What is Operations Research
A growing body of literature recognises the importance of operation research in business management. Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors are increasingly relying on mathematical equations to solve some of their key problems. In specific, operation research allows us to apply the principle of mathematics to answer crucial business questions. This sub-category of applied maths can also be utilised with machine learning and data science to solve complex business solutions. In business management, operation research has emerged as a more advanced tool to solve problems that often challenge people, professionals and owners. In specific, it allows managers to use advanced tools to make more informed and effective decisions for their companies. In fact, operation research was instrumental during World War II as it aided British soldiers in achieving numerous goals. Over the years, the framework has advanced to include applications in business, particularly in solving problems with the help of data mining, statistical analysis, and mathematical modelling. Currently, operation research is vital for managers because it creates implementable solutions to complex business problems. Specifically, the framework utilises data to create information that can be used as an insight to improve results and make better decisions.
About This Unit
This highly interactive unit is delivered using blended learning methodologies, which entails work-based assignments and unit-guided learning hours. In their day-to-day operations, business managers face a significant number of complex issues. They must make endless decisions regarding a wide range of issues such as financing, location of a new plant, how much product to produce, number of employees to hire, and so on. On most occasions, the factors around key business issues are complex and thus may be difficult to comprehend. Managing operation research equips managers with advanced knowledge and skills to tackle such problems. This unit also equips managers with techniques of operation which can be vital for controlling subordinate staff. This is possible because operation research provides the foundation for establishing standards of performance as well as metrics for measuring productivity. Additionally, the unit equips managers with skills for undertaking research in their area of responsibility and recommends possible improvements to bolster organisational efficiency.
Who is this Unit for?
The Unit is designed for senior leaders, middle managers, and aspiring leaders and managers who currently provide supervision or wish to progress into such a role.
Why Study this Unit
The first reason is that the skills attained from this unit can be utilised to maintain better control of subordinate staff. Additionally, reporting deviations from standards is vital for enabling managers to identify problem areas and take corrective action. Furthermore, the mathematical models allow managers to have numerous alternatives at their disposal. This is because using operation research; it is easier to analyse various alternatives. Solutions obtained from operation research also blend together the objectives of various departments, resulting in a more integrated community. Moreover, mathematical formulas utilised during operation research bolsters productivity as they offer the best choices of inventory mix, company size, and implementation of new technologies.
What you Will Learn
This particular unit is designed to upscale understanding and practical experience in conducting operation research using various available techniques as required by a practising or potential middle manager. The learners will learn various skills for identifying and defining a problem in their area of responsibility arising from a particular need. Additionally, learners learn how to establish the objectives for various resolutions within the organisation and any specific requirements that must be met while proposing a solution. Moreover, the learners will learn how to select and justify particular operation research methodology to resolve particular problems. This is coupled with the ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses compared to any available method. On top of that, learners will learn different strategies for collecting, validating, and analysing data collected by the organisation to employ an effective operation research methodology to identify the best possible solution. In addition, the learners will be equipped with an in-depth understanding of how to justify and support their findings using different mathematical solutions. Lastly, the learners will be equipped with the knowledge and capability to recommend effective improvements to organisational efficiency based on operations research results.
The Entry Requirements
ILM Level 6 can be categorized into groups A and B. These groups are further broken down into smaller “units,” with each unit containing an important body of information. A learner is expected to score a minimum of 12 credits from Group A and 30 credits from Group B. Under the ILM rules of combination, units completed in Group A cannot be taken from Group B. Managing operation research lies under Group B. To qualify for Level 6, students must score substantial credits across different ILM level 5 units. For example, the student needs to take 6 of the 12 required credits to qualify for the award. One hour of orientation and 7 hours of tutorial support are also mandatory. Credits earned in ILM level 5 can be transferred to level 6.
Learning Outcomes
Below is a list of outcomes that learners are expected to meet once they are through with the course;
- Use scientific research to solve key problems and make effective decisions.
- Allocate scarce resources e.g., production planning.
- Use outcomes of operation research to optimise available choices.
- Identify and define problems in the area of responsibility.
- Collect, validate, and analyse data collected from different areas within the organisation.
- Recommend the most effective improvements based on the company’s efficiency and outcomes attained from operation research.
How We Can Help
Our company has a team of proficient writers with an in-depth understanding of this unit. This group is well informed about this unit and up-to-date with ILM standards. We understand that the ILM study process is tedious and time-consuming. In addition, commitment to the ILM learning process can inconvenience other academic and work commitments as well as social activities. Suppose you need any assistance with pursuing this unit without inconveniencing your other commitments. In that case, you can count on us to ace your managing research operation unit as well as any other ILM task. Our team of skilled and expert writers specialises in specific subjects to ensure complete comprehension of different ILM subjects. This enables them to have an in-depth understanding of their specific units while at the same time keeping track of new developments in the subject. Every member of our team understands the importance of timely delivery of tasks. To ensure tasks are of the best quality and timely delivered, we have a team of quality assurance which is made up of our longest-serving and top talents within our company. The quality assurance team goes through all our tasks to ensure all the instructions and timelines are met. We also believe in communication as a fundamental tool for creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere. In regard to communication, we facilitate frequent communications with our clients to update them on the progress of their tasks. Furthermore, our team also provides our clients with essential study resources to help them comprehend key ILM concepts. Arguably, some ILM concepts might be challenging to comprehend without assistance. However, there is no need to worry or panic as we are armed with a team of experienced experts who are ready to help you ace even the most complex ILM subject. We understand operation research consists of mathematical concepts such as modelling entails formulation analysis, queuing theory, simulation mathematical programming and optimisation. We also understand that most students dislike math and don’t get excited about numbers and formulas the way they get excited about other subjects. We encourage these students not to worry as we have a team of experts who have specialised in that area and can deliver quality work with short deadlines. In short, with us, “maths concepts” are as simple as just any other subject.
Lastly, we are aware of the looming recession and financial difficulties across the globe. With this knowledge, we have adapted a considerable price plan that is adaptable to fit even the tightest budget. We have always strived to ensure students from all socioeconomic backgrounds can enjoy our services. Due to that, we have always ensured that the prices we charge for any ILM service are kept at a minimum. We also ensure that our clients do not pay extra for any revision services provided. In addition, we also offer proofreading services and editing to make the most necessary corrections to help you achieve your desired grade. For any inquiry about our services, we welcome you to communicate with our customer care team, which is available 24/7. We are eager to assist you in this unit and any other ILM-related task of your choice.
Resources Used for this Unit
The list of scholarly works on operation research is wide. Below is a list of the most widely used scholarly works across the globe;
- Abid, M., 2008. Operation research for management. Global India Publications.
- Ackoff, R. L. , Tanenbaum, . Morris, Holstein,. William K. and Eilon, .Samuel (2018, September 12). operations research. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/operations-research
- Baker, K.R. and Trietsch, D., 2013. Principles of sequencing and scheduling. John Wiley & Sons.
- Bustani, H., 2005. Fundamental Operation Research. Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
- Carter, M.W. and Price, C.C., 2017. Operations research: a practical introduction. Crc Press.
- Goel, A. and Agarwal, R., 2021. Operation Research. Technical Publications.
- Laguna, M. and Marklund, J., 2018. Business process modeling, simulation and design. Chapman and Hall/CRC.
- Lyeme, H. and Seleman, M., 2012. Introduction to Operations Research: Theory and Applications. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.
- Masys, A.J., 2015. Applications of systems thinking and soft operations research in managing complexity. USA, 321.
- Monks, T., 2015. Operational research as implementation science: definitions, challenges and research priorities. Implementation Science, 11(1), pp.1-10.
- Nag, B., 2013. Business Applications of Operations Research. Business Expert Press.
- Pike, S. and Roos, G., 2004. Mathematics and modern business management. Journal of Intellectual Capital.
- Srinivasan, G., 2017. Operations Research: principles and applications. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
- Taha, H.A., 2011. Operations research: an introduction(Vol. 790). Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
