Defining Operations Research

Operations research has evolved as a research methodology over the last several decades, and draws on a variety of scientific disciplines, with a heavy reliance on mathematics. It involves data collection, the creation of mathematical models, and feedback loops for continuous improvement.

In her latest blog post, Professor Laura Albert shares key points of a 1952 lecture in which Philip McCord Morse of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attempts to identify a general overview of operations research. Over 60 years later, she finds that much of what Morse shared still rings true today.