How do you keep operations research projects on track?

1 Define the problem and scope

The first step in any OR project is to define the problem and the scope of the project. This involves understanding the objectives, constraints, assumptions, and criteria of the decision makers, as well as the data sources, methods, and tools that will be used to analyze the problem. A clear problem definition and scope statement can help you avoid ambiguity, confusion, and scope creep, and can also help you communicate your approach and expectations to the stakeholders.

2 Plan and manage the project

The next step is to plan and manage the project, which includes setting the timeline, budget, deliverables, and roles and responsibilities of the project team and the stakeholders. A good project plan can help you allocate your resources, monitor your progress, and adjust your actions if needed. A good project management can help you coordinate your team, communicate with your stakeholders, and handle any issues or risks that may arise during the project.

3 Apply the OR cycle

The OR cycle is a general framework that describes the main phases of an OR project: problem structuring, model building, data collection, model validation, analysis, interpretation, and implementation. The OR cycle can help you structure your work and ensure that you follow a rigorous and systematic process to solve the problem. The OR cycle is also iterative, meaning that you can revisit and revise any phase based on new information or feedback.

4 Validate and document your results

One of the most important steps in an OR project is to validate and document your results. Validation means checking the accuracy, reliability, and relevance of your data, models, and analysis, and ensuring that they meet the standards and expectations of the stakeholders. Documentation means recording your assumptions, methods, results, and recommendations, and explaining how they address the problem and the objectives. Validation and documentation can help you enhance the quality and credibility of your work, and can also help you transfer your knowledge and facilitate the implementation of your solutions.

5 Communicate and present your findings

The final step in an OR project is to communicate and present your findings to the stakeholders. This involves preparing a clear, concise, and persuasive report or presentation that summarizes your problem, approach, results, and recommendations, and highlights the benefits and impacts of your solutions. Communication and presentation can help you convey your message and value proposition, and can also help you persuade and influence the decision makers to adopt your solutions.

6 Learn and improve

The last tip is to learn and improve from your OR projects. This means reflecting on your experience, evaluating your performance, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and seeking feedback from your team and your stakeholders. Learning and improving can help you enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence as an OR practitioner, and can also help you discover new opportunities and challenges for future OR projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?