A comparative analysis of operations research management science model implementation and information systems implementation

Abstract

We present a comparative analysis of the literature on implementation of OR/MS models and IS to support managerial decision making. OR/MS models historically have had minimal success with implementation partly due to factors such as, the need for specialized knowledge and terminology, long development time, and model usability, among others. With more powerful end-user hardware and software OR/MS modeling is changing to better suit end-user needs. IS has gone through a similar transition from mainframe computing and command languages to mobile computing and graphical user interfaces. With changes in the management of technology, the acceptance and use of IS has improved. Research on IS implementation provides useful lessons for OR/MS developers. More work needs to be done in training end-users and other implementation factors in addition to the development of models. By adapting IS approaches, especially those relating to increasing user involvement in the development process, OR/MS models will gain wider acceptance by managerial decision makers.