Operational research (also translated as homework research) is an interdisciplinary subject of applied mathematics and formal science. It uses statistics, mathematical models and algorithms to find the best or near-best solution to complex problems. Operational research is often used to solve complex problems in real life, especially to improve or optimize the efficiency of existing systems. The basic knowledge of operational research includes real analysis, matrix theory, stochastic process, discrete mathematics and algorithm basis. Application, mostly related to warehousing, logistics, algorithms and other fields. Therefore, operational research is closely related to applied mathematics, industrial engineering and computer science.

history

The word "operation" originally refers to the application of calculation, and later it is extended to the meaning of strategy. "Planning" originated from the evaluation of Sean by Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang: "Planning, winning thousands of miles away."

During World War II, the British army invited scientists to participate in operational research for the first time, and these research results were used for other purposes after the war, which is the origin of modern "operational research".

China used the name "operational research" in 1956, officially named it "operational research" in 1957, founded China Logistics Society (ORSC) in 1980, and joined the International Federation of Operational Research (IFORS) in 1982.