operations research

American  

noun

1. the analysis, usually involving mathematical treatment, of a process, problem, or operation to determine its purpose and effectiveness and to gain maximum efficiency.

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operations research British  

noun

1. Also: operational research.  the analysis of problems in business and industry involving the construction of models and the application of linear programming, critical path analysis, and other quantitative techniques

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Etymology

Origin of operations research

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

The letter was organized by Ken Goldberg, professor of industrial engineering and operations research, and Ethan Katz, associate professor in the history department and the Center for Jewish Studies.

From Los Angeles Times

Costin earned his bachelor’s degree in operations research from the U.S.

From Washington Post

“Fentanyl is not poison. Fentanyl is desired by people who like to use opioids, just as heroin is,” said Jonathan P. Caulkins, a professor of operations research and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University.

From Washington Times

“The basic mission is to put buildings on a carbon diet,” said Paul Reale, director of building operations research at City University of New York’s Building Performance Lab.

From New York Times

Ms. Edwards, a resident of Silver Spring, Md., was born in Sandy Level, Va. At the FAA, she was a manager of statistics and quantitative analysis, information systems development, operations research and aviation safety.

From Washington Post