Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods using a computer to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May develop related software, service, or products. Frequently concentrates on collecting and analyzing data and developing decision support software. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.

2. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.

3. Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.

4. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.

5. Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.

6. Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.

7. Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.

8. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.

9. Break systems into their component parts, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.

10. Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.

11. Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Operations Research Analysts. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Operations Research Analysts, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$48,380 (per year) for entry level workers, and $101,440 (per year) for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 1,970 Operations Research Analysts employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 2,090  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 40 job openings each year.

Operations research analysts - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Student Learning Assistance Center Math Tutorials - Looking to help your students get the most out of their math education? These math tutorials contain lessons for basic mathematics, algebra and geometry, precalculus and calculus. Interactive review exercises, powerpoint slides and easily printed text are included.

PROMYS: Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists - PROMYS is a six week summer program at Boston University designed to encourage motivated high school students to explore the creative world of mathematics in a supportive community of peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and visiting scientists.

Service Science, Management and Engineering (SSME) - Service Science, Management and Engineering (SSME) is a new multi-disciplinary research and academic effort that integrates aspects of established fields such as computer science, operations research, engineering, management sciences, business strategy, social and cognitive sciences, and legal sciences.

Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies - Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies' interactive math lessons, puzzles and worksheets are self-paced learning modules ideal for students of all ages and abilities and aspire to the NCTM Standards for Teaching mathematics. These interactive math lessons were created to help children develop problem-solving skills.

Analyze Math: Mathematics Tutorials and Problems - Free mathematics tutorials to help you explore and gain deep understanding of math topics. The site includes several java applets to investigate Graphs of Functions and Equations. Algebra,Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry and Precalculus tutorials can be used either as complements to topics already studied or to learn a new topic through exploration.

InterMath - InterMath is a professional development effort designed to support teachers in becoming better mathematics educators. It focuses on building teachers' mathematical content knowledge through mathematical investigations that are supported by technology. Lesson plans include handouts.

Suffolk County Community College Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) - The Science and Technology Entry Program develops the abilities and skills of students to prepare them for entry in careers in math, science, technology and the licensed professions. STEP serves underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in selected school districts, grades 7 to 12.

Information for Undergraduate Students - Links to a variety of career descriptions, professional societies and publications.

Polytechnic University Mathematics Institute - The Mathematics Institute at Polytechnic University focuses on giving high school students real-world, problem-solving experience with an emphasis on pure and applied mathematics. Students will build their skills within areas such as Number Theory, Geometry, Combinatorics, and Elementary Analysis.

Columbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (High School) - Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.

Columbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Elementary) - Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.

Johnnie's Math Page - Johnnie's Math Page is a collection of K8 interactive math activities gathered by an elementary math teacher. This is great for individual practice or whole-group interactive whiteboard use. The activities include measurement, fractions, multiplication and more.

Rader's NumberNut - NumberNut.com is a website that teaches the basics of math to all ages. It has sections on artithmetic which includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. More advanced ideas like fractions, decimals, and percentages have been added. Information on prealgebra topics is coming!

Information for Undergraduate Students - Links to a variety of career descriptions, professional societies and publications.

Careers in Statistics: A World of Opportunity - Statisticians collect and analyze data, then calculate results using a specific design. They are able to draw conclusions and make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statisticians provide crucial guidance in determining what information is reliable and which predictions can be trusted. Careers in Statistics informs the reader that mathematical and statistical knowledge is applied to social, economic, medical, political, and ecological problems in a variety of businesses and industries.

Goudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science - The Goudreau Math Museum offers workshops for staff development. Workshops can be done either at the Goudreau Museum, located in New Hyde Park, NY, or at your school. The topics include using teddy bears, clowns and animals to help young children develop logical thinking to use as a problem-solving strategy, the concepts of shape, balance, symmetry, reflection, and 2-3 and 3-d space using geometric shapes to develop Art-Tessellations and a look at some surprising places to find math in and out of the classroom are available.

Industrial Engineers - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Math Dude: See How Cool Math Can Be Algebra Video Series - The Math Dude, a new video series helps middle and high school students improve their Algebra skills. These fast?paced programs are aimed at helping students with Algebra I and each five- to seven-minute episode may be viewed online through podcasts and iTunes.

Columbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Intermediate) - Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.

Cost Estimators - Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists - Conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. May specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.

Management Analysts - Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplifications and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

Accountants - Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.

Auditors - Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.

Budget Analysts - Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports for the purpose of maintaining expenditure controls.

Mathematicians - Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve or direct solutions to problems in various fields by mathematical methods.

Statisticians - Engage in the development of mathematical theory or apply statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields, such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, economic statistics, or other fields.

Economists - Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services. May collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques.