An OR/MS approach to managing Nanzan Gakuen (Nanzan Education Complex): From the strategic to the daily operational level

We applied OR/MS methodology to the management of the Nanzan School complex. The administrators recognized OR/MS as a strong effective management tool. They understand that OR/MS is the only tool that can be used to help the school complex change so that it can survive the increasing competition among institutions of higher education. The OR team solved school bus problems, school time problems, and the problem of assigning supervisors for entrance examinations. The team's initiatives have improved the financial situation of the school complex by saving more than US$2 million between 2003 and 2004. In addition to the direct cost saving, the OR/MS success persuaded many students to choose OR as their major. It also enabled an upgrade of the education quality for the school complex and helped it to retain its prestigious reputation in the region, which helps OR graduates find jobs in Japanese corporations and organizations where they will use OR/MS to induce changes in Japan's conservative society.