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Adventures in policy modeling! Operations research in the community and beyond

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  • Kaplan, Edward H.

Abstract

The literature describing operations research in the community is somewhat of a puzzle. On the one hand, several authors have denigrated the use of traditional operations approaches in addressing community problems, yet several studies document successful applications. Arguing that the operations research mindset is itself a great strength, we will review several examples where operations research methods have been employed creatively to the benefit of the community and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaplan, Edward H., 2008. "Adventures in policy modeling! Operations research in the community and beyond," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jomega:v:36:y:2008:i:1:p:1-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Klein, Jonathan H., 2009. "Ackoff's Fables revisited: stories to inform operational research practice," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 615-623, June.
    2. Cabrera, Derek & Cabrera, Laura & Powers, Erin & Solin, Jeremy & Kushner, Jennifer, 2018. "Applying systems thinking models of organizational design and change in community operational research," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 268(3), pages 932-945.
    3. Aubert, Alice H. & Schmid, Sara & Lienert, Judit, 2024. "Can online interfaces enhance learning for public decision-making? Eliciting citizens’ preferences for multicriteria decision analysis," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 314(2), pages 760-775.
    4. Konrad, Renata A. & Maass, Kayse Lee & Dimas, Geri L. & Trapp, Andrew C., 2023. "Perspectives on how to conduct responsible anti-human trafficking research in operations and analytics," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 309(1), pages 319-329.
    5. Keskin, Burcu B. & Griffin, Emily C. & Prell, Jonathan O. & Dilkina, Bistra & Ferber, Aaron & MacDonald, John & Hilend, Rowan & Griffis, Stanley & Gore, Meredith L., 2023. "Quantitative Investigation of Wildlife Trafficking Supply Chains: A Review," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    6. Tayo Fabusuyi & Michael P Johnson, 2022. "Enhancing the quality and social impacts of urban planning through community-engaged operations research," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(4), pages 1167-1183, May.
    7. Edward H. Kaplan, 2021. "Perspectives on Policy Modeling: 2018 MSOM Fellow Award," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 23(2), pages 267-273, March.
    8. Ackermann, Fran & Andersen, David F. & Eden, Colin & Richardson, George P., 2011. "ScriptsMap: A tool for designing multi-method policy-making workshops," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 427-434, August.
    9. Aubert, Alice H. & Lienert, Judit, 2024. "Operational Research for, with, and by citizens: An overview," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 316(3), pages 800-814.

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