operations research
noun
: the application of scientific and especially mathematical methods to the study and analysis of problems involving complex systems
called also operational research
Examples of operations research in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During World War II, the Allies had great success with the new field of operations research, the application of statistical methods to improve the outcome of tactical engagements.
—
J. Peter Scoblic, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020
Speakers included Ken Goldberg, professor of industrial engineering and operations research, University of California, Berkeley, and Sydney Skybetter, deputy dean of the College for Curriculum and Co-Curriculum and senior lecturer in theater arts and performance studies, Brown University.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2023
Costin earned his bachelor’s degree in operations research from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
—Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023
During World War II, her father served as director of operations research with the U.S. Army Signal Corps before moving to the University of Illinois.
—Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2023
Schneider competed in six Tournament of Champions games against software developer Andrew He and associate professor of operations research Sam Buttrey.
—Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2022
The coalition recently tapped Robert Leachman, a professor of industrial engineering and operations research at the University of California, Berkeley, to evaluate the port authority’s business plan.
—Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Sep. 2022
The new system uses an existing software system called Vantage to give commanders a real-time look at what is unaccounted for, Scott Forster, an operations research analyst at the Army, said in a briefing with AP.
—Kristin M. Hall and Justin Pritchard, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Dec. 2021
Sensor nodes have been installed along the vehicle's route, and Ford is working with Quantum Signal AI, which is a Ford subsidiary, to conduct remote operations research.
—Chanel Stitt, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2021
See More
J. Peter Scoblic, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020
Speakers included Ken Goldberg, professor of industrial engineering and operations research, University of California, Berkeley, and Sydney Skybetter, deputy dean of the College for Curriculum and Co-Curriculum and senior lecturer in theater arts and performance studies, Brown University.
—IEEE Spectrum, 9 June 2023
Costin earned his bachelor’s degree in operations research from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
—Susan Svrluga, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023
During World War II, her father served as director of operations research with the U.S. Army Signal Corps before moving to the University of Illinois.
—Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2023
Schneider competed in six Tournament of Champions games against software developer Andrew He and associate professor of operations research Sam Buttrey.
—Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2022
The coalition recently tapped Robert Leachman, a professor of industrial engineering and operations research at the University of California, Berkeley, to evaluate the port authority’s business plan.
—Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Sep. 2022
The new system uses an existing software system called Vantage to give commanders a real-time look at what is unaccounted for, Scott Forster, an operations research analyst at the Army, said in a briefing with AP.
—Kristin M. Hall and Justin Pritchard, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Dec. 2021
Sensor nodes have been installed along the vehicle's route, and Ford is working with Quantum Signal AI, which is a Ford subsidiary, to conduct remote operations research.
—Chanel Stitt, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operations research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1943, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of operations research was
in 1943
Dictionary Entries Near operations research
Cite this Entry
“Operations research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operations%20research. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on operations research
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operations research
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share