Operations Researcher Career Information
Managing large organizations require efficient use of materials, equipment, and people. Operations Research (OR) analysts determine the optimal means of coordinating these elements by applying mathematical principles to organizational problems.
Operations Researchers solve problems in different ways and propose alternative solutions to management, which then chooses the course of action that best meets their goals. In general, Operations Research analysts are concerned with issues such as strategy, forecasting, resource allocation, facilities layout, inventory control, personnel schedules and distribution systems.
Operations research in its classical role of carrying out analysis to support management's quest for performance improvement entails a similar set of procedures. Managers begin the process by describing the symptoms of a problem to the analyst, who then formally defines the problem.
For example, an operations research analyst for an auto manufacturer may be asked to determine the best inventory level for each of the parts needed on a production line and to determine the number of windshields to be kept in inventory.
Too many windshields would be wasteful and expensive, while too few could result in an unintended halt in production. Operations research analysts study such problems, and then break them into their component parts.
Analysts then gather information about each of these parts from a variety of sources. To determine the most efficient amount of inventory to be kept on hand, for example, Operations Researcher analysts might talk with engineers about production levels, discuss purchasing arrangements with buyers, and examine data on storage costs provided by the accounting department.
Job Opportunities
As an Operations Researcher you will find opportunities in:
• Operation research departments of large manufacturing companies
• Defence research organisations
• University departments
• Mathematical research organisations
Career Prospects
Employment growth expected for Operations Researcher analysts will be driven by the continuing use of operations research and management science techniques to improve productivity, ensure quality, and reduce costs in private industry and government.
This should result in a steady demand for workers knowledgeable in operations research techniques in the years ahead. However one must realise that the number of analysts employed by a company are very
• You should enjoy doing mathematics if you want to be a Operations Researcher
• You should love crunching numbers and theories with a strong ability to solve complex analytical problems
• As an Operations Researcher you should enjoy solving mathematical and analytical problems and have an aptitude for these
• You should be very strong in all areas of Mathematics like Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and others
• Operation Researchers logical and analytical reasoning skills should be well above average
You need a basic degree in Mathematics or a BSc in Pure Science or BE/ BTech with a strong aptitude for Mathematics to pursue a career in this line. After your graduation, you must seek to enroll for a Master's degree in Mathematics with specialization in Operations Research or a MSc in Operations Research. Operations Researchers can also do PhD after MSc
In industries, Operations Research Analysts generally earn Rs 25000-35000 a month in the beginning. A senior professional may earn anything between Rs 30000 - 50000 a month. In research organisations and universities, you can earn about Rs 22000 - 32000 a month.