OPERATONS RESEARCH: INME 323

NAME: KEEDITSE MAITHAMAKO STUDENT ID: 14000800

LECTURER: DR RODRIGO JR. TITLE: HISTORY OF O.R

DUE DATE: 09/06/17

QUESTION ONE:
O.R is a mathematical study of systems with input and output from the viewpoint of
optimization subject to given constraints. (Hill, 2003)

It also means the application of objective and quantitative criteria to decision making previously
undertaken by empirical methods. (Hill, 2003)

QUESTION TWO

O.R is a distinct discipline on its own right, but has also become an integral part of Industrial
Engineering. It is traced to the latter half of the World War II in England, with the aim of
developing radar defense systems for the royal air force. Researchers have noted a rapid
expansion in:

i) The breadth of problem areas to which O.R has been applied

ii) The magnitude of the problems that can be addressed using O.R methodologies

Today, O.R is a mature, well-developed field with a sophisticated array of techniques that are
used routinely to solve problems in a wide range of applications area (Zandin, 2001)

QUESTION THREE

O.R is important in that it helps in:

-Better understanding of the system and its behavior

-quantification of expected system performance

-prescription of optimal systems

-making rational data-driven decisions

(Geng, 2016)

QUESTION FOUR

ACCOUNTING: assigning audit teams effectively, cash flow planning, establishing costs for
byproducts

MANUFACTURING: inventory control, production smoothing, production scheduling

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: R & D projects control, planning of product introduction

PURCHASING: Optimal buying, materials transfer etc.

MARKETING: product introduction timing, selection of Product mix

FINANCE: Portfolio analysis, investment analysis etc.

Bibliography
Geng, H. (2016). Manufacturing Engineering Handbook. New York: Mc Graw Hill Education.

Hill, M. G. (2003). Mc Graw Hill Dictionary of scientific and technical terms. New York: Mc Graw Hill
Education.

Zandin, K. B. (2001). Maynard's Industrial Engineering Handbook 5th Ed. New York: Mc Graw Hill.