Public sector analysis and operations research/management science

Abstract

The use of OR/MS for aiding public sector decision makers to make better decisions has not reached its full potential. In this chapter, we described some of the past difficulties and offered some suggestions for improving the role of OR/MS in policy analysis. A number of researchers has also been concerned with this aspect and, in particular, we cite the paper by Richels [1981] in which he combines the ideas of model evaluation (assessment) and user analysis into a concept of model analysis that is a bridge between the modeler and the policy maker. Information flows across this bridge in a continuous manner and reflects the fact that policy analysis, and its support by OR/MS, is a not a single-shot affair. We conclude with the flow diagram that Richels uses to illustrate his concept (Figure 4). We strongly suggest that the OR/MS analyst who wishes to work in the public sector, consult the original source of this figure and the other references on which this chapter is based. © 1994, Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved