Operations Research Analysts :: Job Description

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Operations Research Analysts

Careers / Operations Research Analysts

Summary Description


	Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Analyst

2.	Analytical Strategist

3.	Business Analytics Director

4.	Business Insight and Analytics Manager

5.	Business Operations Analyst

6.	Business Process Analyst

7.	Decision Analyst

8.	File System Installer

9.	Forms Analyst

10.	Liaison Planner

11.	Material Liaison

12.	Material Requirements Worker

13.	Method Consultant

14.	Methods Analyst

15.	Methods Specialist

16.	Office System Analyst

17.	Operations Analyst

18.	Operations Research Analyst

19.	Operations Research Group Manager

20.	Operations Research Manager

21.	Policy Advisor

22.	Policy Officer

23.	Procedure Analyst

24.	Procedure Writer

25.	Process Analyst

26.	Professor

27.	Scientist

28.	Standards Analyst

29.	Supply Chain Analyst

30.	Systems Analyst

31.	Systems Consultant

Job Tasks

	Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.

	Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.

	Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.

	Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.

	Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.

	Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.

	Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.

	Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.

	Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.

	Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.

	Break systems into their component parts, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.

	Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.

	Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.

	Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		program computers for management analysis applications

		program computers using existing software

		use computer application flow charts

		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze scientific research data or investigative findings

		analyze operational or management reports or records

		perform statistical modeling

		evaluate management programs

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		resolve engineering or science problems

		select business applications for computers

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		collect scientific or technical data

		assist with business or managerial research

		collect statistical data

		obtain information from individuals

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.


		design computer programs or programming tools

		develop mathematical ideas or interpretations

		create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts

		develop mathematical simulation models

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		compile numerical or statistical data

		develop tables depicting data

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		explain complex mathematical information

		write scholarly or technical research papers

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use cost benefit analysis techniques

		use interpersonal communication techniques

		use object-oriented computer programming techniques

		use scientific research methodology

		use knowledge of investigation techniques

		use long or short term production planning techniques

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use project management techniques

		use quantitative research methods

		use statistical cost estimation methods

		use library or online Internet research techniques

		follow statistical process control procedures

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		confer with research personnel

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.


		advise clients or customers

		provide expert testimony on research results

		recommend further study or action based on research data

		advise governmental or industrial personnel

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.


		plan scientific research or investigative studies

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		communicate technical information

		make presentations

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.


		develop management control systems

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		prepare reports

		prepare technical reports or related documentation

		develop records management system

		prepare reports for management

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Operations Research Analysts
	Operations research analysts formulate and apply mathematical modeling methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with policy formulation and other managerial functions. Using analytical techniques, operations research analysts help managers to make better decisions and solve problems. The procedures of operations research were first formalized by the military. They have been used in wartime to effectively deploy radar, search for enemy submarines, and get supplies to where they are most needed. In peacetime and in private enterprises, operations research is used in planning business ventures and analyzing options by using statistical analysis, data mining, simulation, computer modeling, linear programming, and other mathematical techniques.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Operations Research Analysts
	Operations research analysts generally work 40 hours a week; some, however, work longer. While most of their work is done in an office environment, they may spend time in the field, analyzing processes through direct observation. Because they work on projects that are of immediate interest to top managers, operations research analysts often are under pressure to meet deadlines.

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Interesting Fact

Thomas Edison not only invented electric light, he also invented wax paper, the phonograph (and record), the radio vacuum tube, the motion picture camera, an electronic voting machine and dozens more!

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