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Operations Research (OR) originated during
World War II as a response to tactical problems
relating to the efficient operation of weapon
systems, and to operational problems relating
to the deployment and employment of military
forces. OR has evolved since then
to a full-scale scientific discipline that
is practiced widely by analysts in industry,
government and the military.
OR is the science of helping people and
organizations make better decisions.
More formally, it is the development and
application of mathematical models, statistical
analyses, simulations, analytical reasoning
and common sense to the understanding and
improvement of real-world operations.
Improvement can be measured by the minimization
of cost, maximization of efficiency, or
optimization of other relevant measures
of effectiveness.
The military uses OR at the strategic,
operational and tactical levels. OR
improves decision making and facilitates
insights into the phenomena of combat.
OR applications cover the gamut of military
activities including: national policy analysis,
resource allocation, force composition and
modernization, logistics, human resources
(recruiting, retention, promotion, training
and personnel assignment), battle planning,
flight operations scheduling, intelligence,
command and control, weapon selection (weapon
system effectiveness, cost, compatibility
and operability), engagement tactics (fire
control, maneuver, target selection, and
battle damage assessment), maintenance and
replenishment, and search and rescue.
The Naval Postgraduate School's Operations
Research Department offers M.S. and Ph.D.
degrees. It is one of the oldest,
largest, and highest ranking OR departments
in the US. It is without peer in terms
of the extent to which graduate education
is integrated with a commitment to solving
real military problems. Our students
and faculty use the latest mathematical
modeling ideas and computing technology
to penetrate deeply into the analysis of
important real-world problems. Analysis
is a key word; NPS operations researchers
frequently influence decisions and serve
as agents for change.
The military specifically uses OR at the
strategic, operational, and tactical
levels. OR applications cover the
gamut of military activities including: national
policy analysis, resource allocation, force
composition and modernization, logistics, human
resources, battle planning, flight operations scheduling,
intelligence, command and control, weapon
selection, engagement tactics, maintenance
and replenishment, and search and rescue.
The OR Mission
- to educate analysts who are fully capable
of conducting independent analytical studies
of military problems, and to provide an
educational basis for continued learning
and development;
- to develop and maintain a world class
research program in operations research
and related areas;
- to provide operations research and general
analysis support to DOD.
"The OR you learn at NPS will make you a better ship driver, pilot, NFO, infantry officer or tanker. It changes the way you evaluate complex, uncertain situations. You will use it every day and in every job, as I have."
--VADM Ron Route, USN
Naval Inspector General
NPS OR M.S. '76
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