The Role Of Operations Research And Analysis In Concept Led Long Range Planning

Head Policy, Guidance and Analysis (HPGA) seeks to develop a strategic planning framework to better support Defence decision-making. This paper was written in response to HPGA's request for advice on the potential role of Operations Research (OR) and analysis in such a framework. A broad interpretation of OR is proposed that includes qualitative analysis of problems that are not amenable to the quantitative methods with which OR is more traditionally associated. Cultural and ownership issues that must be addressed if OR is to be successfully incorporated into Defence's decision-making processes are discussed. It is argued that OR and analysis should be conducted with a decision perspective, and that analysis should be embedded in all aspects of a strategic planning framework. Working definitions of terms and concepts are presented to provide a common lexicon for those involved in the development of long-range planning.