Community operational research: Its context and future

Three years ago the Community Operational Research OR initiative was launched by the Operational Research OR Society with the aim of providing Operational Research OR for non-traditional groups such as community and voluntary organizations. There is now a Community Operational Research OR Unit, a Centre at Hull University and a network for interested members. This paper explores the historical context of Community Operational Research OR and, following a number of current examples, discusses important practical issues and problems which need to be tackled if the initiative is to succeed.