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Reconsidering the Philosophical Basis of OR/MS

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  • Jack R. Meredith

    (Babcock Graduate School of Management, Wake Forest University, P.O. Box 7659, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109-7659)

Abstract

Many in Operations Research/Management Science (OR/MS) have long predicted a major contraction in the field. Given the recent trends in OR/MS hiring, this contraction may have finally arrived, both in academia, as well as in industry. This study maintains that part of this contraction is because we drifted from the field's broad, real-world roots due to a limited philosophical foundation of the field, our realist view of reality. If our commonly held realist philosophy has, in the ironic fashion described herein, given rise to the “academic drift” in the field, the recognition of a relativist philosophy that emphasizes understanding over problem solving could help return the field to its roots.

Suggested Citation

  • Jack R. Meredith, 2001. "Reconsidering the Philosophical Basis of OR/MS," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 49(3), pages 325-333, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:49:y:2001:i:3:p:325-333
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.49.3.325.11213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vikram Tiwari & Srinagesh Gavirneni, 2007. "ASP, The Art and Science of Practice: Recoupling Inventory Control Research and Practice: Guidelines for Achieving Synergy," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 37(2), pages 176-186, April.
    2. Sanjay L. Ahire & Michael F. Gorman & David Dwiggins & Oleh Mudry, 2007. "Operations Research Helps Reshape Operations Strategy at Standard Register Company," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 37(6), pages 553-565, December.
    3. Meltem Denizel & Behlul Usdiken & Deniz Tuncalp, 2003. "Drift or Shift? Continuity, Change, and International Variation in Knowledge Production in OR/MS," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 51(5), pages 711-720, October.

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