About Operations Research

Operations Research: A Modern Discipline

Operations Research (OR) is the use of the scientific methodology in studying systems whose design or operation require human decision making. OR provides the means for making the most effective decisions - some of which are mainly concerned with design, while others are mainly operational in nature. The strength and versatility of OR stems from its diagnostic power through observation and modeling, as well as from its prescriptive power through analysis and synthesis.

OR is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on (and contributing to) the techniques from many fields, including the mathematical sciences, engineering, economics and the physical sciences. OR practitioners have successfully solved a wide variety of real world problems - varying from the optimal design of telecommunications networks in the face of uncertain demand, to the planning for an optimal deployment of armed forces during wartime. Most importantly, new applications are continually arising, most notably in computer and telecommunication technology, in the financial and economic community, in medicine, in education, to name just a few. Many of these new applications originate from relatively recent societal problems, such as food and energy production and distribution, health maintenance, environmental pollution control, and software production.

Operations Research at NCSU

The interdisciplinary nature of Operations Research is reflected in the OR Programs at NC State University. The OR Program is headed by co-directors Dr. Yahya Fathi (COE) and Dr. Negash Medhin (PAMS). The faculty who teach OR courses, supervise OR students and take part in the administration of the program have their academic appointments in a number of departments not only in the Colleges of Engineering and Physical and Mathematical Sciences but also in the Colleges of Management, Forestry, and Textiles. OR courses are crosslisted with other departments; OR students have TA and RA positions in many departments, including the departments of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, industrial engineering, mathematics and statistics.

The program offers three advanced degrees - the Master of Operations Research (MOR) Degree , the Master of Science (MSc) Degree and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree . Students may customize their program of study by doing research with any OR faculty member who, as we have already mentioned, have their academic appointments in a variety of departments.

Further details and statistics about the program and its faculty and students can be found in our 2005-2006 annual report and in our program brochure.