DESIGN OF AN M.B.A. SEMINAR ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH/MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Abstract

This paper reports on an innovative seminar in which implementation of operations research and management science was the primary theme. Traditional educational strategies have sought to improve OR/MS acceptance by further exposing managers and management scientists to OR/MS techniques and management problems respectively. The present approach assumes that an understanding of the barriers to successful implementation and a knowledge of possible strategies for overcoming them are potentially more productive than the study of more OR/MS techniques. The seminar was designed to combine straightforward reading and discussion with empirical research on actual implementation situations. It is suggested that educators consider the value of this type of educational exercise in OR/MS curricula and M.B.A. programs. Copyright © 1978, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved