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Abstract
The address explores three questions that are important for operational research: ‘Where do we come from?’, ‘What are we?’ and ‘Where are we going?’ First, it looks briefly at the history of O.R. from Babbage to Blackett and the importance of a ‘union of theory and practice’ in our work. Then it looks at O.R.'s identity and image and argues that we do have a reasonably clear idea of our identity, although we do not give sufficient prominence to our contribution to improving system design. It also argues that the ‘brand image’ of O.R. has become diluted and needs to be simple, distinctive, relevant and compelling. In considering how we might achieve that, by addressing the third question, it proposes that we should grow our capability and activity in accommodating ‘analytics’, in building in behavioural science, in coping with complex systems, in developing design thinking and in encouraging evaluation. It also suggests strengthening bridges between academics and practitioners, between those working in different specialisms and in diverse sectors and between O.R. and the public. Finally, it argues that such developments would assist O.R. to reinforce our bridge between science and the humanities and enable us to better meet the challenges of the ‘real world’.
Inaugural Presidential Address, given at OR54 in Edinburgh on 4 September 2012.
Inaugural Presidential Address, given at OR54 in Edinburgh on 4 September 2012.
Acknowledgements
I am most grateful for helpful comments at various stages of development of this paper from those listed below (responsibility for the use or misuse of their contributions is of course mine!) David Bensley, Gavin Blackett, Chris Chapman, Peter Dick, Jeff Griffiths, David Halsall, Ruth Kaufman, Howard Malin, George Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Jane Parkin, Mike Pidd, John Ranyard, Stewart Robinson, Jo Smedley, Roy Stainton and Rolfe Tomlinson.