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Soft OR and Practice: The Contribution of the Founders of Operations Research

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  • Robert G. Dyson

    (Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom)

  • Frances A. O’Brien

    (Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom)

  • Devan B. Shah

    (Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; Broadwalk Limited, 00100 Thika, Kenya)

Abstract

This paper explores the work of some 43 founders of operations research. In particular, it considers the links between soft operations research (OR) and these founders. Several of the founders were direct influencers of the soft OR proponents, whereas others related to the context, process, and content of soft OR. Coupled with the deductive and inductive reasoning approaches of soft OR, it is argued that soft OR is a legitimate branch of OR. The paper also focuses on the embeddedness of the founders, and the soft OR proponents, in practice and argues that, for academics, engagement with practice has been and will continue to be an important driver for the health and development of operations research.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert G. Dyson & Frances A. O’Brien & Devan B. Shah, 2021. "Soft OR and Practice: The Contribution of the Founders of Operations Research," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 69(3), pages 727-738, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:69:y:2021:i:3:p:727-738
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.2020.2051
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    References listed on IDEAS

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