Operations Research in Medium-Sized Companies and the Microcomputer Revolution: Educational Implications

Abstract This research focuses on the current practices of operations research/management science (OR/MS) techniques in medium-sized companies and identifies their impact on the education of OR/MS. Data were collected from 479 organizations on characteristics of the firms that use or do not use OR/MS, techniques used and where they are used, types of computer systems used, problems of implementation, and reasons for not using OR/MS. Our survey indicated that OR/MS courses should provide training in microcomputer-based OR/MS tools and in accessing databases on larger computers; familiarize students with embedding OR in other types of applications and interfacing with them; include real world projects or cases; place more emphasis on applications in the service sector; and provide students with a strong background in the application of statistics, project management, simulation, linear programming, and “quick and dirty” techniques.