Practical applications of OR in an underdeveloped nation

Abstract This paper discusses 13 specific problematic situations, which were presented to the author by the government of Somalia, an underdeveloped nation in East Africa. These situations are totally different from the ones for which decision methods have already been developed by OR specialists. Each one of these emerged under extremely poor and harsh economic and political environments. The primary objective pursued in each case was to make the situation tolerable for as many people as possible. We could group these situations into two categories — 1) micro-level, and 2) national level. Each situation is described and analyzed in a separate subsection. First, the background conditions are highlighted; next, the government objectives for the situation are brought into focus. Before starting with the analysis, all the existing constraints and limits impinging upon the situation in question are elaborated upon. This is followed by discussions about the assumptions which had to be made for developing each model or decision methodology. Further, the paper outlines the possible surprises or management dilemmas which may pop up during implementation of the decision. Next, certain precautions or remedies to deal with such surprises are suggested. Finally, a realistic assessment of the effectiveness of each of these models or decision methodologies is provided. In conclusion, the paper adds a few comments in relation to some of the possible questions or arguments likely to be raised by some OR experts.