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OR FORUM---High Leverage Interventions: Three Cases of Defensive Action and Their Lessons for OR/MS Today

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  • David C. Lane

    (London School of Economics and Political Science, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom)

Abstract

This paper has two aims. First, to present cases in which scientists developed a defensive system for their homeland: Blackett and the air defense of Britain in WWII, Forrester and the SAGE system for North America in the Cold War, and Archimedes' work defending Syracuse during the Second Punic War. In each case the historical context and the individual's other achievements are outlined, and a description of the contribution's relationship to OR/MS is given.The second aim is to consider some of the features the cases share and examine them in terms of contemporary OR/MS methodology. Particular reference is made to a recent analysis of the field's strengths and weaknesses. This allows both a critical appraisal of the field and a set of potential responses for strengthening it. Although a mixed set of lessons arise, the overall conclusion is that the cases are examples to build on and that OR/MS retains the ability to do high stakes work.

Suggested Citation

  • David C. Lane, 2010. "OR FORUM---High Leverage Interventions: Three Cases of Defensive Action and Their Lessons for OR/MS Today," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 58(6), pages 1535-1547, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:58:y:2010:i:6:p:1535-1547
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.1100.0887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. David C. Lane & Jim Duggan, 2020. "Addressing public health and security challenges with system dynamics," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(6), pages 867-874, November.
    2. David C. Lane, 2022. "Fons et origo: reflections on the 60th anniversary of Industrial Dynamics," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 38(3), pages 292-324, July.
    3. Weaver, Miles W & Crossan, Kenny & Tan, Hock B & Paxton, Steven E, 2018. "A systems approach to understanding the perspectives in the changing landscape of responsible business in Scotland," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 268(3), pages 1149-1167.
    4. David C. Lane & Birgit Kopainsky & David C. Lane & Birgit Kopainsky, 2017. "Natural Resource Management: Contributions of System Dynamics to Research, Policy and Implementation," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 378-385, July.

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