Operational Research in the U.K. in 1977: The Causes and Consequences of a Myth?

Abstract

Instead of maintaining the original ideal of having a broad scientific basis for practical Operational Research, it is suggested that the O.R. community has uncritically accepted a myth which views O.R. as a "Hard" (Physical or even Mathematical) Science. It is argued that this has had profound consequences which explain the present difficulties O.R. workers have with problems involving major Social or Behavioural features. It is concluded that the "Hard" Science myth must be replaced, and a return made to the original conception of O.R., if we are to assist effectively in the complex social issues we face today.

A shortened version of this paper was presented in the "Managing O.R. Effectively" session of the 1977 U.K. Operational Research Society Annual Conference in Oxford.

A shortened version of this paper was presented in the "Managing O.R. Effectively" session of the 1977 U.K. Operational Research Society Annual Conference in Oxford.