Sikkim Manipal University

Directorate of Distance Education

Drive: SPRING 2014
Assignment Marks 60
OPERATIONS RESEARCH 4 credits
Subject Code MB 0048



Name MAYANK JAIN
Registration Number 1305002748
Learning Centre Media Features (India) Pvt. Ltd., NEW DELHI
Learning Centre Code 2017
Program MBA
Semester II
Subject OPERATIONS RESEARCH
Subject Code MB 0048


Question 1- Discuss the methodology of Operations Research. Explain in brief the phases of
Operations Research.

A.: Meaning of Operations Research (2 marks)
Churchman, Aackoff, and Aruoff defined operations research as the application of scientific methods, techniques
and tools to the operation of a system with optimum solutions to the problems where 'optimum' refers to the
best possible alternative.
Methodology of Operations Research (4 marks): OR methodology consists of five steps. They are - defining the
problem, constructing the model, solving the model, validating the model, and implementing the result:
Definition: One needs to ensure that the problem is identified properly because this problem statement will
indicate the following three major aspects: Description of the goal or the objective of the study, Identification of
the decision alternative to the system & Recognition of the limitations, restrictions, and requirements of the
system
Construction: While selecting a model, you need to ensure that the model specifies quantitative expressions for
the objective and the constraints of the problem in terms of its decision variables.
Solution: A solution to a model implies determination of a specific set of decision variables that would yield an
optimum solution.
Validation: You can test the validity of a model by comparing its performance with some past data available from
the actual system.
Implementation: To do so, you need to translate these results into detailed operating instructions issued in an
understandable form to the individuals who will administer and operate the recommended system.
Phases of Operations Research (4 MARKS): The scientific method in OR study generally involves three phases.
Judgment phase: This phase includes the following activities: (i) Determination of the operations, (ii) Establishment
of objectives and values related to the operations, (iii) Determination of suitable measures of effectiveness & (iv)
Formulation of problems relative to the objectives.
Research phase: This phase utilizes the following methodologies: (i) Operation and data collection for a better
understanding of the problems, (ii) Formulation of hypothesis and model, (iii) Observation and experimentation to
test the hypothesis on the basis of additional data, (iv) Analysis of the available information and verification of the
hypothesis using pre-established measure of effectiveness & (V) Prediction of various results and consideration of
alternative methods.
Action phase: This phase involves making recommendations for the decision process. The recommendations can
be made by those who identify and present the problem or by anyone who influences the operation in which the
problem has occurred.