Anthropology and O.R.: The Place of Observation in Management Science Process

Abstract

This paper is an argument to combine the methods of observation with O.R. techniques to form the basis of a management science process. The paper begins by defining a typology showing where observation methods seem to be most appropriate in O.R. interventions. This is followed by a section outlining some of the techniques and problems of observation as seen from the field of anthropology. Using this theory, combined with personal experience, an observation process is developed. An example of using the process is then given.

Keywords:

• professional
• practice
• philosophy