Potential Applications of OR in Developing Countries—A Generalization from Botswana

Abstract

Generalizing from experience in Botswana, the paper considers the role which OR can play in the development process in developing countries. It is argued that sophisticated techniques on tactical problems are unlikely to repay the research cost involved, while whole economy models, although interesting, are not operational. Nevertheless, OR could contribute to development by building various types of simple logical models, to demonstrate logical relations, and to serve in untangling decision options.