Applications of Operational Research OR in developing economies: Some Indian experiences

The paper attempts to clarify what is meant by Operational Research OR in developing countries and their relationship to development. It then discusses a few case studies in the following areas concerned with problems of development: Strategy for backward area development; Long range planning in commercial banks; Energy planning; Nutrition planning; Irrigation (water) management; Agricultural development; Systems and procedures within organisations. The problems of implementation of the research results are discussed. Finally, a framework is presented for promotion of Operational Research OR as a methodology (as an aid towards scientific decision making) in complex problems of development.