Introduction to operations research.pptx

This PPT is specially prepared for BCA 8th semester.
Subject: Operational Research
Unit :1

1. Introduction Operations research (OR) is a field that utilizes mathematical models and analytical techniques to support decision-making in intricate business and organizational activities. Operations research is popular because it helps businesses optimize processes, improve efficiency, minimize costs, and make data-driven decisions, ultimately leading to increased productivity and competitive advantage.

2. History of Operation research Operations research (OR) has its roots in World War II when military organizations employed mathematicians and scientists to analyze and optimize complex war strategies. After the war, OR techniques were applied to various industries, leading to its development as a field of study in business, engineering, and other sectors. Over the years, OR has evolved to encompass a wide range of methodologies and applications for decision-making and problem-solving in diverse fields.

3. Stages of development of operational research

4. Military Origins Originating during World War II, operational research was initially used by military organizations to optimize war strategies and logistical operations.

5. Post war expansions After the war, operational research techniques were applied to various industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, to improve efficiency and decision-making.

6. Academic Discipline Operational research evolved into a recognized academic discipline with the establishment of programs and research centers dedicated to studying mathematical modeling and optimization techniques.

7. Technology Advancement The advancement of computing technology has revolutionized operational research, enabling the development of sophisticated models and algorithms for complex problem-solving.

8. Contemporary Applications Today, operational research is widely applied in diverse fields, including finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and telecommunications, to address complex decision-making challenges and optimize operational processes.

9. Relationship between manager and OR specialist The relationship between a manager and an operations research specialist is typically collaborative and symbiotic. The manager provides domain expertise, business context, and decision-making requirements, while the OR specialist offers analytical skills, mathematical modeling expertise, and problem-solving techniques. By working together, they can leverage their respective strengths to identify, analyze, and implement optimal solutions to complex operational challenges, ultimately leading to improved decision-making and performance within the organization.

10. OR tools and techniques O perations research utilizes tools and techniques such as linear programming, simulation, decision analysis, queuing theory, and data analytics to analyze complex problems, optimize processes, and support decision-making in various industries and domains. By applying these methods, operations research specialists collaborate with managers to find efficient solutions and improve business performance.

11. Applications of Operational Research O perational research is applied in various fields such as supply chain management, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions. OR techniques help organizations solve complex problems and enhance decision-making to achieve better outcomes and competitive advantage.

12. Limitations of Operational research