Towards Fostering the Growth of Operations Research in Nigeria: The Role of Computer Scientists

摘要

Operations Research (OR) is an interdisciplinary field that finds its roots in applied mathematics, automates its underlying mathematical processes using computer science systems and mechanisms, and produce results for enhancing managerial decision making. The profession has grown and evolved from the use of traditional mathematical techniques for optimization of processes through to a stage where advanced computer-based techniques such as modelling and simulation are being used to carry out OR studies. This growth has been engendered by two main factors – wide acceptance by academic institutions; and, the impact of Computer Science tools and programs used for carrying out activities during OR studies. No country develops beyond its growth in science and technology. This paper presents the role Computer Science has played in the development of OR and consequently the role of Computer Scientists in each phase of OR studies. The paper also reveals the future prospects of OR as research in the area of Artificial Intelligence continues to find relevance in OR (i.e., Artificial Operations Research [AOR]). The paper concludes by presenting key recommendations for immediate action by the Nigerian government, business owners, academia and OR teams in order to position the country as a producer and exporter of OR tools and techniques and not just a consumer of OR techniques.