Operational researcher

You would find better ways for businesses and organisations to work and achieve their goals.

You’d analyse systems and processes and work out how they can be improved using advanced mathematical, statistical and business theories.

You’d test your solutions to problems using statistical and computer forecasts and ‘models’.

Your research and advice would help senior managers in companies and government departments solve business problems and make better decisions.

You would:

• Analyse complex information and add insight

• Apply business and other theories to the organisation and its work

• Come up with the solution to problems

• Observe and interview staff

• Examine a company's current procedures

• Report your findings to the client

• Make recommendations about where to make changes

• Advise managers on putting the changes into practice

You might work alone or in a small team. Good knowledge of business would be useful. You’d also need to be able to explain complex ideas to people who are not experts.

• The Operational Research Society - what is operational research?