Introductory description

This module covers the craft processes involved in carrying out operational research (OR) studies in organisations. While other modules generally provide specific technical capabilities, the methodology modules supply the general approaches and skills necessary to use these techniques effectively in practical organizational interventions.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The practice of operational research (OR); models and modelling in OR studies; issues in problem structuring and data collection; OR model validation and verification.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the nature of OR studies and the practical issues involved in developing OR models, as well as recognise the importance of the problem structuring skills required in conducting OR studies.
• Formulate, test and validate OR models.

Indicative reading list

Daellenbach, H.G. and McNickle D.C. (2005). Management Science: decision making through systems thinking, Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Bryson, J., Ackermann, F., Eden, C. and Finn, C. (2004) Visible Thinking: unlocking causal mapping for practical business results, Chichester: Wiley.
Mitchell, G. (1993) The Practice of Operational Research, Chichester: Wiley.
Pidd, M. (2003) Tools for Thinking: modelling in Management Science (2nd ed.), Chichester: Wiley.
Rivett, B.H.P. (1994) The Craft of Decision Modelling, Chichester: Wiley.
Rosenhead, J. and Mingers, J. (2001) Rational Analysis for a Problematic World Revisited: problem structuring methods for complexity, uncertainty and conflict (2nd ed.), Chichester: Wiley.

Subject specific skills

Appreciate a range of modelling approaches and the circumstances in which they might be applied.

Transferable skills

Conduct interviews using problem structuring methods