You’re struggling to make decisions in Operations Research. What’s the best way to develop your skills?

From my experience, beginning by thoroughly understanding all requirements and constraints, along with applying a holistic perspective of the issue, ensures that every detail is considered and documented. This approach provides a solid foundation and streamlines subsequent phases of the process.

Gaining a foundational understanding of core concepts and techniques, including linear programming, network analysis, integer programming, simulation, optimization, game theory, and decision analysis.Think of it like building a house: You wouldn't start building a house without knowing about blueprints, tools, and materials. Similarly, in Operations Research, you need those basic building blocks.

In addition to what is stated before to further enhance OR skills, engage in hands-on projects that tackle real-world problems, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Join OR forums or communities to exchange ideas and learn from experienced practitioners. Leverage AI by integrate machine learning models to analyse complex datasets, improving decision-making and predictions in OR tasks. AI can automate data analysis, optimise resource allocation, and refine simulation models, making your OR approaches more efficient and insightful. Embrace continuous learning to stay updated with the latest AI advancements and their applications in OR.

In my own experience while learning OR, I tried to get my hands on problems so. from trying to formulate the mathematical models to solving them in OR software. This helped me to get involved with problems, sometimes even questioning whether the constraints or objectives would be better if I changed them. As I progressed, I expanded the breadth of problems tackled, containing various subjects.

As per my years of experience, its pretty important. Many times, decisions are not possible since you might not have exposed of the right approach. When you keep on solving problems, you will know what could possibly work

Putting your knowledge into practice by working through examples and case studies or tackling real-world problems.Theory is great, but practice makes perfect: It's like learning an instrument – you can read music theory, but you won't become a musician unless you actually play. Start small, then go big: Tackle textbook examples, find case studies online, or even come up with your own simplified real-world problems (like the best way to optimize your grocery shopping route!).

One should understand this clearly. OR is not about importing some libraries and following a template based tutorial approach. It is important to understand how a certain algorithm works for a given scenario. This knowledge can be acquired by reading and following the latest literature.

Expanding your knowledge base by studying academic journals, articles, books, and case studies to gain insights and discover new perspectives and approaches.The field is always changing: New techniques and approaches are constantly being developed. Staying up-to-date on the latest research and insights is key. Learn from the experts: Academic journals, articles, and books provide in-depth analysis and case studies, giving you a broader perspective on how to solve complex problems.

Refining your skills by tailoring your knowledge and solutions to new situations and challenges. No two problems are exactly alike: The real skill is taking what you know and bending it to fit the unique challenge you have in front of you. Think like a tailor: You might have a pattern, but you have to adjust it for each person's measurements. That's what applying and adapting your Operations Research skills looks like.

Engaging with other professionals in the field through online forums, communities, or professional organizations to learn from their experiences and share knowledge. Two heads are better than one . Talking to other people in the field is the best way to expand your thinking. Join the conversation: Online forums, communities, or even professional organizations are full of people who love to discuss the same things you do! Bounce ideas off others, get advice, and share what you've learned.

To learn operations research techniques, you have to do one simple thing that is "READ". Take one standard OR book, then read it, learn the subject first. Broadly OR is not a subject you can learn through a certificate course. There are many aspects in it. Try to learn the basics of linear programming and integer programming. After you learn the basics, try to learn how to apply those techniques using tools, like python or R whatever. In the case of OR, subject knowledge is more important than tools.

The question is confusing to me. It could be … 1- If the model is producing answers but we have problem interpreting them. In this case the best way is to use a different decision making method to support the answer or collaborate with other experts to understand the answers. 2- if the model does not work at all. In this case collaboration with other experts to make the model work.