An investigation of the use of computers within operational research

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between operational research (OR) and computer technology. It does this by first sketching some conflicting opinions expressed about computers and OR, and then examining various motivations, styles and methods that can be identified for adopting computer-based approaches. This analysis is used to report on the results of a survey on computers in OR, based on UK Operational Research Society members. On the basis of the analysis and the survey results the authors make some observations on the diffusion process within operational research.