Education in Operational Research for the Developing Countries

Abstract

This paper is a contribution to the debate on the use of Operational Research in the developing countries. A description is given of some OR applications with high potential benefit, but it is suggested that the question of education for local practitioners is critical for success and that the long-term solution is to provide a training facility in the developing country itself. A proposal is detailed for a pilot project to be started in a selected country. The project team would include OR professionals and academics and would be involved in both practical OR studies and the training of local staff. It is suggested that the paper could form a basis for further discussion with the eventual aim of making a specific proposal to appropriate countries, aid agencies and organizations.

^*Previously a lecturer in Operational Research at the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

^*Previously a lecturer in Operational Research at the University of Nairobi, Kenya.