This document provides an overview of operational research. It discusses how operational research uses analytical methods to help make better decisions and optimize resource allocation. The history section notes that operational research originated from military planning efforts in World War II and has since expanded into various industries. Some key methods covered include simulation, optimization, and data analysis. The operational research process typically involves identifying problems, finding potential solutions, testing solutions, utilizing and disseminating results. Various models are also used like allocation, inventory, sequencing and waiting line models.

1. OPERATION RESEARCH

2. CONTENTS
1. Overview.
2. History.
3. Definitions.
4. Objectives of Operational Research.
5. Scope ofOperational Research.
6. Methods of Operational Research.
7. Operational Research process.
8. Models used in OR

3. OVERVIEW

4. Overview
Operational Research is the
scientific study of operations
for the purpose of making
better decisions.

5. Overview
 It is a discipline that deals with application
of advanced analytical methods to
facilitate better decisions .
 It represents the study of optimal resource
allocation.

6. Overview
In simple terms, it is described as
“the science of better”.

7. Overview
 Modern synonyms forOperational Research are
ManagementScience or DecisionScience.
 It is often considered to be a sub-field of
mathematics.

8. But now a days the principles and
techniques of Operational Research
are being applied in every field of
human research and development.

9. HISTORY

10. History
 Operational Research has been existed as a
science since 1930‘s.
 But as a formal discipline
Operational Research originated
by the efforts of military planner
during WorldWar II .

11. History
The analytical study of military
problems was undertaken to
provide scientific basis for
decisions to improve military
operations.

12. History
In the decade after WorldWar-II the
techniques began to be applied more
widely in problems of business,
industries and societies.

13. History
 Since the time Operational Research
has expanded into a field widely used
in industries ranging from petro-
chemical to airlines, finances, logistics
and government.
 Now it has become an area of active
academic and industrial research.

14. History
The techniques of Operational Research have
been applied and proven in many industries
under different names.
For instance :-
- ‘Lean’ in manufacturing.
- ‘SupplyChain’ in logistics and
- ‘Yield Management’ in airlines.

15. DEFINITIONS

16. DEFINITION
“Operational Research is the scientific
study of operations for the purpose of
making better decisions.”

17. Definition by WHO (2003)
“The use of systematic research techniques
for program decision making to achieve a
specific outcome.”

18. A working meeting in Geneva on -
“Framework forOperation and Implementation Research in Health and
DiseasesControl Program”
All participant were agreed on -
“Any research producing practically
usable knowledge ( evidence , finding ,
information) which can improve program
implementation (effectiveness , efficiency ,
quality , access , scale-up, sustainability)
regardless the type of research (design,
method, approach) falls within the
boundaries ofOperational Research.”

19. OBJECTIVES
OF
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

20. Objectives
 Decision making and improve its quality.
 Identify optimum solution.
 Integrating the systems.
 Improve the objectivity of analysis.
 Minimize the cost and maximize the profit.
 Improve the productivity.
 Success in competition and market
leadership.

21. Objectives
The intent ofOperational Research is
 to learn about management and
administration of socio-cultural behavior and
economic factors that exist as bottleneck to
effective implementation and
 to develop more effective approaches to the
programming.

22. SCOPE OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

23. Scope of Operational Research
1. National plans and budget.
2. Health care services and National Health Programs.
3. Government development and public sector unit.
4. Industrial establishment and private sector unit.
5. National defense services.
6. Research and development in engineering.
7. Public works department.
8. Business management.
9. Agriculture and irrigation projects.
10. Education and training.
11. Transport and communication.

24. METHODS OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

25. Methods
Despite the number of technical labels like-
- multi-criteria decision analysis,
- linear and non linear programming,
- discrete-event simulation,
- queuing and stochastic process modeling,
- conjoint analysis or
- neural networking.

26. METHODS
Most projects ofOperational Research apply
one of three broad groups of methods :-
1.Simulation methods.
2.Optimization methods.
3.Data-analysis methods.

27. 1.Simulation method
It gives ability to conduct sensitive
study to -
(a). search for improvements and
(b). test the improvement ideas
that are being made.

28. 2.Optimization methods
Here goal is to enable the decision
makers to identify and locate the
very best choice, where innumerable
feasible choices are available and
comparing them is difficult.

29. 3.Data-analysis methods
 The goal is to aid the decision-maker in
detecting actual patterns and inter-
connections in the data set and
 Use of this analysis for making solutions.
 This method is very useful in Public Health.

30. OPERATIONAL RESEARCH PROCESS

31. Process
1. Identification of program problem.
2. Identification of possible reasons and
solutions .
3. Testing of potential solution.
4. Results utilization.
5. Results dissemination.

32. 1.Identification of the program problem
 Most critical step in the process.
 Unless problem is clearly defined it is
impossible to develop good solutions.

33. 2.Identification of possible
reasons and solutions
 Once the problem has been identified , it is
the job of the program implementer and
researcher to determine the reasons for the
problem and generate possible solutions.

34. 3.Testing of potential solution
 A good solution must be measurable, easy to
implement and sustainable.
 To determine effectiveness of proposed
solution two designs are used-
(a) quasi-experimental design.
- comparison of situations before and after the
solution.
(b) true experiment.
- comparison of outcome between experimental and
control groups.

35. 4.Result utilization
 It is necessary to decide how its results are
meant to be used.
 This determine to some extent that what
information should be collected.

36. 5.Results dissemination
Results dissemination are done in the
form of seminars or by meeting with
decision makers.

37. Models used in OR
1. Allocation Models
2. Simulation Models
3. Inventory Models
4. Networks models
5. Sequencing Models
6. Waiting Line models
7. Replacement Models
8. Routing and Transhipment Models

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