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Operations research from the viewpoint of general systems theory

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  • Sagasti, Francisco R
  • Mitroff, Ian I

Abstract

This paper examines the operations research process from the viewpoint of General Systems Theory. The components of the OR process and the relations between them are critically examined. The five components are: (1) the "reality" of the problem situation, (2) the conceptual model of the problem situation, (3) the scientific model of the conceptual model, (4) the solution to the scientific model, and (5) the implementation of the solution. The paper argues that we have sub-optimized both our knowledge (study) and our application of the OR process. That is, there have been extremely few studies and applications of OR which have concerned themselves with OR from a whole systems point of view. The paper argues that without a whole systems perspective OR can neither be understood nor effectively applied.

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  • Sagasti, Francisco R & Mitroff, Ian I, 1973. "Operations research from the viewpoint of general systems theory," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 1(6), pages 695-709, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jomega:v:1:y:1973:i:6:p:695-709
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    Cited by:

    1. Dekkers, Rob, 2018. "Group technology: Amalgamation with design of organisational structures," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 262-277.
    2. Ian Mitroff & Thomas V. Bonoma, 1978. "Psychological Assumptions, Experimentation, and Real World Problems," Evaluation Review, , vol. 2(2), pages 235-260, May.
    3. Settanni, Ettore & Thenent, Nils Elias & Newnes, Linda B. & Parry, Glenn & Goh, Yee Mey, 2017. "Mapping a product-service-system delivering defence avionics availability," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 186(C), pages 21-32.
    4. David C. Lane & Özge Pala & Yaman Barlas & David C. Lane, 2015. "Validity is a Matter of Confidence—But Not Just in System Dynamics," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(4), pages 450-458, July.

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