Operations Researcher Career Description
Operations researchers use quantitative techniques and models to find answers for financial, economic and management problems. The aim is to develop alternatives from which the best solution to the problem can be chosen.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
In the widest sense, operations researchers give support with decision-making problems in just about all fields. The type of problems operations researchers deal with, can vary from decision-making on a national or international level to the day-to-day management of a small business or factory.
On a national level operations researchers have been involved in the following activities:
» Planning of the 1994 election.
» Determining the optimal use of water resources.
» Assisting government in planning educational, manpower and health development policies.
» Assessing conservation and management policies for game parks.
Operations research work is also done for specific companies, for example in mining companies. This involves planning cost-effective practices and developments and evaluating future strategies. In banking, problems such as planning client services, determining how to keep A TM machines optimally stocked and assessing the risks involved in investments and customer credit, are addressed. In industry operations research is used in forecasting, quality control and the planning and management of manpower, technology, resources and transport.
Most of the work is of a quantitative nature, using computers and mathematical methods and models to make the best decision.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Operations researchers should have a mathematical aptitude and be interested in its practical implementation. They should be able to think clearly and logically and approach a problem systematically.
Creativity, resourcefulness and initiative are also important qualities. A wide general knowledge and interest in a wide variety of subjects would be an advantage. They must be able to work well within a team and on their own and have good communication skills. It is essential that operations researchers can grasp a problem and explain solutions in practical, everyday language as well as in mathematical "jargon".
Where can I work?
People can work as operations research specialists within a company. This usually involves general operations research or operations research directed at the company's specialization area. Examples would be operations research divisions at mining houses, large banks, production companies and even research institutions.
Operations researchers are also employed at research and training institutions.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Operations researchers can work as independent management consultants.
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