Developments in undergraduate education for operational research in the U.K. since 1965

Abstract

Abstract Until quite recently most courses in Operational Research at Universities in the U.K. have been at postgraduate or post experience level. Entrance requirements have frequently been a degree or equivalent professional qualification, and for some of the more well established and popular courses, industrial experience in addition. An often used argument is that the inter-disciplinary origins and nature of Operational Reseach require those entering the profession to have basic training in some discipline, most commonly reflected in the possession of a degree or professional qualification. Frequently this is a scientific or quantitative subject. Engineering, Mathematics, Economics are common examples. In recent years, however, there has been an increasing trend within Universities to mount undergraduate courses involving substantial portions of material which is taught under the title of Operational Research. This paper looks at this trend in more detail, and the courses themselves are analysed. Some of the reasons for these developments are discussed, their effects on the OR Profession and the Education Sector outlined, and future trends suggested.