Skip to main content
Log in

Globalization, social development, and operations research: an exploration of strategies for success

  • Published:
Annals of Operations Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper argues that in today’s world order, policy-making takes precedence over analytical and technical models that have historically formed the mainstay of Operations Research. The structural and human dimensions of this transition is discussed in the form of six Policy Imperatives aimed at the creation of a world order that makes it more humane and less vulnerable to failure. It is proposed that though OR occupies a prominent role in developmental initiatives, in order for its successful implementation in meeting social goals, the context in which it is invoked must be conducive to social transformation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bathala, C. and A.R. Korukonda. (2003). “An Analysis of Social Welfare Issues in Free Market Environments.” International Journal of Social Economics 30 (8), 854–866.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beams, Nick. (2001). “IMF Points to Danger of a Protracted Global Downturn.” 6. http://www.wsws.org: News and Analysis.

  • Bellamy, E. (1888). Looking Backward: 2000-1887. New York: Signet Classic, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  • Child, J. (1997). “Organizational Design and Performance: Contingency Theory and Beyond.” Organization and Administrative Sciences 8 (22), 169–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drazin, R. and A. Van de Ven. (1985). “Alternative Forms of Fit in Contingency Theory.” Administrative Science Quarterly 30 (4): 514–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dutta, A. (1996). “Telecommunications Infrastructure in Developing Countries: Privatization Trends.” In Palvia et al. (Eds.) Global Information Technology and Systems Management Key Issues and Trends (Chapter 8). Ivy League Publishing Ltd.: Nashva, NH.

    Google Scholar 

  • Economist, The (1991). “Caged: A Survey of India.” 4–10, 1–18.

  • Erry, A. (1998). “A long way to go.” DataQuest India 15.

  • George, H. (1882). Progress and Poverty. 4xsEd., New York: D. Appleton & Co. [First published 1879].

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenwood, J. and S. Ogus. (1992). As summarized in The Economist: “Asian Economies: Freedom pays.”

  • Hannah, L. (1983). The Rise of the Corporate Economy. Methuen, London, UK.

  • Heeks, R. (1996). “Global Software Outsourcing to India by Multinational Corporations.” In Palvia et al. (Eds.) Global Information Technology and Systems Management (Chapter 27). Ivy League Publishing: Nashva, NH.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henriot, P.J. (1989). “Forgive us our debts,” America 9, 420–424.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, Z. and P. Palvia. (2001). “ERP implementation issues in advanced and developing countries.” Business Process Management Journal 7(3), 276–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanbur, R. (2001). “Economic Policy, Distribution and Poverty: The Nature of Disagreements.” World Development 29 (6), 1083–1094.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kadlec, D. (2003). “Terrorism futures: Good concept, bad P.R.,” Time 11, 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, M.W. (2000). “Operations Research trajectories: The Anglo-American Experience from the 1940s to the 1990s.” Operations Research 48(5), 661–670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Korukonda, A.R. (1999). “Policy Imperatives for the International Economy and for Financial Markets in the Emerging World Order,” International Journal of Value-Based Management 12, 51–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence, P.R., and J.W. Lorsch. (1967). Organization and Environment Managing Differentiation and Integration. Boston: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd, H.D. (1898). Wealth against the Commonwealth. New York: Harper Brothers [Originally published 1894].

    Google Scholar 

  • Lux, K. (1990). Adam Smith's Mistake: How a Moral Philosopher Invented Economics and Ended Morality. Boston: Shambhala.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinnon, R. (1993). “Financial Growth and Macroeconomic Stability in China, 1978–92: Implications for Russia and Eastern Europe.” In The Order of Economic Liberalization: Financial Control in the Transition to a Market Economy (Ch. 13: 187–216). Baltimore and London: John Hopkins University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothchild, J. (1988). A Fool and His Money. New York: Viking, 198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skousen, M. (2001). The Making of Modern Economics: The Lives and Ideas of Great Thinkers. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trefethen, F.N. (1954). “A history of Operations Research.” In J.F. McCloskey, F.N. Trefethen (Eds.) Operations Research for Management. Johns Hopkins Press: Baltimore, MD, 3–35.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Appa Rao Korukonda.

Additional information

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the International Conference on Operations Research for Development (ICORD) held December 27–30, 2002 at Anna University, Chennai. The author would like to acknowledge the helpful comments of anonymous reviewers. He would also like to thank Professor K.S.P. Rao of Anna University for his gracious assistance.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Korukonda, A.R. Globalization, social development, and operations research: an exploration of strategies for success. Ann Oper Res 143, 21–30 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-006-7369-y

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-006-7369-y

Keywords

Navigation