OR/MS Today

OR/MS Today. It is a professional magazine published by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), serving as a key communication channel for practitioners, academics, and students in the fields of operations research and management science. The publication focuses on the practical application of analytical methods to solve complex decision-making problems across various industries. It bridges the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation, featuring insights from leading figures at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

History and background

The magazine was launched in 1974 under the auspices of TIMS, one of the predecessor organizations that later merged to form INFORMS. Its creation was driven by a need for a periodical that addressed the professional and applied interests of the society's membership, complementing more academic journals like Operations Research and Management Science. Over the decades, it has chronicled the evolution of the discipline, from early applications in World War II for military logistics to modern uses in supply chain management and data analytics. Key milestones include coverage of the integration of TIMS and ORSA into INFORMS and the growing influence of technologies like the simulation software pioneered by companies such as IBM.

Content and features

Each issue typically contains a mix of articles, interviews, case studies, and columns. Regular features include profiles of analytical projects at major corporations like FedEx or Procter & Gamble, tutorials on methodologies such as linear programming and decision analysis, and discussions on software tools from vendors like SAS Institute and Palisade Corporation. The magazine often highlights award-winning work, including recipients of the Franz Edelman Award and the Daniel H. Wagner Prize. Special issues may focus on topics like healthcare analytics, revenue management in the airline industry, or the analytical challenges presented by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Publication and circulation

OR/MS Today is published bimonthly in both print and digital formats. It is distributed primarily to the membership of INFORMS, which includes professionals and academics from around the world, with significant readership in North America, Europe, and Asia. The publication process involves an editorial board comprising leading practitioners from organizations such as General Motors and academics from universities like the University of Chicago. Advertising from software firms, consulting groups such as McKinsey & Company, and educational institutions supports the magazine, which is also available at major conferences like the INFORMS Annual Meeting.

Impact and recognition

The magazine is widely regarded as an influential voice in promoting the value and visibility of operations research and analytics. It has been instrumental in disseminating successful application stories that demonstrate return on investment, thereby advocating for the profession to corporate executives and public policymakers. Its articles are frequently cited in professional development courses and have contributed to the curriculum at institutions like the Georgia Institute of Technology. While not an academic journal, its content is often used by educators at the United States Military Academy and the University of Cambridge to illustrate practical applications of theoretical concepts.

Related publications and organizations

OR/MS Today exists within a larger ecosystem of publications from INFORMS, which includes scholarly journals like Interfaces, INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics, and Mathematics of Operations Research. Other related professional societies that produce similar material include the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) with its magazine, and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) which covers related topics in computing. Internationally, organizations such as the Operational Research Society in the United Kingdom and the European Operational Research Societies (EURO) publish periodicals like Impact that share a similar mission of connecting theory with practice in the field of analytics.