in the management of organizations. In
operations research, problems are broken down into
basic components and then solved in defined steps by
mathematical analysis.

3. Major sub-disciplines
Computing and information technologies
Financial Engineering
Manufacturing, service science, and supply chain
management
Policy modeling and public sector work
Revenue management
Transportation

4. • Applications are abundant such as in airlines, manufacturing
companies, service organizations, military branches, and government. The
range of problems and issues to which it has contributed insights and
solutions is vast. It includes:[30]
• Scheduling (of airlines, trains, buses etc.)
• Assignment (assigning crew to flights, trains or buses; employees to projects;
commitment and dispatch of power generation facilities)
• Facility location (deciding most appropriate location for new facilities such as
warehouse; factory or fire station)
• Hydraulics & Piping Engineering (managing flow of water from reservoirs)
• Health Services (information and supply chain management)
• Game Theory (identifying, understanding; developing strategies adopted by
companies)
• Urban Design
• Computer Network Engineering (packet routing; timing; analysis)
• Telecom & Data Communication Engineering (packet routing; timing; analysis)

5. • Analytical methods used in OR include mathematical
logic, simulation, network analysis, queuing theory ,
and game theory . The process can be broadly
broken down into three steps.
• A set of potential solutions to a problem is developed.
(This set may be large.)
• The alternatives derived in the first step are analyzed
and reduced to a small set of solutions most likely to
prove workable.
• The alternatives derived in the second step are
subjected to simulated implementation and, if
possible, tested out in real-world situations. In this
final step, psychology and management science often
play important roles.

6. • Operation research has bee existed as a science since
1930’s when it began in a systematic way
• But as a formal discipline operational research
originated by the efforts of military planner during
World War II
• In the decade after World war II the techniques began
to be applied more widely I problems of business,
finances, logistics, industries and societies.
• Industrial research

7. Problem solving and decision making

10. 2. Determine the set of alternative
solutions

15. THANK YOU