Operational Research and Management (ORM)
Contact: Rogier Lieshout (r.lieshout@seo.nl).
Operational Research and Management (ORM) approaches commercial and logistical processes from a mathematical and quantitative perspective. These are evaluated and optimised in order to produce sound policy. The methods used include simulation, waiting-time theory and linear programming (LP).
The following are some of the areas in which experience has been developed.
- Route planning. For a food wholesaler, we analysed and then improved the routing of its delivery vehicles using an LP model. For a distribution centre, internal flows were analysed with the aid of a simulation model. These could then be adjusted to improve overall efficiency.
- Rostering. For a hospital, waiting-time theory and simulation were used to optimise capacity allocation. And for airline KLM we established the best way of rostering stand-by cabin crew.
- Supply chain management. For Aalsmeer Flower Auction, we carried out a qualitative study of its chain logistics and produced an optimisation study of cargo transport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport through the proposed tunnel link.
ORM offers many diverse research opportunities and topics. Below are some of the fields in which we have gained experience.
- Route planning for a food wholesaler: distribution logistics.
- Optimisation of pallet routing at a distribution centre: simulation.
- Optimisation of rostering of stand-by cabin crew for KLM: staff rostering.
- Optimisation of hospital capacity: patient logistics.
- Qualitative study of chain logistics at Aalsmeer Flower Auction: chain logistics.
- Optimisation study of cargo transport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport through a proposed tunnel link: supply chain management.
ORM in practice: hospital logistics
Hospitals are places where people care for people. The quality of that care is important, but so too are costs and a variety of operational processes, interests and questions. Practical questions might include: how can we reduce waiting lists without increasing capacity? how much does it cost to keep a patient under the care of the same doctor all the time? or how useful would it be to open an extra operating theatre on Saturdays? Hospitals often have ideas about measures they could take, and decisions need to be taken concerning operational processes. ORM helps by providing analytical and quantitative background information.
Simulation models
A simulation model can measure the effects of changes before they are actually made. It reveals the dynamics of the processes inside your organisation, not least because the results are presented in the form of averages, percentages and graphs. And because not much time is needed to complete the simulation, it is possible to compare many possible measures objectively and quantitatively. Various plans can be assessed by feeding them into the model, thus providing support for day-to-day decision-making.
Although the amount of detail it can handle is almost unlimited, a simulation model is intended primarily to answer a specific question. It serves as an aid in our analysis of operational processes. We use mathematical methods and the model quantifies the results. This approach means that our advice presents the consequences of particular measures clearly and objectively, to assist you in taking your policy decisions.