The Essence of OR
We have selected a dozen case-oriented papers published in recent (2006-7) issues. We think these provide a suitable cross-section of papers for study by interested readers seeking to know what Operational Research (OR) is all about and looking for answers to questions such as the following: What kind of work do OR professionals undertake? What contribution is made by OR? Which sectors are using OR? How diverse are OR projects? How widespread internationally is OR?
We do not claim that these are the ‘best’ papers in published in the journal 2006-7. (In fact, we would claim that all papers the journal publishes are excellent!) However, we think these papers are interesting examples of what JORS publishes and that they show how OR advances through practice. We hope that they will whet the appetite of readers and provide thought-provoking material.
John Wilson and Terry Williams, JORS Editors
Ekaette, Lee, Kelly & Dunscombe
A monte carlo simulation approach to the characterization of uncertainties in cancer staging and radiation treatment decisions
JORS 58:177-185
Shaw & Marshall
Modelling the flow of congestive heart patients through a hospital system
JORS 58:212-218
Patrick & Puterman
Improving resource utilization for diagnostic services through flexible inpatient scheduling
JORS 58:235-245
Gabriel, Sahakij, Ramirez & Peot
A multiobjective optimization model for processing and distributing biosolids to reuse fields
JORS 58:850-864
Scarf, Dwight, McCusker & Chan
Asset replacement for an urban railway using a modified two-cycle replacement
JORS 58:1123-1137
Gendreau, Laporte & Semet
The maximal expected coverage relocation problem for emergency vehicles
JORS 57: 22-28
Dodd, Moffatt & Smith
Discontinuity in decision-making when objectives conflict: a military command decision case study
JORS 57: 643-654
Gunarson, Rönnqvist & Collier
A combined terminal location and ship routing problem
JORS 57:928-938
Lezaun, Pérez, Sáinz & de la Maza
Crew rostering in a public transport company
JORS 57: 1173-1179
Tavana
A priority assessment multi-criteria decision model for human spaceflight mission planning at NASA
JORS 57:1197-1215
Wheeler
An analysis of combined arms teaming for the Australian defence force
JORS 57:1279-1288
Evendon, Harper, Brailsford & Harinda
Improving the cost-effectiveness of Chlamydia screening with targeted screening strategies
JORS 57: 1400-1412
