Problems, Processes and Purposes: The Systems Approach to O.R.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to argue that O.R. should get more involved in a systems approach to support the processes of decision making within organizations. To do this effectively, more research is needed, and some suggestions are made to shift the emphasis of research within the O.R. community. The shift should occur both at the fundamental level of major research efforts and in the styles of project sought within M.Sc. courses. If the practice of systems O.R. is to develop, then it is time that a theoretical basis is developed.