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Adventures in policy modeling! Operations research in the community and beyond

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  • Kaplan, Edward H.

Abstract

The literature describing operations research in the community is somewhat of a puzzle. On the one hand, several authors have denigrated the use of traditional operations approaches in addressing community problems, yet several studies document successful applications. Arguing that the operations research mindset is itself a great strength, we will review several examples where operations research methods have been employed creatively to the benefit of the community and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaplan, Edward H., 2008. "Adventures in policy modeling! Operations research in the community and beyond," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jomega:v:36:y:2008:i:1:p:1-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Doris A. Behrens & Jonathan P. Caulkins & Gernot Tragler & Gustav Feichtinger, 2000. "Optimal Control of Drug Epidemics: Prevent and Treat---But Not at the Same Time?," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 46(3), pages 333-347, March.
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    8. C. Peter Rydell & Jonathan P. Caulkins & Susan S. Everingham, 1996. "Enforcement or Treatment? Modeling the Relative Efficacy of Alternatives for Controlling Cocaine," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 44(5), pages 687-695, October.
    9. John J. Bartholdi & Loren K. Platzman & R. Lee Collins & William H. Warden, 1983. "A Minimal Technology Routing System for Meals on Wheels," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 13(3), pages 1-8, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Klein, Jonathan H., 2009. "Ackoff's Fables revisited: stories to inform operational research practice," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 615-623, June.
    2. Cabrera, Derek & Cabrera, Laura & Powers, Erin & Solin, Jeremy & Kushner, Jennifer, 2018. "Applying systems thinking models of organizational design and change in community operational research," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 268(3), pages 932-945.
    3. Konrad, Renata A. & Maass, Kayse Lee & Dimas, Geri L. & Trapp, Andrew C., 2023. "Perspectives on how to conduct responsible anti-human trafficking research in operations and analytics," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 309(1), pages 319-329.
    4. Keskin, Burcu B. & Griffin, Emily C. & Prell, Jonathan O. & Dilkina, Bistra & Ferber, Aaron & MacDonald, John & Hilend, Rowan & Griffis, Stanley & Gore, Meredith L., 2023. "Quantitative Investigation of Wildlife Trafficking Supply Chains: A Review," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    5. Tayo Fabusuyi & Michael P Johnson, 2022. "Enhancing the quality and social impacts of urban planning through community-engaged operations research," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(4), pages 1167-1183, May.
    6. Edward H. Kaplan, 2021. "Perspectives on Policy Modeling: 2018 MSOM Fellow Award," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 23(2), pages 267-273, March.
    7. Ackermann, Fran & Andersen, David F. & Eden, Colin & Richardson, George P., 2011. "ScriptsMap: A tool for designing multi-method policy-making workshops," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 427-434, August.

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