Management science and operations research in the republic of Korea

The MS/OR movement in South Korea started in the mid ’60s when the military made early efforts to utilize MS/OR. These efforts acted as a catalyst to encourage its application in public enterprises. In the mide ’70s, large private business followed the public sector’s lead by using MS/OR to streamline management practices. By the mid ’80s, medium- and small-sized industries began to apply MS/OR techniques, aided by the spread of microcomputers. Recognizing the importance of MS/OR as an efficient management tool for economic development, the government developed education and training programs in MS/OR in the early ’70s. For example, it established KAIST as the leading educational center in science and technology, including MS/OR. As the public interest in MS/OR increased and its role became more important, the Korean Operations Research Society further promoted MS/OR in Korea, playing a leading role in establishing the Association of Asian-Pacific Operational Research Societies. MS/OR has contributed greatly to the rapid economic development in Korea by meeting industry’s need for efficient management tools.