The role of Operational Research OR in strategy development

Reflecting on the experiences of applying Operational Research OR approaches in a variety of contexts, the paper draws attention to some of the ways that Operational Research OR can be brought to bear on strategic issues. Perhaps most frequently the strategic contribution derives from projects aimed at operational issues which have strategic implications. The paper argues that Operational Research OR practitioners cannot expect to be given a role in strategy questions as of right, nor is there an ‘OR solution’ to strategic questions. However, many Operational Research OR scientists do have the skills, approaches and methods that can be usefully deployed, if they develop the confidence to do so.