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

After studying computer science and operations research, he interviewed for quant jobs on Wall Street but decided he couldn’t possibly live in New York.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Levi is not a medical doctor, instead his background is in mathematics and operations research and he also served as an intelligence officer of the elite Israeli Intelligence Corps.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

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 • Jul. 15, 2025

Mercer, who has degrees from Stanford University in biology, mathematics and operations research and engineering economic systems, is known to be a smart delegator.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2021

There was a man who is noted for his highly theoretical physics and mathematics, and another who had pioneered operations research during World War II.

From The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Ruppelt, Edward J.