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

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

“I knew Ashley, because it was a meeting with the dean, would look very nice that day,” said Mr. Arrowsmith, 35, and an operations research analyst for the United States Department of Defense.

From New York Times

“It’s like calling the fire department after your house burns to the ground,” says A. David Paltiel, an operations research expert at the Yale School of Public Health.

From Science Magazine

He received a doctorate in operations research from Yale University in 1984.

From Washington Post