Using operations research methods for homeland security problems

Abstract

This chapter describes operations research (OR) techniques and highlights their use to solve homeland security problems. This is intended to give policy makers and decision makers insight into what OR can do and how it is relevant to their particular concerns and problems. After discussing how to use OR, the chapter reviews four areas: (1) understanding what has happened; (2) considering what could happen; (3) deciding what to do; and (4) finding the best solution. The techniques available for understanding what has happened include data mining and monitoring time series data. Considering what could happen requires risk analysis and using queueing models and simulation models. Decision analysis and game theory can be used to make decisions, but finding the best solution requires formulating and solving an optimization problem. Because the examples illustrate how specific techniques have been applied, homeland security professionals can use this chapter to understand what operations research can offer and identify the techniques that are relevant to their problems. The chapter also includes references to essential books and articles that can provide more information.