Relationship Between the Manager and OR Specialist in Operations Research
Introduction
Operations Research (OR) is used to help managers make better decisions, because it is a scientific approach to decision-making. However, the final decision in an organization is always taken by the manager, it is not taken by the O.R. specialist. The responsibility for making decisions always belongs to the manager or decision-maker.
The manager understands the organization's objectives, policies, and day-to-day problems. The O.R. specialist studies the problem scientifically and uses mathematical techniques and quantitative information to find the best possible solution. This helps managers choose the best possible alternative.
That is, the key responsibility of a manager is decision making. The role of the OR (Operation Research) specialist is to help the manager make better decisions.
Therefore, both the manager and the O.R. specialist must work together throughout an OR study. So, successful Operations Research depends on close cooperation between the manager and the O.R. specialist.
Relationship Between the Manager and the O.R. Specialist — The manager and the O.R. specialist perform different but complementary roles during an Operations Research study. The manager understands the organization's objectives, policies, and practical problems, while the O.R. specialist applies scientific methods and mathematical techniques to analyse the problem and recommend the best solution.
- The work of the manager and the O.R. specialist is closely connected. Neither of them can complete an OR study alone.
- The manager identifies the problem, explains the organization's objectives, and takes the final decision.
- The O.R. specialist studies the problem, develops a mathematical model, analyses different alternatives, and recommends the best solution.
Flowchart: Relationship Between the Manager and O.R. Specialist
ManagerRecognizes the Problem exists↓Manager + O.R. SpecialistDefine & Formulate the Problem↓O.R. SpecialistSelect appropriate OR Technique↓O.R. SpecialistDevelop & Test Solutions↓Manager + O.R. SpecialistEvaluate practical feasibility & Alternatives↓ManagerSelect Final Decision↓Manager (supported by the O.R. Specialist)Communicate and Implement the Decision
The following steps explain how both work together throughout an OR study.
Step 1: Recognizing the Problem
The first step is to recognize that a problem exists within the organization. Every OR study begins when the manager realizes that a problem exists in the organization.
The manager usually identifies the problem by observing organizational performance, customer complaints, increasing costs, delays, or other operational difficulties. The problem may be related to production, transportation, inventory, cost, profit, or any other business activity.
The manager identifies the problem and deciding that improvement is needed.
Responsibility:
Manager
Example
A factory manager notices that production costs are increasing every month.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
The manager is responsible for identifying the problem.
Step 2: Defining and Formulating the Problem
After identifying the problem, it must be clearly defined. The manager explains the objectives, available resources, practical limitations, and organizational requirements. The O.R. specialist then converts the business problem into a mathematical or analytical model by identifying decision variables, constraints, and objectives.
Both work together during this stage because a correct problem definition is essential for finding the correct solution.
Responsibility:
Manager and O.R. Specialist
Example
The manager explains that production costs must be reduced without affecting product quality, while the O.R. specialist converts this requirement into a mathematical model. He develops an optimization model for the problem.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
Problem formulation is a joint responsibility of the manager and the O.R. specialist.
Step 3: Selecting Appropriate OR Techniques
Once the problem has been formulated, the O.R. specialist decides which OR technique is most suitable.
Depending on the nature of the problem, techniques such as Linear Programming, Transportation Models, Assignment Models, Inventory Models, Queuing Theory, or Simulation may be selected.
Responsibility:
O.R. Specialist
Example
To determine the optimum production plan, the O.R. specialist chooses a Linear Programming model.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
Selecting appropriate OR techniques is the responsibility of the O.R. specialist.
Step 4: Developing and Testing Alternative Solutions
The O.R. specialist solves the mathematical model and develops different possible solutions. He analyses the model, develops possible solutions, and evaluates different alternatives.
Each solution is carefully tested to ensure that it satisfies the objectives and constraints (practical limitations of the organization) of the problem.
If necessary, the mathematical model is modified until a satisfactory solution is obtained.
Responsibility:
O.R. Specialist
Example
Several production schedules are analysed before selecting the one that provides the highest profit with the available resources. That is, different production plans are prepared and compared before selecting the most economical one.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
The O.R. specialist develops and tests alternative solutions before making recommendations.
Step 5: Evaluating the Practical Feasibility (Usefulness) of the Solution
A mathematically optimum solution may not always be practical. That is, a mathematically correct solution may not always be suitable in practice.
Therefore, both the manager and the O.R. specialist evaluate whether the proposed solution can be implemented successfully within the organization's financial, technical, and operational limitations.
Financial limitations, available resources, company policies, and working conditions are all considered before accepting the solution.
Responsibility:
Manager and O.R. Specialist
Example
A production schedule may reduce costs, but management must also check whether enough workers and machines are available before accepting it.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
Practical evaluation requires cooperation between the manager and the O.R. specialist.
Step 6: Selecting the Best & Final Solution
After considering both the analytical results and practical organizational factors, the manager selects the most suitable solution.
The O.R. specialist provides recommendations, but the final decision always belongs to the manager.
Responsibility:
Manager
Example
The manager approves the production plan that best satisfies the organization's objectives and available resources.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
Operations Research supports decision making but does not replace the decision-maker.
Step 7: Communicating and Implementing the Decision
After selecting the solution, the manager communicates the decision to employees and supervisors, explains its purpose, and obtains their cooperation for successful implementation. He ensures that everyone understands the new plan.
The O.R. specialist may provide technical support during implementation and monitor the results if required.
Successful implementation depends on the cooperation of managers, employees, and the O.R. specialist.
Responsibility:
Manager (with technical support from the O.R. Specialist)
Example
The manager introduces a new production schedule and explains the changes to the workers before putting it into practice. Management explains the new production schedule to employees and provides training before implementing the recommended changes.
ЁЯТбExam Tip:
A successful OR study depends on proper implementation and cooperation among all members of the organization. Even the best OR solution is useful only when it is properly implemented.
Summary of Responsibilities
| Steps in Problem Recognition: Formulation and Solution |
Involvement: Primary Responsibility O.R. Specialist Or Manager |
|---|---|
| 1. Recognize the problem (Recognize from organizational symptoms that a problem exists) |
Manager |
| 2. Formulate the problem (Decide what variables are involved; state the problem in quantitative relationships among the variables.) |
Manager and O.R. Specialist |
| 3. Select OR techniques (Investigate methods for solving the problems as stated above; determine appropriate quantitative tools to be used.) |
O.R. Specialist |
| 4. Develop and test solutions (Attempt solutions to the problems; find various solutions; state assumptions underlying these solutions; test alternative solutions) |
O.R. Specialist |
| 5. Evaluate practical feasibility (Determine which solution is most effective because of practical constraints within the organization; decide what the solution means for the organization.) |
Manager and O.R. Specialist |
| 6. Select the final solution (Choose the solution to be used.) |
Manager |
| 7. Communicate and implement the decision (‘Sell’ the decision to operating managers; get their understanding and cooperation.) |
Manager and O.R. Specialist |
Conclusion
Operations Research is a team effort in which both the manager and the O.R. specialist play important roles. The manager contributes practical knowledge of the organization, while the O.R. specialist provides scientific analysis and quantitative techniques.
Although the O.R. specialist recommends the best possible solution, the authority to make and implement the final decision always remains with the manager. Therefore, effective communication and cooperation between both are essential for the successful application of Operations Research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the role of the manager in Operations Research?
The manager identifies the problem, explains the objectives, selects the final solution, and ensures that it is implemented successfully.
That is, the manager identifies organizational problems, provides practical information, evaluates recommendations, makes the final decision, and ensures successful implementation.
2. What is the role of an O.R. specialist?
An O.R. specialist studies the problem, formulates mathematical models, selects suitable OR techniques, analyses alternatives, and recommends the best possible solution.
3. Who makes the final decision in Operations Research?
The final decision is always made by the manager or decision-maker. Operations Research only provides scientific support for decision making.
4. Why is cooperation between the manager and the O.R. specialist important?
Successful OR studies require both practical managerial experience and scientific analysis. Cooperation ensures that the recommended solution is both technically sound and practically feasible.
5. Can an O.R. specialist implement decisions independently?
No. The O.R. specialist acts as an advisor. Implementation is carried out under the authority and responsibility of the manager.
References
The concepts discussed in this article are consistent with the standard principles presented in:
- Kanti Swarup, P. K. Gupta & Man Mohan – Operations Research
- J. K. Sharma – Operations Research: Theory and Applications
- Hamdy A. Taha – Operations Research: An Introduction
- Frederick S. Hillier & Gerald J. Lieberman – Introduction to Operations Research
- H. M. Wagner – Principles of Operations Research
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